{"id":31395,"date":"2026-10-28T17:26:15","date_gmt":"2026-10-28T11:56:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/?p=31395"},"modified":"2026-10-28T17:26:15","modified_gmt":"2026-10-28T11:56:15","slug":"dravidian-style-of-temple-architecture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/dravidian-style-of-temple-architecture\/","title":{"rendered":"Dravidian Style of Temple Architecture, Features, Diagram, Examples"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The <\/span><b>Dravidian Style of Temple Architecture<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> is one of the major traditions of Hindu temple architecture in India. It developed primarily in South India and reached important milestones under the Pallava and Chola dynasties. Known for its pyramid-shaped towers, intricate stone carvings, pillared halls and elaborate temple complexes, this architectural style represents the artistic, religious and cultural achievements of medieval South India.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Pallavas pioneered important developments in rock-cut and structural temple architecture, while the Cholas further developed the tradition through monumental stone temples, sophisticated engineering and exquisite sculptures. Famous examples include the Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram and the Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Dravidian Style of Architecture About<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Dravidian Style of Temple Architecture, also known as the Dravida Style or Dravidian Style, is a traditional form of Hindu temple architecture that evolved primarily in southern India.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The style developed significantly between the 6th and 9th centuries CE under the Pallavas and reached remarkable heights under the Cholas from the 9th to the 13th centuries CE.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Later dynasties, including the Pandyas, <a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/vijayanagara-empire\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Vijayanagara Empire<\/strong><\/a>, and Nayakas, further expanded and transformed the tradition.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Dravidian Style of Temple Architecture Features<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The principal features of Dravidian temple architecture reflect a combination of religious symbolism, engineering skills and artistic craftsmanship. Its distinctive features include towering gopurams, stepped vimanas, and intricate sculptural details, setting it apart from Nagara architecture.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>High Boundary Walls<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Unlike Nagara temples, Dravidian temples are enclosed by tall perimeter walls.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Gopuram<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The front wall features a towering entrance gateway, known as a gopuram, serving as a grand entry point.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Panchayatan Layout<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The temple complex follows a panchayatan design, with a central temple surrounded by four smaller shrines.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Mandapa or Pillared Hall: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A mandapa is a pillared hall used for religious ceremonies, congregational activities and other temple functions. Depending on the temple, there may be several mandapas, including:<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Ardhamandapa: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">An entrance hall or transitional space adjoining the sanctum.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Mahamandapa: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A larger hall used for worship and congregation.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Kalyana Mandapa:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> A hall associated with ceremonial celebrations, including divine marriage rituals.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Nandi Mandapa: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A pavilion that houses the image of Nandi, the sacred bull associated with Lord Shiva.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Vimana<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The spire above the main shrine is a stepped pyramid, rising linearly, called a vimana, distinct from the curved shikhara of Nagara temples.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Shikhara<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The crowning element of the vimana is octagonal, unlike the rounded kalash of Nagara architecture.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Single Vimana<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Only the main temple has a vimana; subsidiary shrines lack them, unlike Nagara temples.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Antarala<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: A vestibular passage, known as antarala, connects the assembly hall to the garbhagriha (sanctum).<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Sculptural Details<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The garbhagriha entrance is adorned with carvings of Dwaarpal (door guardians), mithun (mythical pairs), and yaksha figures.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Water Tank<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: A distinctive feature is the inclusion of a water tank within the temple premises.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Dvarapalas<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Dvarapalas are guardian figures commonly placed near the entrances to sanctums and other important temple spaces. They are often depicted as powerful figures intended to symbolically guard the sacred precinct.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Circumambulatory Passages: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Some temples provide a passage around the sanctum for ritual movement. Such arrangements are visible in developed Pallava structural architecture.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Dravidian Style Architecture Classification<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Dravidian style of temple architecture features various subdivisions based on the shape of the temple plan and vimana, influenced by the iconographic nature of the deity. Below are the key classifications based on geometric forms:<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Square (Kuta or Caturasra)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Temples with a square-shaped plan and vimana, commonly used in Dravidian architecture.