The idiom for North Indian temple sculpture evolved in ancient India. The school of architecture followed by these temples is known as the Nagara style wherein the shikhara or the tower of the temple is in the shape of a bee-hive. Besides representing the craftsmanship of the sub-continent these temples are of great religious significance. The temples of north India date back to the ancient Mauryan era.
Indian states, such as,
Rajasthan,
Uttar Pradesh and
Jammu and Kashmir house more than the
Hindu temple sculptures. There are Jain temples as well. The religious monuments, therefore, show an impact of cross culturalism as well. The thick foliage sculpture, images of gods and goddesses, well carved gateways and others characterize the north Indian temple sculpture. Since a number of states are included under this
type of Indian sculpture there are gurudwaras as well in places like
Punjab and
Haryana. As a result these allow a comprehensive glimpse on the
Sikh sculptures in India.
The following comprise the north Indian temple sculpture:
