| Title | Chola architecture style |
|---|---|
| Description | A prominent style within Dravida architecture, the Chola style (c. 9th-13th centuries CE) is characterized by its soaring vimanas, intricate sculptures, and the use of granite in temple construction. |
| Tags | Vimana Gopuram Chola Temple architecture Dravida South India Sculpture Chola art Tamil temple Bronze Brihadeeswarar Temple Tanjore South Indian temple Hindu temple vimana granite Chola dynasty sculptural art South Indian Temple Chola Dynasty Shaivism Tamil Nadu Talas Sculptures Mandapa Hinduism Bronze sculptures Temple Chola Bronzes Granite Shaiva |
| Style ID | INHF-516936737-18-11-25-CR |
| URI | https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/style/chola-architecture-style |
| API Endpoint | https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/styles/chola-architecture-style |
| Total Sites | 21 |
| Primary Sites | 2 |
| Created | November 19, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 19, 2025 |
| Regions | Tamil Nadu Andhra Pradesh Karnataka Kerala Sri Lanka |
|---|
| Time Periods | 9th-13th century CE 9th century CE 10th century CE 11th century CE 12th century CE 13th century CE 9th century CE - 13th century CE Medieval Period |
|---|---|
| Dynasties | Chola dynasty Chola Dynasty Chola |
| Sacred Contexts | Hindu temples Shaivism Vaishnavism Shaiva temples Hindu temples, primarily Shaiva |
|---|---|
| Associated Deities | Shiva Vishnu Devi Parvati Lakshmi Ganesha Murugan Shakti |
| Primary Materials | Granite Brick Stucco Laterite |
|---|---|
| Architectural Features | Vimanas Gopurams Sculptures Mandapas Vimana Gopuram Mandapa Garbhagriha Pillared halls Bronze idols Bronze icons Inscriptions Tall vimanas Intricate carvings Bronze sculptures Bronze statues Talas Intricate sculptures Pillared mandapas Prakara |
| Keywords | Vimana Gopuram Chola Temple architecture Dravida South India Sculpture Chola art Tamil temple Bronze Brihadeeswarar Temple Tanjore South Indian temple Hindu temple vimana granite Chola dynasty sculptural art South Indian Temple Chola Dynasty Shaivism Tamil Nadu Talas Sculptures Mandapa Hinduism Bronze sculptures Temple Chola Bronzes Granite Shaiva |
|---|
| Title | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| The Cholas | book | Provides historical and cultural context for Chola architecture |
| History of South India | Book | Comprehensive overview of Chola art and architecture. |
| The Chola Temples: Thanjavur, Gangaikondacholapuram and Darasuram | book | |
| The Great Temple at Thanjavur: One Thousand Years | Book | Detailed study of Chola temple architecture. |
| The Art of the Chola Empire | book | |
| South Indian Influences in the Architecture of the Polonnaruwa Period | Journal Article |