Nagara Style

SEO Title: Nagara Style of Temple Architecture: Features, Types, Examples and Key Facts

Category: Art & Culture | Indian Architecture | Ancient & Medieval History

UPSC Notes

The Nagara style is the principal tradition of Hindu temple architecture that developed mainly in northern India.

Key Pointers

  • Broad geographical association: North India.

  • Characteristic feature: curvilinear shikhara.

  • Temple generally has:

    • Garbhagriha

    • Mandapa

    • Shikhara

  • Unlike the Dravida tradition, Nagara temples generally do not have the large pyramidal vimana characteristic of South Indian temples.

  • Important substyles include:

    • Latina

    • Shekhari

    • Bhumija

  • Examples:

    • Kandariya Mahadeva Temple

    • Sun Temple, Konark

    • Lakshmana Temple, Khajuraho

  • Nagara architecture developed significantly during the Gupta and post-Gupta periods.

Prelims Focus: North India → curvilinear shikhara → garbhagriha → mandapa.