Title

Kakatiya architecture style

Uncommon
4.5/5(Based on 10 heritage sites)
DescriptionKakatiya 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
URIhttps://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/styles/kakatiya-architecture-style
API Endpoint
https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/kakatiya-architecture-style
Total Sites10
Primary Sites9
CreatedNovember 19, 2025
Last UpdatedNovember 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

TitleTypeNotes
History and Culture of Andhra PradeshBookRelevant chapters on Kakatiya art and architecture.
Temples of Andhra PradeshBookOverview of temple architecture in Andhra Pradesh, including Kakatiya examples.
Temples of TelinganaBookComprehensive overview of Kakatiya temple architecture
Kakatiya Heritage TrustorganizationDocumentation of Kakatiya architectural sites and history

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

  1. Look for characteristic features: Star-shaped (stellate) plans, Perforated screens (Jalis), Elaborate toranas.
  2. Verify geographic location: Kakatiya architecture style architecture is typically found in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
  3. Examine construction materials: Kakatiya architecture style typically uses Sandstone and Granite.
  4. Consider historical context: This style dates from 11th century CE.
  5. Compare with documented examples: 10 heritage sites use this architectural style.

Frequently Asked Questions