1. AAT
  2. Architectural Styles
  3. Early Indian architecture style
Title

Early Indian architecture style

4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
Rare
4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
DescriptionEncompassing diverse regional variations, Early Indian architecture (pre-Gupta) is marked by the use of brick, timber, and stone, with a focus on religious structures like stupas and rock-cut caves.
Also Known As
Sacred Bodhi Tree with Indian Buddhist Religious Significance
Indian Buddhist Religious Traditions
Bodh Gaya Bodhi Tree
Indian Buddhist Monastery Planning
Sri Lankan Buddhist Architecture
Tags
Stupa
Cave
Chaitya
Vihara
Early Buddhism
Jainism
Style ID
INHF-STY-1621205898-09:28:18:24:08:24:EIAS
URIhttps://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/styles/early-indian-architecture-style
API Endpoint
https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/early-indian-architecture-style
Total Sites1
Primary Sites0
CreatedNovember 19, 2025
Last UpdatedNovember 29, 2025

External References

View on Wikidata

Regions

Regions
India

Historical Context

Time Periods
3rd century BCE - 3rd century CE
Dynasties
Maurya Dynasty
Sunga Dynasty
Satavahana Dynasty

Sacred Context

Sacred Contexts
Buddhist stupas
Jain caves
Early Hindu temples
Associated Deities
Buddha
Yakshas
Nagas
Early Hindu deities

Architectural Details

Primary Materials
Brick
Timber
Stone
Architectural Features
Stupas
Rock-cut caves
Wooden architecture
Early forms of temple architecture

Keywords

Keywords
Stupa
Cave
Chaitya
Vihara
Early Buddhism
Jainism

Recommended Sources

TitleTypeNotes
The Art and Architecture of the Indian SubcontinentBookComprehensive survey of Indian art and architecture.

Heritage Sites (1)

Site NameStatusConfidence
Sri Maha Bodhi Mahamevnawa Anuradhapura Sri Lanka
Secondary
100%

See Also

Related Materials

Brick
Timber
Stone

Related Features

Stupas
Rock-cut caves
Wooden architecture
Early forms of temple architecture

Example Sites

Sri Maha Bodhi Mahamevnawa Anuradhapura Sri Lanka
Browse all architectural styles →

How to Identify Early Indian architecture style

  1. Look for characteristic features: Stupas, Rock-cut caves, Wooden architecture.
  2. Verify geographic location: Early Indian architecture style architecture is typically found in India.
  3. Examine construction materials: Early Indian architecture style typically uses Brick and Timber.
  4. Consider historical context: This style dates from 3rd century BCE - 3rd century CE.
  5. Compare with documented examples: 1 heritage sites use this architectural style.

Frequently Asked Questions