| Title | Early Hindu Temple architecture styleRare |
|---|---|
| Description | Early Hindu temple architecture, emerging from Gupta period onwards, is characterized by simple square plans, flat roofs or modest shikharas, and a focus on the garbhagriha (sanctum) housing the deity. |
| Also Known As | Kushan Hindu Temple Architecture with Indian Nagara Influences Indian Nagara Temple Architecture Kushan Architecture Early Hindu Temple Design Indic Surya Worship Kushan Hindu Temple Architecture with Indian Nagara Central Asian Influences Central Asian Temple Design Hellenistic Influences Indic Cosmological Planning |
| Tags | Garbhagriha Hindu Temple Early Temple Gupta Architecture Square Plan Hindu |
| Style ID | INHF-STY-1865859684-06:03:43:19:05:23:EHTAS |
| URI | https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/styles/early-hindu-temple-architecture-style |
| API Endpoint | https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/early-hindu-temple-architecture-style |
| Total Sites | 2 |
| Primary Sites | 0 |
| Created | November 19, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 29, 2025 |
External References
Regions
| Regions | India Southeast Asia (influence) Afghanistan (influence) Pan-Indian |
|---|
Historical Context
| Time Periods | 4th-8th century CE 2nd century BCE - 5th century CE |
|---|---|
| Dynasties | Gupta Empire Vakataka dynasty Early Chalukya dynasty Various local dynasties |
Sacred Context
| Sacred Contexts | Hindu temples |
|---|---|
| Associated Deities | Shiva Vishnu Devi Surya |
Architectural Details
| Primary Materials | Stone Brick |
|---|---|
| Architectural Features | Square plan Flat roof Garbhagriha Simple ornamentation |
Keywords
| Keywords | Garbhagriha Hindu Temple Early Temple Gupta Architecture Square Plan Hindu |
|---|
Recommended Sources
| Title | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| The Early Temples of Central India | Book | Detailed analysis of early temple forms. |
| Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) | Book | Classic text on Indian architectural history. |
| The Early Temples of India | Book | Study of the formative stages of Indian temple architecture. |
Heritage Sites (2)
| Site Name | Status | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Naulakhi Kotal Temple Baghlan Afghanistan | Secondary | 100% |
| Surkh Kotal Zamindawar Temple Baghlan Afghanistan | Secondary | 100% |
See Also
Related Materials
Stone
Brick
Related Features
Square plan
Flat roof
Garbhagriha
Simple ornamentation
Example Sites
How to Identify Early Hindu Temple architecture style
- Look for characteristic features: Square plan, Flat roof, Garbhagriha.
- Verify geographic location: Early Hindu Temple architecture style architecture is typically found in India and Southeast Asia (influence).
- Examine construction materials: Early Hindu Temple architecture style typically uses Stone and Brick.
- Consider historical context: This style dates from 4th-8th century CE.
- Compare with documented examples: 2 heritage sites use this architectural style.