Dravidian Style — Definition

Definition

Dravidian temple architecture is a major southern Indian architectural tradition recognised through the organisation of the sanctum, its tower, halls, gateways and enclosure. Its characteristic shrine tower rises in stepped, diminishing storeys, while the gopuram marks an entrance to the temple complex.

These are different architectural elements, even when later gateways dominate the skyline. Pallava and Chola monuments provide important stages of development, followed by substantial additions under later patrons.

The tradition includes changes across time and place; one large late temple should not be treated as an unchanged model for every earlier southern shrine.