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The Daily Insight

Which style of architecture did the Cholas follow?

Author

David Jones

Updated on April 04, 2026

The Cholas followed the Pallava style of architecture. Sanctum of the Chola temples are both circular and square in size. The Chola kings built many temples throughout their kingdoms. Earlier they built brick temples andLater they built stone temples.

Who was the architect of Chola dynasty?

architect Sama Varma
There are three great Chola Temples of the 11th and 12th century, the Brihadisvara temples of Thanjavur, the Temple of Gangaikondacholisvaram, and the Airavatesvara temple at Darasuram. It was built during the reign of the Chola emperor Rajaraja and designed by the famous architect Sama Varma between 1003 and 1010 AD.

Are Pallavas and Cholas same?

Throughout their reign they were in constant conflict with both Chalukyas of Badami in the north and the Tamil kingdoms of Chola and Pandyas in the south. Pallavas were finally defeated by the Chola ruler Aditya I in the 9th century CE….Pallava dynasty.

Pallava Empire
• Established275 CE
• Disestablished897 CE

What was the contribution of the Pallavas to architecture?

The Pallavas patronized learning art and temple building both cave temples and structural temples including monolithic rathas and stone carvings of mythological scenes in Mahabalipuram. The Pallavas who laid the foundation of this style were responsible for two of its forms, the rock – cut and the structural.

What was the main features of Chola architecture?

Chola temples are characteristized by: Circular and Square Sanctums. Beautified inner side of the external walls. Special vimanas on the upper side of the sanctum.

What type of Chola art is world famous?

Question: What type of Chola art is world famous? New Kings and Kingdoms – Answer: Chola bronze images are considered amongst the finest in the world.

Who built Chola temple?

Raja Raja Chola I
It is one of the largest South Indian temples and an exemplary example of fully realized Tamil architecture. Built by Raja Raja Chola I between 1003 and 1010 AD.

How can one conclude that Cholas were great patrons of art and architecture?

Answer: Among the rulers, Karikala Chola was the most famous among the early Chola kings. The Chola Dynasty has some of the best specimens in bronze and other sculptures i.e. Dancing Nataraj statue Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjaur (Tamil Nadu) are good example of the same.

Who was the most powerful Chola leader?

Rajaraja Chola I
Rajaraja Chola I and Rajendra Chola I were the greatest rulers of the Chola dynasty, extending it beyond the traditional limits of a Tamil kingdom.