Certificate Course on Dravida Temple Architecture

About This Course

South India is home to some of the world’s most sophisticated religious structures. But how did these temples evolve from simple caves to the massive temple towns of Madurai and Thanjavur?

The School of Indian History presents an exclusive 6-day journey into Dravida Architecture. This course goes beyond the surface to explore the Agama Shastras (ancient manuals), the evolution of design across dynasties, and the technical mastery behind the towering Gopurams and Vimanas. Whether you are an architecture student or a heritage lover, this course will reveal the “grammar” of South Indian stones.

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Detailed Syllabus

Master the evolution of the Southern Style through 6 intensive modules.

1. Foundations & Evolution

  • Tracing the Dravida style from the Sangam Era to the Vijayanagara Empire.
  • Understanding the shift from rock-cut architecture to structural prowess.

2. The Logic of Design (Agamas & Shilpa Shastras)

  • How ancient texts dictated temple measurements and rituals.
  • The Vimana Types: Detailed study of sub-styles like Kuta (Square), Shala (Rectangular), Gaja-prishta (Elephant-back), Vritta (Circular), and Ashtasra (Octagonal).

3. The Dynastic Styles (Core Dravida)

  • Pallavas: The pioneers of Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram.
  • Cholas: The imperial builders of the Great Living Chola Temples (Thanjavur, Gangaikonda Cholapuram).
  • Pandyas: The masters of the massive gateways (Gopurams).

4. Regional & Hybrid Variations

  • Chalukya & Hoysala: The intricate “Karnata-Dravida” style of the Deccan with its star-shaped plans.
  • Vijayanagara & Nayakas: The era of vast mandapas, musical pillars, and temple cities (Hampi, Madurai).
  • Kerala Style: The unique distinct indigenous style suited for the heavy monsoon climate.

5. Case Studies of Icons

  • A virtual walkthrough of masterpieces like Brihadeeswarar (Thanjavur), Meenakshi Amman (Madurai), Virupaksha (Hampi), and the Shore Temple (Mahabalipuram).

Meet Your Instructors

Expert Archaeologists & Researchers

👩‍🏫 Aishwarya Hardikar Archaeologist & Researcher Aishwarya holds a Master’s in Ancient Indian History & Archaeology from Deccan College, Pune. Former researcher at RPG Foundation, she specializes in heritage documentation and bridging the gap between academic history and public understanding.

👨‍🏫 Chinmay Pandya Archaeologist & Iconography Specialist Chinmay holds a Master’s in Archaeology from MSU Baroda. With field experience at the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Rajkot Circle, he specializes in decoding the complex iconography and structural rules of Indian temples.

Course Director

Shantanu Paranjape Founder, School of Indian History | Youth Icon 2025 Author, Chartered Accountant, and Heritage Educationist. Shantanu has documented over 1,000 temples across India and was recently honored as a Youth Icon by the Government of India for his work in heritage preservation.

Course Highlights

  • ✅ Certification: Earn a Certificate of Participation.
  • ✅ Deep Technical Insight: Learn the specific architectural terms found in ancient texts.
  • ✅ Flexibility: Lifetime access to course notes (View Mode) and 6-month access to recordings.
  • ✅ Interactive: Live Q&A with the archaeologists.

Fee Structure & Enrollment

Standard Fee: ₹1,800/- 🚀 Early Bird Offer: ₹1,500/- (Strictly for the first 20 participants)

How to Secure Your Spot:

  1. Payment: Send ₹1,400 via GPay / PhonePe / UPI to 7020402446
  2. Confirmation: WhatsApp the screenshot to the same number with the message: “Dravida Course”.
  3. Access: You will receive the joining link immediately.

FAQ

Q: Is this different from the general Temple Architecture course? A: Yes. This course focuses exclusively and deeply on the South Indian (Dravida) style, its specific texts, and dynastic variations.

Q: Do I need to read Sanskrit texts? A: No. The instructors will explain the concepts from the Agamas and Shilpa Shastras in simple English.

Q: Will recordings be available? A: Yes, all live sessions are recorded and available for 6 months.

Q: What is the medium of instruction? A: The course will be conducted entirely in English. However, the instructors use simple, accessible language and will explain all technical Sanskrit or architectural terms clearly.

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