Question 1

What is Stupa architecture style?

Accepted Answer

A style centered on the stupa, a dome-shaped structure enshrining relics, evolving from simple mounds to elaborate monuments with gateways, railings, and decorative elements.

Question 2

Where is Stupa architecture style architecture found?

Accepted Answer

Stupa architecture style architecture is primarily found in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Tibet, Southeast Asia, Myanmar, East Asia, Pan-India, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Central Asia. There are 8 heritage sites documented with this architectural style.

Question 3

When was Stupa architecture style architecture used?

Accepted Answer

Stupa architecture style architecture was used during 3rd century BCE onwards, 3rd century BCE - Present, 3rd century BCE-Present, 3rd century BCE - present, 3rd century BCE, Ongoing, 2nd century BCE, 1st century BCE, 1st century CE, 2nd century CE, 3rd century CE, 4th century CE, 5th century CE. It is associated with the Maurya Dynasty, Sunga Dynasty, Satavahana Dynasty, Shunga Dynasty, Kushan Empire, Gupta Empire, Pala Empire, Mauryan Dynasty, Kushan Dynasty, Various Buddhist Kingdoms, Maurya, Shunga, Satavahana, Kushana dynasty/period.

Question 4

What materials are used in Stupa architecture style architecture?

Accepted Answer

Stupa architecture style architecture typically uses Brick, Stone, Stucco, Earth, Wood. These materials are characteristic of this architectural style and reflect the construction techniques of the period.

Question 5

Which heritage sites use Stupa architecture style architecture?

Accepted Answer

There are 8 heritage sites documented with Stupa architecture style architecture.  You can explore these sites on the Inheritage Foundation website.

Title	Stupa architecture style 4.5/5(Based on 8 heritage sites) Uncommon 4.5/5(Based on 8 heritage sites)
Description	A style centered on the stupa, a dome-shaped structure enshrining relics, evolving from simple mounds to elaborate monuments with gateways, railings, and decorative elements.
Also Known As	Sri Lankan Buddhist architecture style Indo-Buddhist architecture style Ancient Indian Urban Planning architecture style Indian Buddhist Urban Planning Indian Buddhist Stupa Architecture Indian Buddhist Monastery Architecture Sri Lankan Buddhist Architecture Early Bagan Stupa Architecture with Indic Riverine Associations Early Bagan Stupa Architecture Indic Riverine Traditions Hindu-Buddhist Riverine Mythology Indic Cosmological Associations Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Stupa. Circular houses relics. Tibetan Buddhist Architecture Stupa Architecture Indo-Tibetan Architecture Himalayan Architecture Buddhist Monastic Architecture North Indian Temple Architecture Central Indian Dome Architecture Buddhist Temple Architecture with Indian Buddhist Architectural Iconographic Influences Indian Buddhist Temple Architecture Indian Buddhist Iconography Indian Buddhist Monastery Planning Buddhist Temple Architecture with Indian Buddhist Influences Indian Buddhist Architecture Indian Buddhist Meditation Traditions Chan Buddhism Chinese Buddhist Architecture Indian Buddhist Philosophy Bagan Stupa Architecture with Hindu Nat Integration Bagan Stupa Architecture Indian Stupa Design Hindu Nat Integration Indic Religious Syncretism Buddhist Stupa Architecture with Indian Stupa Influences Kushan Architecture Early Buddhist Stupa Design Indic Relic Traditions Rock-Cut Buddhist Monastery Architecture with Indian Cave Temple Influences Indian Rock-Cut Cave Architecture Ajanta-Ellora Influences Kushan Buddhist Architecture Central Asian Cave Design Indic Stupa Architecture
Tags	Stupa Anda Harmika Chatra Torana Pradakshina Chatravali Buddhism Relic Meditation Circumambulation Buddhist Pilgrimage Nirvana Reliquary Buddhist architecture
Style ID	`INHF-STY-6496741488-13:03:18:06:01:18:SAS`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/styles/stupa-architecture-style
API Endpoint	`https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/stupa-architecture-style`
Total Sites	8
Primary Sites	0
Created	November 19, 2025
Last Updated	November 29, 2025

Time Periods	3rd century BCE onwards 3rd century BCE - Present 3rd century BCE-Present 3rd century BCE - present 3rd century BCE Ongoing 2nd century BCE 1st century BCE 1st century CE 2nd century CE 3rd century CE 4th century CE 5th century CE
Dynasties	Maurya Dynasty Sunga Dynasty Satavahana Dynasty Shunga Dynasty Kushan Empire Gupta Empire Pala Empire Mauryan Dynasty Kushan Dynasty Various Buddhist Kingdoms Maurya Shunga Satavahana Kushana

Sacred Contexts	Buddhist monasteries Pilgrimage sites Buddhist Monasteries Pilgrimage Sites Meditation Centers Buddhist temples Monasteries Buddhist pilgrimage sites Public spaces
Associated Deities	Buddha Bodhisattvas

Primary Materials	Brick Stone Stucco Earth Wood
Architectural Features	Anda (hemispherical dome) Harmika (railing) Chatra (parasol) Toranas (gateways) Medhi (terraces) Harmika Chatravali (umbrella spire) Anda (Dome) Harmika (Railing) Chatra (Umbrella) Medhi (Terrace) Torana (Gateway) Anda (dome) Chatra (spire) Medhi (terrace) Torana (gateway) Chatra (umbrella) Medhi (base) Harmika (spire) Chatras (umbrellas) Circumambulatory path Anda Chatra Torana Pradakshina patha

Title	Type	Notes
The Stupa: Its Religious, Historical and Architectural Significance	Book
Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods)	book

Stupa architecture style

External References

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Historical Context

Sacred Context

Architectural Details

Keywords

Recommended Sources

Heritage Sites (8)

See Also

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Related Features

How to Identify Stupa architecture style

Frequently Asked Questions

Site Name	Status	Confidence
Anuradhapura Ancient City North Central Province Sri Lanka	Secondary	100%
Buphaya Pagoda Bagan	Secondary	100%
Gorsam Chorten Bomdila	Secondary	100%
Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara Colombo Sri Lanka	Secondary	100%
Nanhua Temple Shaoguan Guangdong China	Secondary	100%
Shwezigon Pagoda Bagan	Secondary	100%
Stupa of Tepe Maranjan Kabul Afghanistan	Secondary	100%
Takht-e Rostam Samangan Afghanistan	Secondary	100%