Question 1

What is Chala architecture style?

Accepted Answer

Chala architecture, originating in Bengal, features a roof structure inspired by traditional village huts, often with curved eaves and multiple layers, adapted for temple construction.

Question 2

Where is Chala architecture style architecture found?

Accepted Answer

Chala architecture style architecture is primarily found in Bengal, Tripura, West Bengal, Bangladesh. There are 4 heritage sites documented with this architectural style.

Question 3

When was Chala architecture style architecture used?

Accepted Answer

Chala architecture style architecture was used during 17th Century CE, 18th Century CE, 19th Century CE. It is associated with the Malla dynasty, Tripura Kingdom dynasty/period.

Question 4

What materials are used in Chala architecture style architecture?

Accepted Answer

Chala architecture style architecture typically uses Brick, Terracotta. These materials are characteristic of this architectural style and reflect the construction techniques of the period.

Question 5

Which heritage sites use Chala architecture style architecture?

Accepted Answer

There are 4 heritage sites documented with Chala architecture style architecture.  You can explore these sites on the Inheritage Foundation website.

Title	Chala architecture style 4.5/5(Based on 4 heritage sites) Rare 4.5/5(Based on 4 heritage sites)
Description	Chala architecture, originating in Bengal, features a roof structure inspired by traditional village huts, often with curved eaves and multiple layers, adapted for temple construction.
Also Known As	Nagara Curvilinear Concentric rings rising to tower. Nagara Architecture Kalinga Architecture Typical Bengali Temple Style Eka-Ratna style Chala Style Domical Style influenced by Islamic architecture Vernacular Tripura architecture Indo-Bengali Eclectic Curved roofs domes pinnacles Typical Bengali Temple Architecture Eka-Ratna Style Islamic Dome Influences Mughal Architectural Influences Bengali Temple architecture Religious brick structure Bengali Temple Architecture Typical Bengal Temple style of the 19th Century Hut-shaped (Aatchala) style Jor-Bangla Style influences Do-chala (double sloped roof) Ek-bangla (single sloped roof) influences Ek Ratna Bengali Hindu Curvilinear tower single spire. Typical Tripura Dome Style Ektala Style Do-chala Style Jor-bangla Style Pancharatna Style Navaratna Style
Tags	Chala Bengali temple architecture Hut roof Curvilinear roof Bengali roof Curved roof Terracotta Temple architecture Bengal Temple Roof Do-chala Ek-bangla Aatchala Bengali temple Sloping roof Dochala Charchala
Style ID	`INHF-STY-5934762127-06:35:57:31:10:25:CAS`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/styles/chala-architecture-style
API Endpoint	`https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/chala-architecture-style`
Total Sites	4
Primary Sites	0
Created	November 19, 2025
Last Updated	November 29, 2025

Time Periods	17th Century CE 18th Century CE 19th Century CE
Dynasties	Malla dynasty Tripura Kingdom

Sacred Contexts	Hindu temples Vaishnava temples Shakta temples
Associated Deities	Krishna Durga Shiva Kali

Primary Materials	Brick Terracotta
Architectural Features	Curved roof Hut-shaped roof Multiple layers of eaves Sloping eaves Curved cornices Thatched-hut inspiration Do-chala roof (double sloped) Ek-bangla roof (single sloped) Aatchala roof (eight-sloped) Sloping roof Dochala Charchala Curvilinear form

Title	Type	Notes
Terracotta Temples of Bengal	Book	Detailed analysis of Chala style temples
Temples of Bengal: A Study in Art and Technique	Book	Detailed analysis of the Chala roof form and its variations.
The Temples of Bengal: The Construction of a Sacred Landscape	book	Detailed analysis of the chala style and its variations.

Chala architecture style

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Heritage Sites (4)

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How to Identify Chala architecture style

Frequently Asked Questions

Site Name	Status	Confidence
Bhubaneswari Temple Udaipur Tripura	Secondary	100%
Jagannath Temple Agartala	Secondary	100%
Kalighat Kali Temple Kolkata	Secondary	100%
Kamalasagar Kali Temple Kasba	Secondary	100%