Title

Gupta Period Rock-Cut architecture style

Rare
4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
DescriptionGupta period rock-cut architecture, flourishing in North and Central India, is characterized by refined carvings, integration of Hindu iconography, and nascent Nagara elements.
Also Known As
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
Tags
Gupta
rock-cut
cave
classical
iconography
Style ID
INHF-STY-7571319980-19:38:44:17:04:19:GPRCAS
URIhttps://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/styles/gupta-period-rock-cut-architecture-style
API Endpoint
https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/gupta-period-rock-cut-architecture-style
Total Sites1
Primary Sites0
CreatedNovember 19, 2025
Last UpdatedNovember 29, 2025

External References

Regions

Regions
Madhya Pradesh
Maharashtra
Uttar Pradesh

Historical Context

Time Periods
4th-6th century CE
Dynasties
Gupta Empire

Sacred Context

Sacred Contexts
Hindu temples
Buddhist monasteries
Associated Deities
Vishnu
Shiva
Buddha

Architectural Details

Primary Materials
Sandstone
Basalt
Architectural Features
Cave temples
Pillared halls
Sculptural reliefs
Emerging Nagara shikhara forms

Keywords

Keywords
Gupta
rock-cut
cave
classical
iconography

Recommended Sources

TitleTypeNotes
The Art of the Gupta EmpireBookDetails Gupta art and architecture.

Heritage Sites (1)

Site NameStatusConfidence
Meghna Cave Temple Bhalukpong
Secondary
100%

See Also

Related Materials

Sandstone
Basalt

Related Features

Cave temples
Pillared halls
Sculptural reliefs
Emerging Nagara shikhara forms

How to Identify Gupta Period Rock-Cut architecture style

  1. Look for characteristic features: Cave temples, Pillared halls, Sculptural reliefs.
  2. Verify geographic location: Gupta Period Rock-Cut architecture style architecture is typically found in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
  3. Examine construction materials: Gupta Period Rock-Cut architecture style typically uses Sandstone and Basalt.
  4. Consider historical context: This style dates from 4th-6th century CE.
  5. Compare with documented examples: 1 heritage sites use this architectural style.

Frequently Asked Questions