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Rectangular (Shala or Ayatasra)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Temples designed with a rectangular plan, distinct from the square kuta style.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Elliptical (Gaja-prishta or Vrittayata)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Temples with an elliptical shape, resembling an elephant\u2019s back, derived from wagon-vaulted apsidal chaityas with a horseshoe-shaped entrance facade called a nasi.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Circular (Vritta)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Temples featuring a circular plan and vimana, a less common but distinct form.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Octagonal (Ashtasra)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Temples with an octagonal plan, adding to the variety of Dravidian designs.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Dravida Style Architecture Under Pallavas<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The evolution of <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/temple-architecture\/\" target=\"_blank\">temple architecture<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> in South India commenced during the reign of Pallava ruler Mahendravarman. The architectural styles during the Pallava dynasty were shaped by the preferences of individual rulers and progressed through four distinct phases:<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Mahendra Group<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The initial phase of Pallava temple architecture emerged under Mahendravarman, characterised by rock-cut temples. These structures, referred to as mandapas, differed from the Nagara style mandapas meant only for the assembly hall.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Narasimha Group<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The second phase developed under Narasimhavarman, focusing on rock-cut temples adorned with intricate sculptures. The mandapas evolved into distinct rathas, with the largest named Dharmaraja ratha and the smallest called Draupadi ratha. The Dharmaraja ratha served as a precursor to the design of temples in the Dravidian architectural style.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Rajasimha Group<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Under Rajasimha, the <a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/pallavas-of-kanchi\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Pallava dynasty<\/strong><\/a> transitioned from rock-cut to structural temples in the 7th century, with prominent examples including the Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram and the Kailasanatha Temple at Kanchipuram. Mahabalipuram, a 7th-century port city, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 for its \u201cGroup of Monuments at Mahabalipuram.\u201dThese are explained below:<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Ratha Temples<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: 7th-century rock-cut temples, including Dharmaraja, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula-Sahadeva, and Draupadi Rathas.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Rock-Cut Caves<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Varaha, Krishna, Panchapandava Caves, and Mahishasuramardini Mandapa with a Durga bas-relief.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Open-Air Reliefs<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Descent of the Ganges (Arjuna\u2019s or Bhagiratha\u2019s Penance) and Krishna\u2019s Butter Ball.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Shore Temple Complex<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Three temples within a two-tiered wall adorned with Nandi sculptures, dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu, showcasing early Dravidian structural design. The temple is predominantly dedicated to Lord Shiva, with a sculpture of Anantashayana Vishnu in one of the three temples within the complex.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Nandivarman Group<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The fourth phase, during Nandivarman\u2019s reign, featured smaller temples that retained characteristics of the Dravidian style. Following the decline of the Pallavas, temple architecture transitioned under the Chola dynasty, fully embracing the Dravidian style. This shift heralded a new chapter in South Indian temple development. Subsequently, three additional styles\u2014Vesara, Nayaka, and Vijayanagara\u2014emerged in the region.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Dravida Style Architecture Under Cholas<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Under the <a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/imperial-cholas\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>imperial Cholas<\/strong><\/a>' patronage, South India witnessed the construction of numerous temples, building upon the Pallava architectural legacy with distinct modifications. This evolved into the renowned Dravidian style, often referred to as Chola architecture, characterised by unique structural and aesthetic elements. Features include:<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Cholas favored durable stone construction, resulting in temples adorned with intricate sculptures and expansive gopurams.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Temples built during the time of Aditya and Parantaka usually had three niches on the shrine walls, one on each wall, and two niches on the ardhamandapa walls, one on each side.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Three Phases of Chola Temples<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Chola temple architecture represents a remarkable fusion of artistry, engineering, and spiritual devotion that flourished from the 9th to the 12th centuries in South India.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><b>First phase, or the early Chola phase: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The early Chola temples have square vimanas with an ardha-mandapa in front. The main temple is surrounded by eight sub-shrines known as asta-parivaralya, or eight-family shrines.