Title

Pala-Sena architecture style

Rare
4.5/5(Based on 2 heritage sites)
DescriptionEastern Indian architectural style flourishing under the Pala and Sena dynasties, known for its distinctive curvilinear rooflines, refined stucco work, and integration of Buddhist and Hindu iconography.
Also Known As
Bagan-Nagara architecture style
Nagara architecture style
Gupta architecture style
Bagan Temple Architecture
Indian Gupta Period Style
Pala Architecture
Hindu-Buddhist Syncretism
Nagara Temple Influences
Indic Cosmological Planning
Bagan Syncretic Hindu-Buddhist Temple Architecture with Indian Artistic Influences
Indian Gupta
Pala Art Styles
Indic Sculptural Traditions
Tags
Bengal Architecture
Pala Art
Buddhist Art
Hindu Temple
Pala
Sena
Bengal
Buddhist architecture
Hindu architecture
Terracotta
Style ID
INHF-STY-1627669367-08:02:00:19:02:23:PSAS
URIhttps://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/styles/pala-sena-architecture-style
API Endpoint
https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/pala-sena-architecture-style
Total Sites2
Primary Sites0
CreatedNovember 19, 2025
Last UpdatedNovember 29, 2025

External References

Regions

Regions
Bengal
Bihar
Bangladesh
Jharkhand

Historical Context

Time Periods
8th-12th century CE
Dynasties
Pala Dynasty
Sena Dynasty
Pala dynasty
Sena dynasty

Sacred Context

Sacred Contexts
Buddhist Monasteries
Hindu Temples
Buddhist monasteries
Hindu temples
Associated Deities
Buddha
Tara
Vishnu
Shiva

Architectural Details

Primary Materials
Brick
Terracotta
Stucco
Basalt
Architectural Features
Curvilinear Roof
Elaborate Stucco Decoration
Terracotta Plaques
Panchayatana Layout
Curvilinear towers
Elaborate carvings
Terracotta plaques
Emphasis on sculpture

Keywords

Keywords
Bengal Architecture
Pala Art
Buddhist Art
Hindu Temple
Pala
Sena
Bengal
Buddhist architecture
Hindu architecture
Terracotta

Recommended Sources

TitleTypeNotes
Art of Eastern India, 300-800BookComprehensive overview of art and architecture during the Pala period.
Indian ArtBookSections on Pala and Sena art and architecture

Heritage Sites (2)

Site NameStatusConfidence
Ananda Temple Bagan
Secondary
100%
Htilominlo Temple Bagan
Secondary
100%

See Also

Related Materials

Brick
Terracotta
Stucco
Basalt

Related Features

Curvilinear Roof
Elaborate Stucco Decoration
Terracotta Plaques
Panchayatana Layout
Curvilinear towers
Elaborate carvings
Terracotta plaques
Emphasis on sculpture

How to Identify Pala-Sena architecture style

  1. Look for characteristic features: Curvilinear Roof, Elaborate Stucco Decoration, Terracotta Plaques.
  2. Verify geographic location: Pala-Sena architecture style architecture is typically found in Bengal and Bihar.
  3. Examine construction materials: Pala-Sena architecture style typically uses Brick and Terracotta.
  4. Consider historical context: This style dates from 8th-12th century CE.
  5. Compare with documented examples: 2 heritage sites use this architectural style.

Frequently Asked Questions