What is Central Indian Temple architecture style?

Central Indian temple architecture represents a regional variant of the Nagara style, characterized by its unique blend of architectural elements and decorative motifs, reflecting the diverse cultural influences of the region.

Where is Central Indian Temple architecture style architecture found?

Central Indian Temple architecture style architecture is primarily found in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, parts of Maharashtra and Odisha, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, parts of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. There are 9 heritage sites documented with this architectural style.

When was Central Indian Temple architecture style architecture used?

Central Indian Temple architecture style architecture was used during 8th century CE, 9th century CE, 10th century CE, 11th century CE, 12th century CE, 8th-13th century CE, 6th-13th century CE, 6th century CE to 13th century CE, 9th-13th century CE, 8th Century CE, 9th Century CE, 10th Century CE, 11th Century CE, 12th Century CE, 8th century CE to 13th century CE, 8th century CE - 13th century CE. It is associated with the Chandela dynasty, Kalachuri dynasty, Paramara dynasty, Kalachuri Dynasty, Paramara Dynasty dynasty/period.

What materials are used in Central Indian Temple architecture style architecture?

Central Indian Temple architecture style architecture typically uses Sandstone. These materials are characteristic of this architectural style and reflect the construction techniques of the period.

Which heritage sites use Central Indian Temple architecture style architecture?

There are 9 heritage sites documented with Central Indian Temple architecture style architecture. You can explore these sites on the Inheritage Foundation website.

Central Indian Temple architecture style | Inheritage Foundation Art & Architecture Thesaurus | Inheritage Foundation

Title	Central Indian Temple architecture style 4.5/5(Based on 9 heritage sites) Uncommon 4.5/5(Based on 9 heritage sites)
Description	Central Indian temple architecture represents a regional variant of the Nagara style, characterized by its unique blend of architectural elements and decorative motifs, reflecting the diverse cultural influences of the region.
Also Known As	Bhumija Nagara tiered pyramidal sanctuary. Gurjara-Pratihara Architecture Paramara Architecture Central Indian Temple Style Bhumija Style Nagara Architecture Dravida elements (influence seen in miniature shrines) Chalukyan Architecture (possible influence in the layout) Hoysala Architecture (subtle influence in decorative elements) Nagara Style North Indian Curvilinear towers intricate carvings Rajasthani Architecture Maru-Gurjara Architecture Hoysala Architecture (sculptural influence) Dravidian Architecture (minor influence in the vimana) Kalinga Architecture (possible influence in the shikhara) Paramara Architecture (regional variation of Nagara) Central Indian Temple Architecture Kalinga Architecture Hindu Temple Sandstone North Indian Style Kalachuri Style Somvanshi Style Chandela Influences Gurjara-Pratihara Influences Pratihara Circular hypostyle Open colonnaded circle. Pratihara Architecture Gurjara-Pratihara influences Early North Indian Temple Style Circular Mandala Plan Hypostyle Hall influences Hindu Temple Architecture Curvilinear tower sanctum. Chalukyan Architecture South Indian Temple Influences Tribal Architectural Influences of Bastar Gupta Period Influences Nagara architecture Hindu temple North Indian curvilinear towers Panchayatana Style Latina Style Sekhari Style Indo-Aryan Influences Sculptural Embellishments North Indian Curvilinear Tower Hemadpanthi Style Maratha Influences Paramara Dynasty Style Malwa Plateau Regional Style Beehive Shikhara Eclecticism British Colonial Influences (minor) Traditional Jharkhand Tribal Architectural Motifs Central Indian temple architecture Religious Nagara style shikhara Somvanshi Architectural Style Later Gurjara-Pratihara Influences
Tags	Central India Nagara Temple Shikhara Mandapa Temple architecture Nagara substyle Khajuraho style Central Indian temples Sandstone architecture Regional Nagara Temple complex Madhya Pradesh Sandstone Regional Hindu Temple Chandela Paramara Kalachuri Hindu Architecture
Style ID	`INHF-STY-3559881810-01:04:26:30:05:24:CITAS`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/styles/central-indian-temple-architecture-style
API Endpoint	`https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/central-indian-temple-architecture-style`
Total Sites	9
Primary Sites	0
Created	November 19, 2025
Last Updated	November 29, 2025

