What is Pallava architecture style?

Pallava architecture, a formative style in South India, is known for its rock-cut cave temples, monolithic rathas, and early structural temples, marking a transition in Dravidian temple design.

Where is Pallava architecture style architecture found?

Pallava architecture style architecture is primarily found in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka. There are 13 heritage sites documented with this architectural style.

When was Pallava architecture style architecture used?

Pallava architecture style architecture was used during 6th century CE, 7th century CE, 8th century CE, 9th century CE, 7th-9th century CE, 6th-9th century CE, 600-900 CE. It is associated with the Pallava Dynasty, Pallava dynasty/period.

What materials are used in Pallava architecture style architecture?

Pallava architecture style architecture typically uses Granite, Rock-cut, Rock. These materials are characteristic of this architectural style and reflect the construction techniques of the period.

Which heritage sites use Pallava architecture style architecture?

There are 13 heritage sites documented with Pallava architecture style architecture. You can explore these sites on the Inheritage Foundation website.

Pallava architecture style | Inheritage Foundation Art & Architecture Thesaurus | Inheritage Foundation

Title	Pallava architecture style 4.5/5(Based on 13 heritage sites) Uncommon 4.5/5(Based on 13 heritage sites)
Description	Pallava architecture, a formative style in South India, is known for its rock-cut cave temples, monolithic rathas, and early structural temples, marking a transition in Dravidian temple design.
Also Known As	Dravidian Temple Architecture Religious Gopuram Towers Dravidian Architecture Vijayanagara Architecture Chola Architecture Pallava Architecture Tamil Temple Architecture Agamic Shilpa Shastras Vesara Architecture influences (debatable more prominent in later additions) High gopurams mandapas Nayaka Architecture Ornate carvings gopuram towers. South Indian Temple Style Chola Influence Pallava Influence Chalukya Influence Vesara Style (blend of Dravidian Nagara) religious towering gopurams. Dravidian Hindu Temple Architecture with South Indian Shaivite Architectural Iconographic Influences South Indian Dravidian Architecture Tamil Shaivite Temple Design Pandya Architecture Dravidian temple rock-cut monolithic ratha. Rock-cut Architecture Rathas (Chariot-shaped Temples) Gopurams Mandapas Vimana Dravidian Style South Indian Temple Architecture with Twin Gopurams Chola Era Stone Temples Pallava Gopuram Design Vaishnavite Temple Planning Sri Lankan Tamil Craft Traditions Victorian Regulatory Adaptations Community Multicultural Planning Temple Gopuram towers ornate carvings. Vesara Architecture influences Badami Chalukya Architecture Dravidian Style South Indian Temple Architecture with Granite Gopuram Tamil Nadu Granite Temple Craft Tirupati Venkateswara Iconography Pallava Period Relief Work Sri Lankan Tamil Diaspora Planning Australian Bushland Landscaping Contemporary Seismic Detailing Dravida Architecture South Indian Sloping pyramidal tower. Western Ganga Architecture Hoysala Architecture
Tags	Pallava Rock-cut Ratha Mandapa Bas-relief Structural temple South India Temple architecture Mahabalipuram Dravida Hindu temple South Indian Temple Rock-cut architecture Pallava Dynasty Tamil Nadu Monolithic temples Cave temples Mahendravarman style Rajasimha style Shore Temple Rathas Cave Temples Monolithic Mamallapuram Sculptures Temple
Style ID	`INHF-STY-8572920439-05:11:16:14:12:23:PAS`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/styles/pallava-architecture-style
API Endpoint	`https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/pallava-architecture-style`
Total Sites	13
Primary Sites	0
Created	November 19, 2025
Last Updated	November 29, 2025

Regions

Regions	Tamil Nadu Andhra Pradesh Karnataka

Historical Context

Time Periods	6th century CE 7th century CE 8th century CE 9th century CE 7th-9th century CE 6th-9th century CE 600-900 CE
Dynasties	Pallava Dynasty Pallava

Sacred Context

Sacred Contexts	Hindu temples Cave temples Shaiva temples Hindu temples, both Shaiva and Vaishnava Vaishnava temples
Associated Deities	Shiva Vishnu Devi Durga

Architectural Details

Primary Materials	Granite Rock-cut Rock
Architectural Features	Rock-cut caves Rathas Mandapas Bas-reliefs Rock-cut cave temples Monolithic rathas Structural temples Bas-relief carvings Sculptures Monolithic temples Rock-cut temples Mandapa Ratha Rock-cut architecture Early structural temples Early Gopurams Monolithic structures Early Dravidian features Garbhagriha

Keywords

Keywords	Pallava Rock-cut Ratha Mandapa Bas-relief Structural temple South India Temple architecture Mahabalipuram Dravida Hindu temple South Indian Temple Rock-cut architecture Pallava Dynasty Tamil Nadu Monolithic temples Cave temples Mahendravarman style Rajasimha style Shore Temple Rathas Cave Temples Monolithic Mamallapuram Sculptures Temple

Recommended Sources

Title	Type	Notes
Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Period)	book
Pallava Art	Book	Explores the artistic and architectural achievements of the Pallava dynasty.
Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods)	Book	General overview of Pallava contributions to Indian architecture.
The Art of the Pallavas	Book	Comprehensive study of Pallava art and architecture.
Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu)	Book
Pallava Architecture	Book

Heritage Sites (13)

Site Name	Status	Confidence
Ekambareswarar Temple Kanchipuram	Secondary	100%
Kamakshi Amman Temple Kanchipuram	Secondary	100%
Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple Chittoor	Secondary	100%
Kapaleeshwarar Temple Mylapore	Secondary	100%
Koneswaram Temple Trincomalee Sri Lanka	Secondary	100%
Munneswaram Temple Chilaw Sri Lanka	Secondary	100%
Naguleswaram Temple Keerimalai Jaffna Sri Lanka	Secondary	100%
Shore Temple Mahabalipuram	Secondary	100%
Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple Carrum Downs	Secondary	100%
Srikalahasti Temple Srikalahasti	Secondary	100%
Sri Venkateswara Temple Helensburgh	Secondary	100%
Thiruketheeswaram Temple Mannar Sri Lanka	Secondary	100%
Udayagiri Fort Nellore	Secondary	100%

How to Identify Pallava architecture style

Look for characteristic features: Rock-cut caves, Rathas, Mandapas.
Verify geographic location: Pallava architecture style architecture is typically found in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
Examine construction materials: Pallava architecture style typically uses Granite and Rock-cut.
Consider historical context: This style dates from 6th century CE.
Compare with documented examples: 13 heritage sites use this architectural style.

Pallava architecture style

Regions

Historical Context

Sacred Context

Architectural Details

Keywords

Recommended Sources

Heritage Sites (13)

See Also

Related Materials

Related Features

How to Identify Pallava architecture style

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