What is Dravidian architecture style?

Originating in South India, Dravidian architecture is distinguished by its towering gopurams, intricate carvings, and the use of stone, particularly granite, in temple construction.

Where is Dravidian architecture style architecture found?

Dravidian architecture style architecture is primarily found in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Telangana.

What materials are used in Dravidian architecture style architecture?

Dravidian architecture style architecture typically uses Granite, Sandstone, Soapstone, Brick, Limestone, Stone. These materials are characteristic of this architectural style and reflect the construction techniques of the period.

Dravidian architecture style | Inheritage Foundation Art & Architecture Thesaurus | Inheritage Foundation

Q: When was Dravidian architecture style architecture used?

Dravidian architecture style architecture was used during 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. It is associated with the 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 dynasty/period.

Title	Dravidian architecture style 0 0
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.
Also Known As	Kerala architecture style Vijayanagara architecture style Kadamba architecture style Dravidian Architecture Kerala Architecture Later Cholas Vijayanagara Empire Hoysala Architecture influences (minor) Kadamba Architecture influences (minor) Kalinga architecture style Traditional Hindu Temple architecture style Kalinga Architecture Influences Vastu Shastra Traditional Hindu Temple Architecture South Indian Temple Style Pandyan Architectural Elements Hindu Temple architecture style Chola Dynasty Influences Pandya Dynasty Influences Chera Dynasty Influences Military Laterite stone for coastal defense Nava Kerala Architecture Later Chera Architecture Vijayanagara Architecture Dravidian Temple Ornate carvings pyramidal towers. Badami Chalukya Architecture Kakatiya Architecture Deccan Architecture South Indian Temple Architecture Telangana Temple Architecture Fortification Local stone sloping walls Hoysala Architecture Rashtrakuta Architecture Indo-Islamic Architecture Deccani Architecture Keralan Architecture Sloping roofs ornate carvings Koothambalam Style Chera Style Silpa Shastras Dravidian Temple Architecture Religious Gopuram Towers Chola Architecture Pallava Architecture Tamil Temple Architecture Agamic Shilpa Shastras Vesara Architecture influences (debatable more prominent in later additions) Dravidian Fortress Fortified hilltop complex. Vijayanagara Military Architecture Nayaka Style Hoysala Influences Chola Architectural Elements Pandya Architectural Traits Deccani Sultanate Influences Indo-Islamic military layered defenses. Persian Architecture Qutb Shahi Style Deccani Indo-Islamic fusion blends Islamic Deccan styles. Bahamani Architecture Persian Influences Turkish Influences Dravidian Architecture (minor) Kakatiya Architecture (minor) gopuram. Traditional Vernacular materials sloped roofs. Traditional Keralan Residential Architecture Nālukettu Style Ettukettu Style Pathinarukettu Style Influence of Western Architecture (specifically Dutch Portuguese colonial styles) Dravidian rock-cut monolithic excavation. Chalukya Architecture Rock-cut Architecture Indian Rock-cut Temple Style Cave Temple Architecture intricate carvings gopurams mandapas. Badami Chalukyan Architecture Chalukya-Hoysala influences Chola influences Later Western Chalukya Architecture Unknown Vernacular Tribal Locally sourced materials. Nagara Architecture Kalinga Architecture Hemadpanthi Style Maratha Temple Architecture Chalukyan Architecture Traditional Mizo Architecture High gopurams mandapas Nayaka Architecture gopuram towers. Chola Influence Pallava Influence Chalukya Influence Vesara Style (blend of Dravidian Nagara) Sloping pyramidal tower. Pandya Architecture Chola influences (possibly indirect) Local vernacular traditions of Kanyakumari district Possible Pallava influences in some decorative elements South Indian temple architecture (general) Elements of Agama Shastras in temple layout Sloping roof ornate pillars garbhagriha. Goan Temple Architecture Kadamba Architecture Dravidian Hindu Temple. Elaborate gopurams vibrant colors. Wood Laterite Slope West Asian Influences Dutch Colonial Influences European Influences Rock-cut architecture cave temple carved from natural rock face. Gupta Period Rock-Cut Architecture Pallava Rock-Cut Architecture Influences Early Chalukya Cave Temple Style Elements of Dravidian Gopuram Design (though modified) Possible Kalinga Architectural Influences Buddhist Rock-Cut Architecture (in terms of excavation techniques) Local Tribal Architectural Traditions