Difference between Nagara and Dravidian Style: India is a country of temples because there are a large number of temples situated all around its different states. People of India worship different gods; thus, this explains the huge number of temples. The temples that are situated in different states are not similar and are distinct from each other.
One of the most important distinguishing features of these temples is architectural design. In North India, the architectural design is known as Nagara Style, whereas in South India, the architectural design is known as Dravidian Style.
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What is the Difference between Nagara Style and Dravidian Style?
Both styles are known to be derived from an earlier style which was known as the Panchayatana Style of architecture.
Nagara Style
The architectural design of North Indian temples is known as the Nagara style of agriculture. In this design, Shikara is considered as an essential element or part of the whole temple. Usually, in these temples, the gateway is absent or modest. In these architectural designs, temples have an emphasised boundary. At the entrance of these temples, you can see Dwarpalas.
Dravidian Style
The South Indian architectural styles are considered to be known as the Dravidian Style of architecture. In these temples, the pillar that is used are small but are more in number. These pillars are used over the Garbagriha or sanctuary, which is known as Vimana. The dominating element of these temples is the Gopura of the gatehouse that is present at the edge of the compound. Some ideas in the architectural design are contributed from many kingdoms such as the Cheras, the Pandyas, the Pallavas, the Choras, etc.
Difference between Nagara Style and Dravidian Style
Nagara Style of Architecture | Dravidian Style of Architecture |
Those temples which are located in North India their architectural design is known as Nagara Style of architecture. | Those temples which are located in South India their architectural design is known as Dravidian Style of architecture. |
The is more than one Shikhara in these temples. | This temple has only one Shikhara. |
There are multiple towers in this temple. | There is only a single tower in this temple. |
The central tower of this temple has a curvilinear shape. | The central tower of this temple has the shape of a pyramid. |
The most prominent element or part of this temple is the Shikara. | The most prominent element or part of this temple is the Gopuram. |
In the nagara style of architecture, Ganga and Yamuna rivers are crafted or depicted in a personified form, and this is located at the entrance of the sanctum sanctorum. | In the Dravidian Style of architecture, the entrances of the temples are built in such a way that they had Dwarapalas. |
The temple’s boundaries are not given that much of importance in this type of architecture. | The temple’s boundaries are essential in this type of architecture. |
The pedestal in these temples is higher than the ground level. | In these temples, the pedestal is present at the ground level |
Deities of this temple are placed inside. | Deities of this temple are placed outside. |