| Title | Kakatiya architecture styleUncommon |
|---|---|
| Description | Kakatiya architecture, originating in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, is characterized by its unique blend of Dravida and Nagara styles, intricate sculptural details, and the use of sandstone and granite in temple construction. |
| Also Known As | Kakatiya Dravida Sculptural articulation of walls. Badami Chalukyan Architecture Dravida Architecture Kakatiya Architecture Chalukya-Hoysala Transitional Style Vijayanagara Architecture Deccani Architecture South Indian Temple Architecture Dravidian Temple Ornate carvings pyramidal towers. Dravidian Architecture Badami Chalukya Architecture Deccan Architecture Telangana Temple Architecture Dravidian temple South Indian intricate carvings sculptures. Chalukyan Architecture Badami Chalukya Style Vesara Style gopurams mandapas. Chalukya-Hoysala influences Chola influences Later Western Chalukya Architecture Badami Chalukya stepped diamond pyramidal tower Vesara Architecture Traditional Hindu Temple Architecture Kakatiya architecture Deccan style fortified intricate stonework Chalukyan architecture Dravidian architecture Vijayanagara architecture Qutb Shahi architecture Deccani architecture Floating bricks sandstone granite Dravidian Architecture influences (esp. Vimana) Vijayanagara Architecture (minor later additions) Telangana regional style Hindu Temple Architecture (general principles) stepped diamond spires. South Indian Temple Style Vesara Style elements Deccan ornate carved stone Hoysala Influences Early Western Chalukya elements Later Chalukya elements temple stepped pyramidal tower. Qutb Shahi Architecture |
| Tags | Kakatiyas Telangana architecture Dravida influence Nagara influence Temple architecture Kakatiya Telangana temples Pyramidal Shikara Ornate Carvings Chalukya influence Dravidian influence Gateway Stellate plan Mandapa Shikhara Ornate carvings Star-shaped plan Pyramidal vimana Stone carvings Hindu temple Kirtistambha Jali Jagati Stellate Andhra Telangana Sculptural art Andhra architecture Star-shaped temple Thousand pillars Deccan Ornate Torana Chalukya Dravida Vimana |
| Style ID | INHF-STY-0617066056-01:11:03:17:04:25:KAS |
| URI | https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/styles/kakatiya-architecture-style |
| API Endpoint | https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/kakatiya-architecture-style |
| Total Sites | 10 |
| Primary Sites | 9 |
| Created | November 19, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 29, 2025 |
External References
Regions
| Regions | Telangana Andhra Pradesh Karnataka Odisha |
|---|
Historical Context
| Time Periods | 11th century CE 12th century CE 13th century CE 11th-14th century CE |
|---|---|
| Dynasties | Kakatiya dynasty Kakatiya Dynasty |
Sacred Context
| Sacred Contexts | Hindu temples Shaiva temples Vaishnava temples Shakta temples Forts Public buildings |
|---|---|
| Associated Deities | Shiva Vishnu Shakti Devi Surya Durga |
Architectural Details
| Primary Materials | Sandstone Granite Basalt Laterite Brick Stone |
|---|---|
| Architectural Features | Star-shaped (stellate) plans Perforated screens (Jalis) Elaborate toranas Sculptural friezes Elevated platforms (Jagati) Ornate carvings Pyramidal towers (Shikharas) Kalyana Mandapas Toranas Kirti Toranas (ornate gateways) Star-shaped (stellate) temple plans Intricate carvings Elevated platforms Mandapas Perforated screens Stepped pyramidal towers (vimana) Perforated screens (jali) Kirti Toranas (ornamental arches) Kirtistambhas Perforated screens (Jali) Stellate plans Floating bricks Thousand-pillar halls Star-shaped temples Ornate toranas Stepped pyramidal vimanas Star-shaped temple plans Pyramidal vimanas |
Keywords
| Keywords | Kakatiyas Telangana architecture Dravida influence Nagara influence Temple architecture Kakatiya Telangana temples Pyramidal Shikara Ornate Carvings Chalukya influence Dravidian influence Gateway Stellate plan Mandapa Shikhara Ornate carvings Star-shaped plan Pyramidal vimana Stone carvings Hindu temple Kirtistambha Jali Jagati Stellate Andhra Telangana Sculptural art Andhra architecture Star-shaped temple Thousand pillars Deccan Ornate Torana Chalukya Dravida Vimana |
|---|
Recommended Sources
| Title | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| History and Culture of Andhra Pradesh | Book | Relevant chapters on Kakatiya art and architecture. |
| Temples of Andhra Pradesh | Book | Overview of temple architecture in Andhra Pradesh, including Kakatiya examples. |
| Temples of Telingana | Book | Comprehensive overview of Kakatiya temple architecture |
| Kakatiya Heritage Trust | organization | Documentation of Kakatiya architectural sites and history |
Heritage Sites (10)
| Site Name | Status | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Bhadrakali Temple Warangal | Primary | 100% |
| Chilkur Balaji Temple Hyderabad | Primary | 100% |
| Kaleshwara Mukteswara Temple Kaleshwaram | Primary | 100% |
| Karmanghat Hanuman Temple Hyderabad | Primary | 100% |
| Khammam Fort Khammam | Primary | 100% |
| Ramappa Temple Palampet | Primary | 100% |
| Thousand Pillar Temple Hanamkonda | Primary | 100% |
| Warangal Fort Warangal | Primary | 100% |
| Yadagirigutta Temple Yadadri | Primary | 100% |
| Gnana Saraswathi Temple Basar Telangana | Secondary | 100% |
See Also
Related Materials
Sandstone
Granite
Basalt
Laterite
Brick
Stone
Related Features
Star-shaped (stellate) plans
Perforated screens (Jalis)
Elaborate toranas
Sculptural friezes
Elevated platforms (Jagati)
Ornate carvings
Pyramidal towers (Shikharas)
Kalyana Mandapas
Toranas
Kirti Toranas (ornate gateways)
Star-shaped (stellate) temple plans
Intricate carvings
Elevated platforms
Mandapas
Perforated screens
Stepped pyramidal towers (vimana)
Perforated screens (jali)
Kirti Toranas (ornamental arches)
Kirtistambhas
Perforated screens (Jali)
Stellate plans
Floating bricks
Thousand-pillar halls
Star-shaped temples
Ornate toranas
Stepped pyramidal vimanas
Star-shaped temple plans
Pyramidal vimanas
How to Identify Kakatiya architecture style
- Look for characteristic features: Star-shaped (stellate) plans, Perforated screens (Jalis), Elaborate toranas.
- Verify geographic location: Kakatiya architecture style architecture is typically found in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
- Examine construction materials: Kakatiya architecture style typically uses Sandstone and Granite.
- Consider historical context: This style dates from 11th century CE.
- Compare with documented examples: 10 heritage sites use this architectural style.