External References

View on Wikidata

Regions

Regions	Madhya Pradesh Chhattisgarh Uttar Pradesh Rajasthan parts of Maharashtra and Odisha Maharashtra Jharkhand parts of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh

Historical Context

Time Periods	8th century CE 9th century CE 10th century CE 11th century CE 12th century CE 8th-13th century CE 6th-13th century CE 6th century CE to 13th century CE 9th-13th century CE 8th Century CE 9th Century CE 10th Century CE 11th Century CE 12th Century CE 8th century CE to 13th century CE 8th century CE - 13th century CE
Dynasties	Chandela dynasty Kalachuri dynasty Paramara dynasty Kalachuri Dynasty Paramara Dynasty

Sacred Context

Sacred Contexts	Hindu temples Hindu Temples Shaiva temples Vaishnava temples Shakta temples
Associated Deities	Shiva Vishnu Devi Shakti Local deities Surya Durga

Architectural Details

Primary Materials	Sandstone
Architectural Features	Nagara shikhara Mandapa Elaborate carvings Raised platform Shikhara Garbhagriha Jagati Intricate carvings Elevated platforms Sculptural ornamentation Regional motifs Nagara shikhara with variations Panchayatana layout Nagara Shikhara Elaborate Carvings Ratha projections Nagara shikhara with regional variations

Keywords

Keywords	Central India Nagara Temple Shikhara Mandapa Temple architecture Nagara substyle Khajuraho style Central Indian temples Sandstone architecture Regional Nagara Temple complex Madhya Pradesh Sandstone Regional Hindu Temple Chandela Paramara Kalachuri Hindu Architecture

Recommended Sources

Title	Type	Notes
History of Indian and Indonesian Art	Book
Indian Temple Architecture: Form and Decoration	Book
Krishna Deva, 'Temples of North India'	Book	Details on temple architecture in the North and Central Indian regions.
Indian Temple Architecture: Form and Transformation	book	Explores regional variations in temple architecture.
The Art and Architecture of the Indian Subcontinent	Book	Provides context for Central Indian temple styles.
The Art of Khajuraho	Book
History of Indian and Eastern Architecture	Book	General overview
The Encyclopedia of Indian Temple Architecture	Book	Detailed regional analysis
Encyclopaedia of Indian Temple Architecture	Book	Comprehensive multi-volume series.
Indian Temple Architecture: Form and Structure	Book	Provides context for regional variations.
The Art of the Paramaras of Malwa	Book	Specific to a Central Indian dynasty.

Heritage Sites (9)

Site Name	Status	Confidence
Bhojeshwar Temple Bhojpur	Secondary	100%
Brahma Temple Pushkar	Secondary	100%
Chandrahasini Devi Temple Janjgir	Secondary	100%
Chausath Yogini Temple Jabalpur	Secondary	100%
Danteshwari Temple Dantewada	Secondary	100%
Khajuraho Temples Khajuraho	Secondary	100%
Omkareshwar Temple Mandhata	Secondary	100%
Pahari Mandir Ranchi	Secondary	100%
Rajiv Lochan Temple Rajim	Secondary	100%

How to Identify Central Indian Temple architecture style

Look for characteristic features: Nagara shikhara, Mandapa, Elaborate carvings.
Verify geographic location: Central Indian Temple architecture style architecture is typically found in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
Examine construction materials: Central Indian Temple architecture style typically uses Sandstone.
Consider historical context: This style dates from 8th century CE.
Compare with documented examples: 9 heritage sites use this architectural style.

Central Indian Temple architecture style

External References

Regions

Historical Context

Sacred Context

Architectural Details

Keywords

Recommended Sources

Heritage Sites (9)

See Also

Related Materials

Related Features

How to Identify Central Indian Temple architecture style

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