What is Post-Gupta architecture style?

Transitional phase in Indian architecture following the Gupta period, characterized by evolving temple forms, regional variations, and the emergence of distinct styles like Nagara and Dravida across the subcontinent.

Where is Post-Gupta architecture style architecture found?

Post-Gupta architecture style architecture is primarily found in North India, Central India, Deccan, South India, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh. There are 2 heritage sites documented with this architectural style.

When was Post-Gupta architecture style architecture used?

Post-Gupta architecture style architecture was used during 6th-8th century CE. It is associated with the Chalukya dynasty, Pallava dynasty, Maitraka dynasty, Pushyabhuti dynasty, Maukhari, Later Guptas, Vardhana dynasty/period.

What materials are used in Post-Gupta architecture style architecture?

Post-Gupta architecture style architecture typically uses Brick, Stone. These materials are characteristic of this architectural style and reflect the construction techniques of the period.

Which heritage sites use Post-Gupta architecture style architecture?

There are 2 heritage sites documented with Post-Gupta architecture style architecture. You can explore these sites on the Inheritage Foundation website.

Post-Gupta architecture style | Inheritage Foundation Art & Architecture Thesaurus | Inheritage Foundation

Title	Post-Gupta architecture style 4.5/5(Based on 2 heritage sites) Rare 4.5/5(Based on 2 heritage sites)
Description	Transitional phase in Indian architecture following the Gupta period, characterized by evolving temple forms, regional variations, and the emergence of distinct styles like Nagara and Dravida across the subcontinent.
Also Known As	Kalinga Nagara architecture style Nagara architecture style North Indian Temple 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 Nagara Style Hindu Temple Curvilinear tower porch sanctum Kalinga Architecture (influence from Odisha) Mithila Architecture (regional influence from Bihar) Possible Pala Dynasty influences Traditional Hindu Temple Architecture
Tags	Early temples Shikhara development Regional styles Gupta influence Gupta Temple Architecture Early Medieval Shikhara
Style ID	`INHF-STY-0007845318-02:26:35:14:12:24:PGAS`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/styles/post-gupta-architecture-style
API Endpoint	`https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/post-gupta-architecture-style`
Total Sites	2
Primary Sites	0
Created	November 19, 2025
Last Updated	November 29, 2025

External References

View on Wikidata

Regions

Regions	North India Central India Deccan South India Bihar Uttar Pradesh Madhya Pradesh

Historical Context

Time Periods	6th-8th century CE
Dynasties	Chalukya dynasty Pallava dynasty Maitraka dynasty Pushyabhuti dynasty Maukhari Later Guptas Vardhana

Sacred Context

Sacred Contexts	Hindu temples Buddhist monasteries
Associated Deities	Shiva Vishnu Buddha Surya

Architectural Details

Primary Materials	Brick Stone
Architectural Features	Early shikhara forms Pillared halls Rock-cut caves Evolving plan layouts Evolving shikhara forms Elaborate doorframes Sculptural panels Panchayatana layout

Keywords

Keywords	Early temples Shikhara development Regional styles Gupta influence Gupta Temple Architecture Early Medieval Shikhara

Recommended Sources

Title	Type	Notes
The Art of Gupta India	Book	Provides context for the transition from Gupta to post-Gupta styles.
Early Stone Temples of Orissa	Book	Examines the development of temple architecture in Odisha during this period.

Heritage Sites (2)

Site Name	Status	Confidence
Baba Harihar Nath Temple Sonepur	Secondary	100%
Surya Mandir Deo	Secondary	100%

How to Identify Post-Gupta architecture style

Look for characteristic features: Early shikhara forms, Pillared halls, Rock-cut caves.
Verify geographic location: Post-Gupta architecture style architecture is typically found in North India and Central India.
Examine construction materials: Post-Gupta architecture style typically uses Brick and Stone.
Consider historical context: This style dates from 6th-8th century CE.
Compare with documented examples: 2 heritage sites use this architectural style.

Post-Gupta architecture style

External References

Regions

Historical Context

Sacred Context

Architectural Details

Keywords

Recommended Sources

Heritage Sites (2)

See Also

Related Materials

Related Features

Example Sites

How to Identify Post-Gupta architecture style

Frequently Asked Questions