What is North Indian Temple architecture style?

A broad classification encompassing various temple styles prevalent in Northern India, typically featuring Nagara-style shikharas, mandapas, and intricate carvings, reflecting diverse regional and dynastic influences.

Where is North Indian Temple architecture style architecture found?

North Indian Temple architecture style architecture is primarily found in Northern India, Central India, North India, East India, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, Himalayan Region, Northeast India, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand. There are 19 heritage sites documented with this architectural style.

What materials are used in North Indian Temple architecture style architecture?

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

Which heritage sites use North Indian Temple architecture style architecture?

There are 19 heritage sites documented with North Indian Temple architecture style architecture. You can explore these sites on the Inheritage Foundation website.

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

Q: When was North Indian Temple architecture style architecture used?

North Indian Temple architecture style architecture was used during 5th-18th century CE, 5th century CE, 18th century CE, 6th Century CE, 7th Century CE, 8th Century CE, 9th Century CE, 10th Century CE, 11th Century CE, 12th Century CE, 13th Century CE, 14th Century CE, 15th Century CE, 16th Century CE, 17th Century CE, 18th Century CE, 19th Century CE, 20th Century CE, 8th century CE onwards, 21st Century CE, 6th century CE, 7th century CE, 8th century CE, 9th century CE, 10th century CE, 11th century CE, 12th century CE, 13th century CE, 6th century CE onwards, Ancient Period, Medieval Period, Early Medieval Period. It is associated with the Various regional dynasties, Various regional dynasties and kingdoms, Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty, Chandela dynasty, Solanki dynasty, Parmara dynasty, Rajput kingdoms dynasty/period.

