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Master Indian Temple History & Art

Indian Dynasty Timeline

Explore the major temple-building dynasties from 600 BCE to 1700 CE

500 BCE
0 CE
500 CE
1000 CE
1500 CE
Pandya
Pallava
Chalukya of Badami
Rashtrakuta
Chandela
Chola
Hoysala
Vijayanagara

Pandya Dynasty

6th Century BCE - 14th Century CE

Tamil Nadu (Madurai region)

One of the three ancient Tamil dynasties, the Pandyas had multiple periods of power spanning nearly two millennia.

2 major temples

Pallava Dynasty

3rd-9th Century CE

Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh

The Pallavas were pioneers of South Indian architecture, establishing the foundations of the Dravidian style that influenced architecture across Southeast Asia.

3 major temples

Badami Chalukya Dynasty

6th-8th Century CE

Karnataka, Deccan

The Badami Chalukyas pioneered the Vesara style of architecture, blending northern and southern elements.

3 major temples

Rashtrakuta Dynasty

8th-10th Century CE

Deccan (Maharashtra, Karnataka)

The Rashtrakutas created the magnificent Kailasa Temple at Ellora, the largest monolithic rock excavation in the world.

2 major temples

Chandela Dynasty

9th-14th Century CE

Bundelkhand (Madhya Pradesh)

The Chandelas built the famous Khajuraho temples, renowned worldwide for their architectural beauty and erotic sculptures.

4 major temples

Imperial Chola Dynasty

9th-13th Century CE

Tamil Nadu, South India

The Chola dynasty was one of the longest-ruling dynasties in southern India, known for their naval prowess, cultural achievements, and architectural innovations.

3 major temples

Hoysala Empire

11th-14th Century CE

Karnataka

The Hoysalas created some of the most intricately carved temples in India, featuring soft soapstone sculptures of extraordinary detail.

3 major temples

Vijayanagara Empire

14th-17th Century CE

South India (Karnataka, Andhra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala)

The Vijayanagara Empire was the last great Hindu empire of South India, famous for its architectural grandeur and cultural patronage.

4 major temples