What is Indian architecture style?

Encompassing a vast array of building traditions shaped by diverse dynasties, religions, and regional variations across the Indian subcontinent and its cultural sphere.

Where is Indian architecture style architecture found?

Indian architecture style architecture is primarily found in Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia, India, Pan-India, Pan-Indian. There are 5 heritage sites documented with this architectural style.

When was Indian architecture style architecture used?

Indian architecture style architecture was used during Indus Valley Civilization to present, 3300 BCE - Present, 3rd millennium BCE - Present, Ancient to present, 3rd century BCE onwards. It is associated with the Maurya, Gupta, Chola, Mughal, Maurya Dynasty, Gupta Dynasty, Chola Dynasty, Mughal Dynasty, Maurya Empire, Gupta Empire, Mughal Empire, Various dynasty/period.

What materials are used in Indian architecture style architecture?

Indian architecture style architecture typically uses Stone, Brick, Wood, Concrete, Marble. These materials are characteristic of this architectural style and reflect the construction techniques of the period.

Which heritage sites use Indian architecture style architecture?

There are 5 heritage sites documented with Indian architecture style architecture. You can explore these sites on the Inheritage Foundation website.

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

Title	Indian architecture style 4.5/5(Based on 5 heritage sites) Uncommon 4.5/5(Based on 5 heritage sites)
Description	Encompassing a vast array of building traditions shaped by diverse dynasties, religions, and regional variations across the Indian subcontinent and its cultural sphere.
Also Known As	Khmer Hindu Brick Temple Architecture with Indian Hindu Iconographic Architectural Influences Indian Hindu Brick Temple Architecture Indian Shiva Temple Design Indian Hindu Iconography Khmer Temple Design Indian Cosmological Planning Rock-Cut Buddhist Cave Monastery Architecture with Indian Cave Monastery Influences Indian Rock-Cut Cave Monastery Architecture Indian Buddhist Cave Architecture Indian Buddhist Iconography Medieval Islamic Architecture with Indian Architectural Influences Indian Architectural Traditions Indian Urban Planning Medieval Islamic Architecture Silk Road Architecture Indian Decorative Programs Buddhist Cultural Landscape with Indian Buddhist Influences Indian Buddhist Architecture Indian Landscape Design Chinese Buddhist Architecture Cultural Landscape Buddhist Stupa Architecture with Indian Stupa Architectural Influences Indian Buddhist Stupa Architecture Early Buddhist Stupa Design
Tags	Stupa Temple Mosque Fort Palace Diverse Religious Historical Cultural Subcontinent Temple architecture Fort architecture Palace architecture Regional styles Sculpture Cave Hinduism Buddhism Jainism
Style ID	`INHF-STY-6817075755-03:21:26:26:09:19:IAS`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/styles/indian-architecture-style
API Endpoint	`https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/indian-architecture-style`
Total Sites	5
Primary Sites	0
Created	November 19, 2025
Last Updated	November 29, 2025

External References

View on Wikidata

Regions

Regions	Indian Subcontinent Southeast Asia India Pan-India Pan-Indian

Historical Context

Time Periods	Indus Valley Civilization to present 3300 BCE - Present 3rd millennium BCE - Present Ancient to present 3rd century BCE onwards
Dynasties	Maurya Gupta Chola Mughal Maurya Dynasty Gupta Dynasty Chola Dynasty Mughal Dynasty Maurya Empire Gupta Empire Mughal Empire Various

Sacred Context

Sacred Contexts	Hindu Buddhist Jain Islamic Hindu Temples Buddhist Monasteries Jain Temples Mosques Secular Buildings Buddhist Stupas Churches Temples Palaces Forts Public spaces Monasteries
Associated Deities	Various Hindu Deities Buddha Jinas Shiva Vishnu Allah Jesus Various

Architectural Details

Primary Materials	Stone Brick Wood Concrete Marble
Architectural Features	Shikharas Gopurams Mandapas Toranas Jalis Pillars Domes Arches Towers Sculptures Intricate carvings Geometric patterns Ornamentation

Keywords

Keywords	Stupa Temple Mosque Fort Palace Diverse Religious Historical Cultural Subcontinent Temple architecture Fort architecture Palace architecture Regional styles Sculpture Cave Hinduism Buddhism Jainism

Recommended Sources

Title	Type	Notes
A History of Indian Architecture	Book	General survey of Indian architectural history.
History of Indian Architecture	Book	General overview of Indian architectural history.
The Art and Architecture of India	Book	Comprehensive survey of Indian architectural history.
The History of Indian Art	Book

Heritage Sites (5)

Site Name	Status	Confidence
Lolei Temple Roluos Group Cambodia	Secondary	100%
Ming-Öy Mingbulak Buddhist Caves Surxondaryo Uzbekistan	Secondary	100%
Sarakhs Medieval Silk Road City Mary Region Turkmenistan	Secondary	100%
West Lake Cultural Landscape Hangzhou Zhejiang China	Secondary	100%
Zurmala Stupa Termez Uzbekistan	Secondary	100%

How to Identify Indian architecture style

Look for characteristic features: Shikharas, Gopurams, Mandapas.
Verify geographic location: Indian architecture style architecture is typically found in Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia.
Examine construction materials: Indian architecture style typically uses Stone and Brick.
Consider historical context: This style dates from Indus Valley Civilization to present.
Compare with documented examples: 5 heritage sites use this architectural style.

Indian architecture style

External References

Regions

Historical Context

Sacred Context

Architectural Details

Keywords

Recommended Sources

Heritage Sites (5)

See Also

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How to Identify Indian architecture style

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