Title	North Indian Temple architecture style 4.5/5(Based on 19 heritage sites) Uncommon 4.5/5(Based on 19 heritage sites)
Description	A broad classification encompassing various temple styles prevalent in Northern India, typically featuring Nagara-style shikharas, mandapas, and intricate carvings, reflecting diverse regional and dynastic influences.
Also Known As	Kalinga Nagara architecture style Nagara architecture style Post-Gupta architecture style Nagara Architecture Kalinga Architecture Gupta Period Temple Architecture Post-Gupta Temple Architecture Late Medieval Hindu Temple Architecture North Indian Temple Architecture Eastern Indian Temple Architecture Latina Nagara architecture style Gurjara-Pratihara architecture style Gurjara-Pratihara Style Shikhara Style Latina Style Hindu Temple Architecture Medieval Indian Temple Architecture Braj architecture style Mughal-Rajput architecture style Rajasthani Architecture Mughal Architecture Later Mughal Architecture Hindu Rajput Architecture Maratha Temple Architecture Braj Architecture Nagara Kalinga hybrid curvilinear towers ornate carvings. Dravida Architecture Vesara Architecture Central Indian Temple Architecture Eastern Ganga Temple Architecture Sultanate Period Influences Nagara Style North Indian Temple Curvilinear towers stepped profile North Indian Temple Style Mughal Architecture influences (seen in some decorative elements) Typical Varanasi Temple Style elements Shikhara (spire) prominent in the design Mandap (pillared hall) architecture Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) as central focus Use of local sandstone in construction Ornate carvings sculptures influenced by regional traditions Northern Indian Tall curving towers Kalinga Architecture influences (possibly due to trade pilgrimage routes) Elements of North Indian vernacular architecture (use of local materials like granite wood) Possible faint traces of early Dravidian architecture (given the pan-Indian spread of temple building traditions though less pronounced than Nagara) Hill architecture adaptations (sloping roofs use of stone platforms for stability) Influence of local Garhwali architecture craftsmanship (decorative motifs wood carvings) Slight Pala influence (given its historical presence in nearby regions though again less prominent) Possible traces of Gupta period temple architecture (as a foundational style for later North Indian temples) Nepalese Pagoda Religious Tiered roofs wood ornate details Typical Bengali Temple architecture Traditional Khasi architecture Nagara Architecture influences Temple architecture of Kamarupa Koch Bihar temple style influences Ahom architecture influences Generic North Indian vernacular temple influences Kalinga Architecture (potential influence given some stylistic similarities) Gurjara-Pratihara Style (influence debated but possible given their presence in nearby regions) Local Kumaoni Vernacular Architecture (use of local stone construction techniques) Earlier North Indian Temple Traditions (evident in the simpler earlier shrines) Possible influences from the Katyuri Dynasty's architectural patronage Elements of Panchayatana Style (arrangement of subsidiary shrines around a main shrine though not strictly adhered to) Pratihara Architecture Hindu Temple Nagara Style Shikhara Gurjara-Pratihara Architecture Paramara Architecture Central Indian Temple Style Bhumija Style Khajuraho School of Architecture Medieval Hindu Temple Architecture North Indian intricate carvings Gurjara-Pratihara influences Traditional Punjabi Architecture ornate carvings Kalinga Architecture (influence seen in the curvilinear towers) Latina Style (influence in the pillars) Rajput Architecture (influence in decorative elements) Mughal Architecture (subtle influence potentially in later additions or renovations) Maratha Architecture (possible influence in decorative motifs) Generic North Indian Temple Style Hemadpanthi Style (influence possible in the use of stone) Vernacular Intuitive design bright colors. Rajasthani Haveli Architecture Kashmiri Pandit Temple influences Pahari Miniature Painting influences (in the artwork) Traditional Punjabi Domestic Architecture Mirror Work embellishments (Shisha) Latticed Screens (Jali work) Gurjara-Pratihara Influences Paramara Dynasty Influences Khajuraho Influences Kalinga Architecture (influence seen in the curvilinear shikhara) Gurjara-Pratihara Style (possible influence in the sculptural elements) Paramara Style (subtle influences potentially visible given the photographer's background) Central Indian Temple Architecture (some stylistic overlaps with the photographer's region of expertise) Himalayan Architecture (adaptation to the mountainous terrain) Kalinga North Indian tiered sculpted towers. Maru-Gurjara influences Latina Style Shikharas Kalinga Architecture influences (possible given Kurukshetra's historical connections) Paramara Style details (potential influence) Medieval Hindu Temple architecture North Indian Hindu Temple Architecture with Punjabi Adaptations Punjabi Hindu Architecture Mughal Period Adaptations North Indian Nagara Temple Curvilinear tower tiered upward. Kalinga Architecture elements (potentially) Post-Gupta period influences Early medieval temple architecture of Northern India North Indian Nagara Temple Architecture Sloping towers upwards. Himalayan Architecture (use of local stone sloping roofs) Katyuri Dynasty Architectural Style Ancient Hindu Temple traditions Nagara architecture Hindu temple North Indian curvilinear tower. Himalayan Architecture Kalinga Architecture influences (possible due to historical interactions) Traces of early vernacular architecture of the region Influence of local stone carving traditions Elements of Sikhara style (curvilinear tower)
Tags	Hindu Temple Nagara Shikhara Mandapa Temple architecture North India Temple Garbhagriha Mandap Carvings Hindu Regional styles Hindu architecture Hindu temple
Style ID	`INHF-STY-4883365364-14:22:52:16:11:23:NITAS`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/styles/north-indian-temple-architecture-style
API Endpoint	`https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/north-indian-temple-architecture-style`
Total Sites	19
Primary Sites	0
Created	November 19, 2025
Last Updated	November 29, 2025

External References

View on Wikidata

Regions

Regions	Northern India Central India North India East India Uttar Pradesh Madhya Pradesh Rajasthan Gujarat Haryana Punjab Himalayan Region Northeast India Himachal Pradesh Uttarakhand

Historical Context

Time Periods	5th-18th century CE 5th century CE 18th century CE 6th Century CE 7th Century CE 8th Century CE 9th Century CE 10th Century CE 11th Century CE 12th Century CE 13th Century CE 14th Century CE 15th Century CE 16th Century CE 17th Century CE 18th Century CE 19th Century CE 20th Century CE 8th century CE onwards 21st Century CE 6th century CE 7th century CE 8th century CE 9th century CE 10th century CE 11th century CE 12th century CE 13th century CE 6th century CE onwards Ancient Period Medieval Period Early Medieval Period
Dynasties	Various regional dynasties Various regional dynasties and kingdoms Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty Chandela dynasty Solanki dynasty Parmara dynasty Rajput kingdoms

