What is Sikh architecture style?

Sikh architecture, originating in the Punjab region, blends indigenous Indian traditions with Mughal and Rajput influences, often incorporating elements like chattris, fluted domes, and ornate detailing.

Where is Sikh architecture style architecture found?

Sikh architecture style architecture is primarily found in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Pakistan. There are 5 heritage sites documented with this architectural style.

When was Sikh architecture style architecture used?

Sikh architecture style architecture was used during 18th Century CE, 19th Century CE, 20th Century CE, 21st Century CE, Present. It is associated with the Sikh Empire, Shukerchakia Misl, Sikh Misls dynasty/period.

What materials are used in Sikh architecture style architecture?

Sikh architecture style architecture typically uses Nanakshahi bricks, Lime plaster, Sandstone, Marble, Gold, Brick, Lime Plaster, Wood, Stucco, Gilding, Stone. These materials are characteristic of this architectural style and reflect the construction techniques of the period.

Which heritage sites use Sikh architecture style architecture?

There are 5 heritage sites documented with Sikh architecture style architecture. 4 sites use this as their primary architectural style. You can explore these sites on the Inheritage Foundation website.

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

Title	Sikh architecture style 4.5/5(Based on 5 heritage sites) Uncommon 4.5/5(Based on 5 heritage sites)
Description	Sikh architecture, originating in the Punjab region, blends indigenous Indian traditions with Mughal and Rajput influences, often incorporating elements like chattris, fluted domes, and ornate detailing.
Also Known As	Sikh Architecture Fortress Blend of Mughal Sikh styles Rajput Military Architecture Mughal Fortress Design Shinda Shahi Architecture Sikh Architectural Elements Trabeate Construction Techniques (Indic) Ornamental Details inspired by Hindu Temple Art Use of Local Materials (like Nanakshahi bricks) reflecting regional Indic practices Jharokha-like window features (adapted from Rajput Mughal styles) Fortified Gateways (influenced by both Hindu Islamic traditions) Indo-Islamic Mughal Sikh. Blends styles. Rajput Architecture Mughal Architecture Indo-Islamic Architecture Regional Punjabi Architecture Hindu Temple Architecture Central Asian Influences Not applicable. Sikh architecture Mughal Indo-Islamic influences. Kalinga Architecture Influences (potentially through Sikh interactions) Elements of Islamic Architecture (domes arches) Regional Punjabi vernacular architecture (brickwork decorative motifs) Slight traces of Indo-Saracenic Revival (if any British influence existed during later renovations) Remnants of Maratha architectural features (given their historical presence in the region) Use of local materials construction techniques common in North India Indo-Saracenic Revival temple blends Hindu Mughal elements. Nagara Architecture North Indian Temple Architecture Sikh Architecture influences (due to regional context) Maratha Architectural Influences (potential remnants given historical interactions) Pahari Architecture (influence from neighboring Himachal Pradesh) Kalinga Architecture (subtle influences possible through trade cultural exchange) Latina Style (potential vestige from ancient trade routes) Religious Rajput influences. Late Mughal Influences Elements of Maratha Architecture
Tags	Sikh Punjab Misl Fortification Gurdwara Nanakshahi Harmandir Sahib Golden Temple Sikh Art Sikh Heritage Dome Arch Chhatri Gurdwaras Community Syncretic Ornamentation Sikhism Sarovar Mughal Influence Rajput Influence
Style ID	`INHF-STY-1222901867-20:16:43:12:05:22:SAS`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/styles/sikh-architecture-style
API Endpoint	`https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/sikh-architecture-style`
Total Sites	5
Primary Sites	4
Created	November 19, 2025
Last Updated	November 29, 2025

External References

View on Wikidata

Regions

Regions	Punjab Haryana Delhi Pakistan

Historical Context

Time Periods	18th Century CE 19th Century CE 20th Century CE 21st Century CE Present
Dynasties	Sikh Empire Shukerchakia Misl Sikh Misls

Sacred Context

Sacred Contexts	Gurdwara complexes Fortified complexes Gurdwara Gurdwaras Memorials Community Centers
Associated Deities	Guru Nanak Other Sikh Gurus

Architectural Details

Primary Materials	Nanakshahi bricks Lime plaster Sandstone Marble Gold Brick Lime Plaster Wood Stucco Gilding Stone
Architectural Features	Chattris Fluted domes Arched gateways Jharokhas Bungas Gilded domes Chhatris Arcuate openings Inlay work Calligraphy Gumbaz (Dome) Chhatri Arches Decorative Motifs Foliated Cusps Gilded Domes Intricate Ornamentation Sarovars Arched Openings Decorative Frescoes Inlay Work Manicured Gardens Sarovar (Pond)

Keywords

Keywords	Sikh Punjab Misl Fortification Gurdwara Nanakshahi Harmandir Sahib Golden Temple Sikh Art Sikh Heritage Dome Arch Chhatri Gurdwaras Community Syncretic Ornamentation Sikhism Sarovar Mughal Influence Rajput Influence

Recommended Sources

Title	Type	Notes
Architecture of the Sikh Empire	Book	Comprehensive overview of Sikh architectural principles and examples.
The Golden Temple of Amritsar: History, Art, and Architecture	Book	Comprehensive overview of the temple's design and historical context.
Sikh Architecture	Book	General overview of Sikh architectural principles and examples.
Cole, W. Owen, and Piara Singh Sambhi. The Sikhs: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices.	Book	Contextual information on Sikh religious architecture.

Heritage Sites (5)

Site Name	Status	Confidence
Gobindgarh Fort Amritsar	Primary	100%
Golden Temple Amritsar	Primary	100%
Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib Fatehgarh Sahib	Primary	100%
Tarn Taran Sahib Tarn Taran	Primary	100%
Kali Mata Mandir Patiala	Secondary	100%

How to Identify Sikh architecture style

Look for characteristic features: Chattris, Fluted domes, Arched gateways.
Verify geographic location: Sikh architecture style architecture is typically found in Punjab and Haryana.
Examine construction materials: Sikh architecture style typically uses Nanakshahi bricks and Lime plaster.
Consider historical context: This style dates from 18th Century CE.
Compare with documented examples: 5 heritage sites use this architectural style.

Sikh architecture style

External References

Regions

Historical Context

Sacred Context

Architectural Details

Keywords

Recommended Sources

Heritage Sites (5)

See Also

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How to Identify Sikh architecture style

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