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Chola temple architecture

Type Object Region South Asia Time c. 850

Chola temple architecture is the Dravidian stone temple style formed in South India's Chola dynasty from the 10th to 12th centuries, famed for toweri…

Timeline

  1. c. 850–1000Thanjavur region · Tamil NaduEarly Chola temple architecture gradually formed a Dravidian stone system using granite as the main material with vimana towers stepping back in tiers; carving subjects covered Shaiva mythology and royal symbolism.
  2. c. 1010Thanjavur · Tamil NaduRaja Raja I completed the Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur; the main tower rises about 66 meters, and the giant stone linga and cast bronze Nataraja image mark the peak of Chola temple architecture.
  3. c. 1011South India · IndiaThe Chola temple architectural style influenced temple forms in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia through imperial expansion and trade networks; later South Indian temples continued to use and evolve this tradition.

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