Temples play an essential part in Indian sculpture. In fact the Indian temple sculpture that is scattered in every nook and corner exhibits to the world the astonishing pieces of art. The religious places were the seats of learning and developing art in the ancient days. Hence these buildings house some of the most exquisite designs and motifs.
Although different modes of Indian temple sculpture exist, broadly there are two styles: the
Nagara (North India) and the
Dravidian (South India). The primary difference between the two is the way in which the
shikharas of the temples are carved out. However besides this disparity the architecture and sculpture of the Indian temples follow parity. The temples throughout Indian, thus, follow a similar pattern of architecture. As far as the architectural elements are concerned these include the
garbhagrihas,
vimanas,
mandapas,
miniature towers, lathe turned pillars and others. These are common to almost all the
Hindu temple sculpture. Another interesting facet of the Indian temple sculptures is the
Indian cave temples.
Depending on the
Indian regional sculpture there can be the following four classifications of art and sculpture in India:
