Scribd
Upload
12K views3 pages

Difference Between North Indian and South Indian Temple Architecture

The document summarizes the key differences between North Indian (Nagara style) and South Indian (Dravida style) temple architecture. The Dravida style is characterized by a single pyramidal tower, large gopurams or gateways, and deities depicted outside. It also had administrative and educational purposes. The Nagara style features a curvilinear tower made of stacked elements, modest gateways, and deities shown inside. It primarily served religious functions.

Uploaded by

aditi32
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
12K views3 pages

Difference Between North Indian and South Indian Temple Architecture

The document summarizes the key differences between North Indian (Nagara style) and South Indian (Dravida style) temple architecture. The Dravida style is characterized by a single pyramidal tower, large gopurams or gateways, and deities depicted outside. It also had administrative and educational purposes. The Nagara style features a curvilinear tower made of stacked elements, modest gateways, and deities shown inside. It primarily served religious functions.

Uploaded by

aditi32
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NORTH INDIAN TEMPLE ARCHITECTURE (NAGARA

STYLE) AND SOUTH INDIAN TEMPLE ARCHITECTURE(DRAVIDA STYLE)

Basis Dravida style of architecture Nagara style of architecture

Location According to the Silpasastras, those According to the Silpasastras,

temples which are situated between north Indian temples are

the Krishna River and Kanyakumari Nagara style.

are Dravida style.

Central It has pyramidical shaped central tower It is characterized by a beehive

Tower (called Vimana in Dravida style). In this shaped curvilinear tower (called

style, there is only one single Shikhara a Shikhara, in northern

or Vimana. terminology) made up of layer

upon layer of architectural

elements and a cruciform

ground plan. In this style, there

is a multiple Shikharas.

Gopuram Gopuram is the most prominent. It is In Nagara style, the Shikhara

(gateway) stylized and big in size. remains the most prominent

element of the temple and the

gateway is usually modest or

even absent.

Boundary In this style, temples have elaborated In this style, boundary has less

boundary. emphasised.

Entrance In this style, Dwarpalas are there on In this style, Ganga and

the entrance. Yamuna rivers are depicted in


personified form at the entrance

of Garbhagriha or sanctum

sanctorum.

Tower In this style, there is always a single In this style, there are multiple

tower. towers. For example-

Khajuraho temple.

Pedestal In this style, pedestals are more or less In this style, pedestals are

at ground level. higher than ground.

Deities on In this style, temples have deities In this style, temples have

the outside outside. deities inside.

Purpose Temples in South have not only been Most of the temples in Nagara

religious centres, but were also used style had only religious

for administrative activities, controlling purpose.

vast areas of land and were also

centres of education.

You might also like