Temple Architecture in South India – Dravida Style Four stages of temple architecture had been observed in South India – Mainly during the Pallava’s rule, around 6th century AD which are as follows: Stage 1 Mahendra Group Marked the beginning of Rock cut cave architecture Word Mandap was used instead temple. The temple shape may be rectangular, square, star-shaped, or octagonal. Ancient Indian Architecture. In this article, you can read all about the Indian temple architecture, its types and points to remember for the IAS exam with respect to temple architecture. Picture courtesy – Wikipedia. it consists primarily of temples with pyramid shaped towers and are constructed of sandstone, soapstone or granite. The word vimana means a boat or ship and is the main temple tower which is a stepped-pyramidal structure. The semi-circular structures of the Buddhist Chaityas are also incorporated in some of the temples of this style. Temple architecture is an important part of art and culture syllabus for the civil services exam.. The word vimana means a boat or ship and is the main temple tower which is a stepped-pyramidal structure. Tamilakkam of Sangam Age. No real temple structure. Download Source: shadesofaduskywoman.com. Mandapas now became rathas. Stage II–Narsimha Group Major They consist primarily of pyramid shaped temples which are dependent on intricate carved stone in order to create a step design consisting of numerous statues of … Dravidian temple architecture started by pallavas. Developed in 4 phases. Dravidian architecture was an architectural idiom that emerged in the Southern part of the Indian subcontinent or South India.It consists primarily of temples with pyramid shaped towers and are constructed of sandstone, soapstone or granite. The first Dravidian style temples were built by the Pallava kings. Decoration in rock cut caves. Aside from the rock-cut temple architecture, the Dravidian style of architecture for the construction of Hindu temples had its roots set during the reign of the Pallava dynasty, post the Sangam era. The word mandap was used instead of temple. Dravidian architecture explained. Commonalities. Ex-adivaraha cave,Durga cave-mahishsurmardini,panchpandava cave. Dravidian Style Of Temple Architecture: South Indian temple or also called ‘ Vimana’ type or ‘ Dravida’ type, is based on three concepts of Agamas , Shilpa and Vastu - Shastra . The Dravidian style of Architecture is the characteristic South Indian style and is mainly found in the Southern Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.The Dravidian architecture can mainly be seen through the temples; which were of various shapes such as square, rectangular, octagonal, star-shaped etc and they were made from stones.