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><b>Examples:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Sundaresvara, Vijayalaya, Colesvaram, and the Koranganatha Temple.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li><b>Second Phase of Chola Temples: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">During this period, architecture reached its pinnacle under the rule of Rajaraja I and his son Rajendra I. The temples were lavishly decorated with sculptural embellishments.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><b>Example<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The Brihadisvara temple at Thanjavur is dedicated to lord Shiva and built of large granite stones. It has the tallest vimana of 66m through sixteen storeys, and the vimana is crowned by a huge monolithic \u201ccupola\u201d with a stupi or finial.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li><b>Third Phase of Chola Temples: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In this phase, the plan became more complex. The Chola temple in the third phase is made of stone and bricks. Besides the gopurams, additional pillared mandapas were built within the temple complex. Some are shaped like rathas or wheeled chariots drawn by elephants and horses. Surya worship is evident during this period.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><b>Example<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Airavatesvara temple at Darasuram is stated as a \u201csculptor's dream re-lived in stone\u201d. The most unique art of this temple is the musical stone pillars just in front of the temple.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Chola Sculpture<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A hallmark of Chola temples is their elaborate sculptural decoration, with the iconic Nataraja sculpture in the Tandava pose being a pinnacle achievement. While the earliest known Nataraja was crafted during the Chalukya period at Ravana Phadi Cave in Aihole, the Cholas perfected this form. Features of the Nataraja Sculpture<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Upper Right Hand<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Holds a drum (damru), symbolizing the primal sound of creation.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Upper Left Hand<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Grasps eternal fire, representing destruction as a necessary complement to creation.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Lower Right Hand<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Displays the abhaya mudra, a gesture of reassurance and protection for devotees.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Lower Left Hand<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Points to the raised foot, guiding devotees toward the path of salvation.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Dwarf Figure<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Shiva dances atop a dwarf, symbolizing the defeat of ignorance and ego.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Matted Locks<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Represent the flowing Ganges River, symbolizing divine energy.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Earrings<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: One male and one female earring signify the Ardhanarishvara concept, blending masculine and feminine energies.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Snake<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: A serpent coiled around Shiva\u2019s arm represents kundalini energy, which, when awakened, leads to spiritual enlightenment.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Nimbus of Light<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: A glowing halo encircles the Nataraja, symbolizing the infinite cycles of time.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0<\/span><b><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Difference Between Nagara and Dravidian Style of Architecture<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/nagara-style-of-architecture\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Nagara style of architecture<\/strong><\/a> dominates North Indian temple architecture with curvilinear shikharas (towers), while the Dravidian style defines South Indian temples through stepped pyramidal vimanas and massive gopuram gateway towers.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<table style=\"width: 93.988%\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td class=\"tb-color\" style=\"width: 16.5331%\"><b>Feature<\/b><b>Feature<\/b><\/td>\r\n<td class=\"tb-color\" style=\"width: 36.71%\"><b>Nagara Style (North India)<\/b><\/td>\r\n<td class=\"tb-color\" style=\"width: 39.8905%\"><b>Dravidian Style (South India)<\/b><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 16.5331%\">\r\n<p><b>Region<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 36.71%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Predominantly North India (Gupta origins onward)<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 39.8905%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Predominantly South India (Pallava and Chola developments)<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 16.5331%\">\r\n<p><b>Main Tower<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 36.71%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Curvilinear shikhara curving inward<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 39.8905%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Stepped pyramidal vimana<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 16.5331%\">\r\n<p><b>Crown of Tower<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 36.71%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ribbed stone amalaka topped with a kalasha<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 39.8905%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Stupika or kalasha at the top of the vimana<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 16.5331%\">\r\n<p><b>Primary Focus<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 36.71%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The shikhara (superstructure) above the sanctum<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 39.8905%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The tall, ornate gopurams (gateway towers)<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 16.5331%\">\r\n<p><b>Compound Walls<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 36.71%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Usually lacks elaborate boundary walls or large