Time Periods

5th-18th century CE

5th century CE

18th century CE

6th Century CE

7th Century CE

8th Century CE

9th Century CE

10th Century CE

11th Century CE

12th Century CE

13th Century CE

14th Century CE

15th Century CE

16th Century CE

17th Century CE

18th Century CE

19th Century CE

20th Century CE

8th century CE onwards

21st Century CE

6th century CE

7th century CE

8th century CE

9th century CE

10th century CE

11th century CE

12th century CE

13th century CE

6th century CE onwards

Ancient Period

Medieval Period

Early Medieval Period

Dynasties

Various regional dynasties

Various regional dynasties and kingdoms

Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty

Chandela dynasty

Solanki dynasty

Parmara dynasty

Rajput kingdoms

Sacred Context

Sacred Contexts	Hindu temples Hindu Temple Village shrines Royal temples Vaishnava temples Shaiva temples Shakta temples
Associated Deities	Shiva Vishnu Devi Surya Ganesha Local Deities Durga

Architectural Details

Primary Materials	Sandstone Granite Brick Stone Wood Marble
Architectural Features	Shikhara Mandapa Garbhagriha Pillars Sculptures Mandap Pradakshina Patha Shikhara variations Intricate carvings Sculptural ornamentation Pradakshina patha Adhisthana Amalaka Kalasha

Keywords

Keywords	Hindu Temple Nagara Shikhara Mandapa Temple architecture North India Temple Garbhagriha Mandap Carvings Hindu Regional styles Hindu architecture Hindu temple

Recommended Sources

Title	Type	Notes
Indian Temple Architecture: Form and Decoration	Book	General overview of North Indian temple architecture.
The Art and Architecture of the Indian Subcontinent	Book	Provides a broad context for North Indian temple styles.
History of Indian and Indonesian Art	Book	General overview of North Indian temple forms.
A History of Indian Architecture	book	General overview of North Indian temple forms.
George Michell, The Hindu Temple: An Introduction to Its Meaning and Forms	book
History of Indian and Eastern Architecture	book	General overview of North Indian temple styles.

Heritage Sites (19)

Site Name	Status	Confidence
Baba Harihar Nath Temple Sonepur	Secondary	100%
Baijnath Temple Kangra	Secondary	100%
Banke Bihari Temple Vrindavan	Secondary	100%
Chhinnamasta Temple Ramgarh	Secondary	100%
Durga Mandir Varanasi	Secondary	100%
Gangotri Temple Uttarkashi	Secondary	100%
Gorkha Durga Temple Shillong	Secondary	100%
Jageshwar Temples Almora	Secondary	100%
Jarai Ka Math Temple Barwasagar	Secondary	100%
Jayanti Devi Temple Ropar	Secondary	100%
Kartikeya Temple Pehowa	Secondary	100%
Mata Lal Devi Mandir Amritsar	Secondary	100%
Naina Devi Temple Bilaspur	Secondary	100%
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple Pauri	Secondary	100%
Sarveshwar Mahadev Temple Kurukshetra	Secondary	100%
Shawala Teja Singh Temple Sialkot Punjab	Secondary	100%
Sthaneshwar Mahadev Temple Thanesar	Secondary	100%
Tungnath Temple Rudraprayag	Secondary	100%
Yamunotri Temple Uttarkashi	Secondary	100%

How to Identify North Indian Temple architecture style

Look for characteristic features: Shikhara, Mandapa, Garbhagriha.
Verify geographic location: North Indian Temple architecture style architecture is typically found in Northern India and Central India.
Examine construction materials: North Indian Temple architecture style typically uses Sandstone and Granite.
Consider historical context: This style dates from 5th-18th century CE.
Compare with documented examples: 19 heritage sites use this architectural style.

North Indian Temple architecture style

External References

Regions

Historical Context

Sacred Context

Architectural Details

Keywords

Recommended Sources

Heritage Sites (19)

See Also

Related Materials

Related Features

How to Identify North Indian Temple architecture style

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