Question 1

What is Karnata Dravida architecture style?

Accepted Answer

Karnata Dravida architecture, a regional variant of Dravida architecture, flourished in Karnataka, characterized by its distinctive stepped pyramidal towers and intricate sculptural details.

Question 2

Where is Karnata Dravida architecture style architecture found?

Accepted Answer

Karnata Dravida architecture style architecture is primarily found in Karnataka. There are 4 heritage sites documented with this architectural style.

Question 3

When was Karnata Dravida architecture style architecture used?

Accepted Answer

Karnata Dravida architecture style architecture was used during 7th-18th century CE, 7th century CE, 8th century CE, 9th century CE, 10th century CE, 11th century CE, 12th century CE, 13th century CE, 14th century CE, 15th century CE, 16th century CE. It is associated with the Chalukya Dynasty, Rashtrakuta Dynasty, Hoysala Dynasty, Vijayanagara Empire, Chalukya dynasty, Rashtrakuta dynasty, Hoysala dynasty dynasty/period.

Question 4

What materials are used in Karnata Dravida architecture style architecture?

Accepted Answer

Karnata Dravida architecture style architecture typically uses Sandstone, Granite, Soapstone. These materials are characteristic of this architectural style and reflect the construction techniques of the period.

Question 5

Which heritage sites use Karnata Dravida architecture style architecture?

Accepted Answer

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

Title	Karnata Dravida architecture style 4.5/5(Based on 4 heritage sites) Rare 4.5/5(Based on 4 heritage sites)
Description	Karnata Dravida architecture, a regional variant of Dravida architecture, flourished in Karnataka, characterized by its distinctive stepped pyramidal towers and intricate sculptural details.
Also Known As	Hoysala architecture Vesara intricately carved stone Dravida Architecture Hoysala Architecture Karnata Dravida Architecture Vesara Architecture Vijayanagara Architecture influences (later additions) Badami Chalukya Architecture (foundational influence) South Indian Temple Architecture Hindu Temple Architecture stellate geometry intricate carvings South Indian Temple Style Badami Chalukya Architecture Western Chalukya Architecture Chalukya Dravida stepped pyramidal tower. Chalukya Architecture Hemadpanthi Style Maratha Temple Architecture Nagara Architecture Southern Deccan Style Karnata Dravida influences temple elaborate carvings pyramidal towers. Dravidian Architecture Vijayanagara Architecture Deccan Architecture Hoysala Temple Architecture influences (minor) Chola Architecture influences (minor)
Tags	Dravida South Indian Temple Architecture Chalukya style Vimana Gopuram Mandapa Tala Karnata Dravida Chalukya Hoysala Karnataka Temple Carvings
Style ID	`INHF-STY-8609246767-07:30:05:17:12:19:KDAS`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/styles/karnata-dravida-architecture-style
API Endpoint	`https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/karnata-dravida-architecture-style`
Total Sites	4
Primary Sites	0
Created	November 19, 2025
Last Updated	November 29, 2025

Time Periods	7th-18th century CE 7th century CE 8th century CE 9th century CE 10th century CE 11th century CE 12th century CE 13th century CE 14th century CE 15th century CE 16th century CE
Dynasties	Chalukya Dynasty Rashtrakuta Dynasty Hoysala Dynasty Vijayanagara Empire Chalukya dynasty Rashtrakuta dynasty Hoysala dynasty

Sacred Contexts	Hindu temples
Associated Deities	Shiva Vishnu Devi

Primary Materials	Sandstone Granite Soapstone
Architectural Features	Stepped pyramidal tower (Vimana) Gopurams Pillared halls Intricate carvings Dravida superstructure (Vimana) Stepped tiers (Talas) Pillared halls (Mandapas) Stepped pyramidal vimana Elevated platforms Vimana Gopuram

Title	Type	Notes
George Michell, The Penguin Guide to the Monuments of India, Volume 1: Buddhist, Jain, Hindu	Book	Overview of South Indian temple architecture.
Indian Architecture (Buddhist, Hindu, Jain)	book

Karnata Dravida architecture style

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Heritage Sites (4)

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How to Identify Karnata Dravida architecture style

Frequently Asked Questions

Site Name	Status	Confidence
Chennakesava Temple Belur	Secondary	100%
Hoysaleswara Temple Halebidu	Secondary	100%
Mahalaxmi Temple Kolhapur	Secondary	100%
Virupaksha Temple Hampi	Secondary	100%