enclosures<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 39.8905%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Enclosed within high compound walls (prakaras)<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 16.5331%\">\r\n<p><b>Entrance &amp; Guardians<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 36.71%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Depictions of river goddesses Ganga and Yamuna outside the sanctum<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 39.8905%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Fierce dwarapala (doorkeeper) sculptures<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 16.5331%\">\r\n<p><b>Water Features<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 36.71%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Generally no enclosed sacred water tanks<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 39.8905%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Large sacred water reservoirs or tanks inside the complex<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 16.5331%\">\r\n<p><b>Platform<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 36.71%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Built on a raised stone platform with steps (jagati)<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 39.8905%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Not typically built on a high-raised stone platform<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 16.5331%\">\r\n<p><b>Famous Examples<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 36.71%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, Konark Sun Temple<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 39.8905%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Brihadeshwara Temple, Meenakshi Temple<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Famous Dravidian Style Temples in India<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Some of the most important examples of Dravidian temple architecture belong to the Pallava and Chola periods. These monuments help trace the transition from experimentation in rock to fully developed structural temple complexes.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Shore Temple was constructed during the Pallava period, generally associated with the reign of Narasimhavarman II, also known as Rajasimha. Located along the Coromandel Coast, it is among the best-known early structural stone temples in South India. The Shore Temple forms part of the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/unesco-world-heritage-sites-in-india\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/strong><\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> inscribed in 1984.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Kailasanatha Temple, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Kailasanatha Temple at Kanchipuram was built under Pallava patronage, particularly associated with Narasimhavarman II. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, its vimana, sculptural decoration and subsidiary shrines illustrate the development of the Pallava architectural tradition.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Brihadisvara Temple, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Brihadisvara Temple, also known as the Rajarajesvaram Temple, was commissioned by Rajaraja Chola I and completed in the early 11th century. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is renowned for its monumental vimana, extensive stone construction and sophisticated sculptural decoration. It forms part of the UNESCO-listed Great Living Chola Temples, inscribed in 1987.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Brihadisvara Temple, Gangaikondacholapuram, Tamil Nadu<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This temple was built under Rajendra Chola I, the son and successor of Rajaraja Chola I. It commemorates the imperial achievements of Rajendra Chola and represents the continued development of Chola temple architecture.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram, Tamil Nadu<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Airavatesvara Temple was constructed under Rajaraja Chola II during the 12th century. It is known for its intricate stone carvings, elaborate mandapa and distinctive sculptural details. Along with the temples at Thanjavur and Gangaikondacholapuram, it forms part of the UNESCO-listed Great Living Chola Temples.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Dravidian Style of Temple Architecture UPSC PYQs<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><b>Q1: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Chola architecture represents a high watermark in the evolution of temple architecture. Discuss. <\/span><b>(UPSC Mains 2013)<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p><b>Q2: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Building \u2018Kalyaana Mandapas\u2019 was a notable feature in the temple construction in the kingdom of <\/span><b>(UPSC Prelims 2019)<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(a) Chalukya<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(b) Chandela<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(c) Rashtrakuta<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(d) Vijayanagara<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><b>Ans: (d)<\/b><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Dravidian Style of Temple Architecture is one of the major traditions of Hindu temple architecture in India. Read about Dravida Style, Features &#038; Examples. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":22,"featured_media":31432,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[38,23],"tags":[2158,40,619],"class_list":["post-31395","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-upsc-notes","category-upsc-art-culture-notes","tag-dravidian-style-of-temple-architecture","tag-quest","tag-upsc-art-and-culture-notes"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31395","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/22"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=31395"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31395\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":31437,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31395\/revisions\/31437"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/31432"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=31395"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=31395"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=31395"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}