Question 1

What is Early Hindu Temple architecture style?

Accepted Answer

Early Hindu temple architecture, emerging from Gupta period onwards, is characterized by simple square plans, flat roofs or modest shikharas, and a focus on the garbhagriha (sanctum) housing the deity.

Question 2

Where is Early Hindu Temple architecture style architecture found?

Accepted Answer

Early Hindu Temple architecture style architecture is primarily found in India, Southeast Asia (influence), Afghanistan (influence), Pan-Indian. There are 2 heritage sites documented with this architectural style.

Question 3

When was Early Hindu Temple architecture style architecture used?

Accepted Answer

Early Hindu Temple architecture style architecture was used during 4th-8th century CE, 2nd century BCE - 5th century CE. It is associated with the Gupta Empire, Vakataka dynasty, Early Chalukya dynasty, Various local dynasties dynasty/period.

Question 4

What materials are used in Early Hindu Temple architecture style architecture?

Accepted Answer

Early Hindu Temple architecture style architecture typically uses Stone, Brick. These materials are characteristic of this architectural style and reflect the construction techniques of the period.

Question 5

Which heritage sites use Early Hindu Temple architecture style architecture?

Accepted Answer

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

Title	Early Hindu Temple architecture style 4.5/5(Based on 2 heritage sites) Rare 4.5/5(Based on 2 heritage sites)
Description	Early Hindu temple architecture, emerging from Gupta period onwards, is characterized by simple square plans, flat roofs or modest shikharas, and a focus on the garbhagriha (sanctum) housing the deity.
Also Known As	Kushan Hindu Temple Architecture with Indian Nagara Influences Indian Nagara Temple Architecture Kushan Architecture Early Hindu Temple Design Indic Surya Worship Kushan Hindu Temple Architecture with Indian Nagara Central Asian Influences Central Asian Temple Design Hellenistic Influences Indic Cosmological Planning
Tags	Garbhagriha Hindu Temple Early Temple Gupta Architecture Square Plan Hindu
Style ID	`INHF-STY-1865859684-06:03:43:19:05:23:EHTAS`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/styles/early-hindu-temple-architecture-style
API Endpoint	`https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/early-hindu-temple-architecture-style`
Total Sites	2
Primary Sites	0
Created	November 19, 2025
Last Updated	November 29, 2025

Time Periods	4th-8th century CE 2nd century BCE - 5th century CE
Dynasties	Gupta Empire Vakataka dynasty Early Chalukya dynasty Various local dynasties

Sacred Contexts	Hindu temples
Associated Deities	Shiva Vishnu Devi Surya

Primary Materials	Stone Brick
Architectural Features	Square plan Flat roof Garbhagriha Simple ornamentation

Title	Type	Notes
The Early Temples of Central India	Book	Detailed analysis of early temple forms.
Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods)	Book	Classic text on Indian architectural history.
The Early Temples of India	Book	Study of the formative stages of Indian temple architecture.

Early Hindu Temple architecture style

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Site Name	Status	Confidence
Naulakhi Kotal Temple Baghlan Afghanistan	Secondary	100%
Surkh Kotal Zamindawar Temple Baghlan Afghanistan	Secondary	100%