| Title | Dravidian architecture style |
|---|---|
| Description | Originating in South India, Dravidian architecture is distinguished by its towering gopurams, intricate carvings, and the use of stone, particularly granite, in temple construction. |
| Tags | Gopuram Vimana Mandapa Dravida South Indian temple Agama Shastra Prakaram South India Hindu Temple South Indian Temple architecture Temple Architecture Sculpture Temple Dravidian architecture South Indian architecture South Indian Temple Chola Pallava Shilpa Shastra Shilpa Shastras Vastu Shastra Agama gopuram vimana mandapa temple South Indian Architecture Sculptures Hinduism Kovil Tala system Stucco Pillared halls Mandapa planning Hindu temple Stone Carving Hindu Gopuram temple Pyramidal temple |
| Style ID | INHF-595516934-18-11-25-DE |
| URI | https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/styles/dravidian-architecture-style |
| API Endpoint | https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/styles/dravidian-architecture-style |
| Total Sites | 44 |
| Primary Sites | 1 |
| Created | November 19, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 19, 2025 |
| Regions | Tamil Nadu Karnataka Andhra Pradesh Kerala Telangana |
|---|
| Time Periods | 6th-18th century CE 7th century CE - 18th century CE 7th century CE 8th century CE 9th century CE 10th century CE 11th century CE 12th century CE 13th century CE 14th century CE 15th century CE 16th century CE 17th century CE 18th century CE 7th Century CE 8th Century CE 9th Century CE 10th Century CE 11th Century CE 12th Century CE 13th Century CE 14th Century CE 15th Century CE 16th Century CE 17th Century CE 18th Century CE 7th-18th century CE Later Dynasties 7th century CE onwards Present 6th century CE - 18th century CE 7th Century CE - 18th Century CE 7th century CE to 18th century CE |
|---|---|
| Dynasties | Pallava dynasty Chola dynasty Pandya dynasty Vijayanagara Empire Pallava Dynasty Chola Dynasty Pandya Dynasty Chola Pallava Pandya Vijayanagara Nayaka Nayaka Dynasty Nayaka dynasty Nayak Dynasty Vijayanagara Dynasty |
| Sacred Contexts | Temples Hindu temples Agama traditions Hindu Hindu Temples Hindu Temple Agamic rituals Temple |
|---|---|
| Associated Deities | Shiva Vishnu Devi Ganesha Murugan Shakti |
| Primary Materials | Granite Sandstone Soapstone Brick Limestone Stone |
|---|---|
| Architectural Features | Gopurams Vimanas Mandapas Pillared halls Sculptural ornamentation Prakarams Sculptures Sculpted pillars Pillared Halls Tanks Gopuram Vimana Mandapa Intricate carvings Water tanks Garbhagriha Prakara Sculptural carvings Pillars Gopuram (gateway tower) Mandapa (hall) Vimana (temple tower) Sacred water tank Sculptural pillars Vimana (tower) Gopuram (gateway) Garbhagriha (sanctum) Intricate sculptures Dvarapalas |
| Keywords | Gopuram Vimana Mandapa Dravida South Indian temple Agama Shastra Prakaram South India Hindu Temple South Indian Temple architecture Temple Architecture Sculpture Temple Dravidian architecture South Indian architecture South Indian Temple Chola Pallava Shilpa Shastra Shilpa Shastras Vastu Shastra Agama gopuram vimana mandapa temple South Indian Architecture Sculptures Hinduism Kovil Tala system Stucco Pillared halls Mandapa planning Hindu temple Stone Carving Hindu Gopuram temple Pyramidal temple |
|---|
| Title | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| The Art and Architecture of the Indian Subcontinent | book | General reference on Indian art and architecture |
| Indian Architecture (Buddhist, Hindu, Jain) | Book | |
| History of South India | Book | Provides context on the dynasties and cultural influences shaping Dravidian architecture. |
| History of Dravidian Architecture | book | Comprehensive overview of Dravidian architectural principles and evolution. |
| Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Period) | Book | Classic text on the history and principles of Indian architecture. |
| History of South Indian (Dravidian) Architecture | book | |
| Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) | Book | General reference for Indian architecture |
| History of South Indian Architecture | Book | Comprehensive overview of Dravidian architectural principles and evolution. |
| The History of Indian Art | Book | Comprehensive resource on Indian art and architecture. |
| The Art of the Vijayanagara and Nayaka Periods | Book | Details on the evolution of Dravidian architecture. |
| George Michell, 'The Hindu Temple: An Introduction to Its Meaning and Forms' | Book | Comprehensive overview of Dravidian temple architecture. |