of Arunachal Pradesh Later Chola Pandya Influences (if any verifiable evidence exists) Possible Ahom Kingdom Architectural Influences Gopuram Tower Modern Indian Architecture laterite granite Tamil Nadu Temple Architecture Wood Architecture Traditions of Kerala Influence of Local Artisans Craftsmen Elements of Fortress Architecture Traditional Keralite Domestic Architecture Kerala architecture Laterite walls moat Laterite Masonry Tradition Mughal Architectural Influences British Colonial Military Architecture West Coast Fortification Style Elements of Vijayanagara Military Architecture Granite carved gopurams. Nayaka Dynasty Style Vijayanagara Influences Rock-cut Architecture elements Ornate Gopurams Towers Vesara Architecture intricate carvings. Kerala Dravidian Architecture Pandyan Architecture Chola Architecture influences (minor) West Coast Temple Style of Kerala Vernacular Kerala Architecture Tulu Nadu Temple Architecture influences (minor) Forest Temple Tradition of Kerala Indo-Portuguese Religious Syncretic Mughal Architecture Rajasthani Architecture Maratha Architecture Goan Hindu Architecture Mughal Architecture (minor influence in later additions) Adapted Federation Warehouse Temple Architecture with Dravidian Mandapa Additions Adapted Colonial Warehouse Architecture Dravidian Mandapa Planning North Indian Shrine Iconography Australian Brick Federation Style Community Hall Typology Diaspora Adaptive Reuse Contemporary Seismic Detailing Panchayatana Style (though not strictly adhered to) Agamic Temple Architecture Chola Architecture (early influences) Pandya Architecture (early influences) Hoysala Architecture (minor influences) Dravidian Cave Temple with Hilltop Sanctum Cave Sanctum Architecture Limestone Geology Dravidian Murugan Worship Resilient Heritage Indo-Portuguese Military Fusion of European Indian elements. Laterite masonry traditions of coastal Karnataka Vijayanagara military architecture Elements of Islamic architecture (influenced by later additions) West Asian Fortification styles (introduced by Europeans) Portuguese colonial architecture British colonial architecture Nayak Style Brick Stone multi-story European Baroque Islamic Architecture Deccani Sultanate Style Tamil Nadu Vernacular Architecture Hybrid Blends Islamic Hindu-Karnataka elements. Mysore Style Hyderabadi Architecture Rajasthani Influences (Jharokhas) Mughal Architectural Elements Rock-cut Brick-built fortifications. Military Architecture (Fortifications) Indo-Islamic Influences (later additions) Chola influence (early periods) Kerala Dravidian Koothambalam Design Later Chola influences (possible given their historical presence in the region) Dravidian Military. Moats granite ramparts strategic fortifications. Islamic Architectural Influences (Indo-Islamic) Deccani Sultanate Style (minor) Mughal Architecture (minor influence in later periods) Pyramidal towers ornate carvings. Indigenous Tribal Architecture of Northeast India Vestiges of Buddhist architectural elements Vernacular Architecture of the region Ahom architecture temple stepped pyramidal tower. Qutb Shahi Architecture
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://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/dravidian-architecture-style`
Total Sites	0
Primary Sites	0
Created	November 19, 2025
Last Updated	November 19, 2025

Regions

Regions	Tamil Nadu Karnataka Andhra Pradesh Kerala Telangana

Historical Context

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

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 Context

Sacred Contexts	Temples Hindu temples Agama traditions Hindu Hindu Temples Hindu Temple Agamic rituals Temple
Associated Deities	Shiva Vishnu Devi Ganesha Murugan Shakti

Architectural Details

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

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

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

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

Recommended Sources

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.

How to Identify Dravidian architecture style

Look for characteristic features: Gopurams, Vimanas, Mandapas.
Verify geographic location: Dravidian architecture style architecture is typically found in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
Examine construction materials: Dravidian architecture style typically uses Granite and Sandstone.
Consider historical context: This style dates from 6th-18th century CE.

Dravidian architecture style

Regions

Historical Context

Sacred Context

Architectural Details

Keywords

Recommended Sources

See Also

Related Materials

Related Features

How to Identify Dravidian architecture style

Frequently Asked Questions