Title

Central Indian Nagara architecture style

Rare
4.5/5(Based on 2 heritage sites)
DescriptionA regional variant of Nagara, Central Indian Nagara temples, like Kandariya Mahadeva, often feature a distinctive curvilinear shikhara and intricate sculptural programs, reflecting local artistic traditions.
Also Known As
Nagara Temple Architecture
Hindu Temple
North Indian Curvilinear Shikhara
Nagara Architecture
Central Indian Temple Style
Panchayatana Style
Bhumija Style
Latina Style
Sekhari Style
Hindu Temple Architecture
North Indian Temple Architecture
Nagara Style
Curvilinear tower
elaborate carvings
Kalinga Architecture
Gurjara-Pratihara influences
Saivite Temple Architecture
Brick Temple Architecture
Early Chalukya influences
Tags
Nagara
Central India
Hindu temple
Shikhara
Sculpture
Temple architecture
Pancharatha
Style ID
INHF-STY-0758940809-20:00:18:18:05:18:CINAS
URIhttps://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/styles/central-indian-nagara-architecture-style
API Endpoint
https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/central-indian-nagara-architecture-style
Total Sites2
Primary Sites0
CreatedNovember 19, 2025
Last UpdatedNovember 29, 2025

External References

Regions

Regions
Madhya Pradesh
Rajasthan
Chhattisgarh

Historical Context

Time Periods
9th century CE
10th century CE
11th century CE
12th century CE
7th century CE to 11th century CE
Dynasties
Chandela dynasty
Paramara dynasty
Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty
Kalachuri dynasty

Sacred Context

Sacred Contexts
Hindu temple
Hindu temples
Jain temples
Associated Deities
Shiva
Vishnu
Devi
Jina

Architectural Details

Primary Materials
Sandstone
Architectural Features
Curvilinear shikhara
Panchayatana layout
Elaborate carvings
Subsidiary shrines
Nagara shikhara
Pancharatha plan
Regional variations in ornamentation

Keywords

Keywords
Nagara
Central India
Hindu temple
Shikhara
Sculpture
Temple architecture
Pancharatha

Recommended Sources

TitleTypeNotes
Indian Temple Architecture: Form and TransformationbookGeneral overview of Indian temple styles.
Encyclopaedia of Indian Temple Architecturebook

Heritage Sites (2)

Site NameStatusConfidence
Kandariya Mahadeva Temple Khajuraho
Secondary
100%
Laxman Temple Sirpur
Secondary
100%

See Also

Related Materials

Sandstone

Related Features

Curvilinear shikhara
Panchayatana layout
Elaborate carvings
Subsidiary shrines
Nagara shikhara
Pancharatha plan
Regional variations in ornamentation

How to Identify Central Indian Nagara architecture style

  1. Look for characteristic features: Curvilinear shikhara, Panchayatana layout, Elaborate carvings.
  2. Verify geographic location: Central Indian Nagara architecture style architecture is typically found in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
  3. Examine construction materials: Central Indian Nagara architecture style typically uses Sandstone.
  4. Consider historical context: This style dates from 9th century CE.
  5. Compare with documented examples: 2 heritage sites use this architectural style.

Frequently Asked Questions