Question 1

What is Cave Temple architecture style?

Accepted Answer

Cave temples, found throughout India, represent an ancient tradition of carving sacred spaces directly into natural rock formations, often associated with various Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain faiths.

Question 2

Where is Cave Temple architecture style architecture found?

Accepted Answer

Cave Temple architecture style architecture is primarily found in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, India, China, Myanmar, Thailand, Afghanistan. There are 2 heritage sites documented with this architectural style.

Question 3

When was Cave Temple architecture style architecture used?

Accepted Answer

Cave Temple architecture style architecture was used during Ancient, Early Medieval, 2nd century BCE, 12th century CE. It is associated with the Mauryan Empire, Gupta Empire, Chalukya dynasty, Rashtrakuta dynasty dynasty/period.

Question 4

What materials are used in Cave Temple architecture style architecture?

Accepted Answer

Cave Temple architecture style architecture typically uses Basalt, Granite, Sandstone, Rock. These materials are characteristic of this architectural style and reflect the construction techniques of the period.

Question 5

Which heritage sites use Cave Temple architecture style architecture?

Accepted Answer

There are 2 heritage sites documented with Cave Temple architecture style architecture.  You can explore these sites on the Inheritage Foundation website.

Title	Cave Temple architecture style 4.5/5(Based on 2 heritage sites) Rare 4.5/5(Based on 2 heritage sites)
Description	Cave temples, found throughout India, represent an ancient tradition of carving sacred spaces directly into natural rock formations, often associated with various Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain faiths.
Also Known As	Natural Cave Temple with Ancient Hindu Shakti Peeth Architecture Natural Cave Architecture Ancient Shakti Peeth Design Indus Valley Religious Traditions Vedic Period Worship Sites Makran Coast Hindu Heritage Bagan Cave Temple Architecture with Hindu Vishnu Reliefs Bagan Cave Temple Architecture Indian Rock-Cut Cave Temple Influences Hindu Vishnu Iconography Cave Temple Design
Tags	Rock-cut Cave Temple Mandapa Sanctum cave temple rock-cut sculpture painting
Style ID	`INHF-STY-6385561716-08:10:05:21:01:25:CTAS`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/styles/cave-temple-architecture-style
API Endpoint	`https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/cave-temple-architecture-style`
Total Sites	2
Primary Sites	0
Created	November 19, 2025
Last Updated	November 29, 2025

Time Periods	Ancient Early Medieval 2nd century BCE 12th century CE
Dynasties	Mauryan Empire Gupta Empire Chalukya dynasty Rashtrakuta dynasty

Sacred Contexts	Hindu temples Buddhist monasteries Jain shrines Buddhist temples Taoist temples
Associated Deities	Shiva Vishnu Devi Buddha Mahavira Bodhisattvas Hindu deities

Primary Materials	Basalt Granite Sandstone Rock
Architectural Features	Rock-cut architecture Sanctum Mandapa Pillars Sculptures Cave interiors Paintings

Title	Type	Notes
Indian Rock-Cut Architecture	Book	Overview of cave temple architecture in India
The Cave Temples of India	book	General overview of cave temple architecture.

Cave Temple architecture style

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How to Identify Cave Temple architecture style

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Site Name	Status	Confidence
Hinglaj Mata Temple Lasbela Balochistan	Secondary	100%
Kyauk Gu Ohnmin Temple Bagan	Secondary	100%