The Dravidian style of architecture, prevalent in Southern India, is characterized by towering gopurams, intricately carved pillared halls, and vimanas atop temples. It embodies a unique and ornate design.

Architectural Distinctions of Dravida Temples 

New Features:Dravida temples, in contrast to nagara temples, are enclosed within a compound wall.

• Gopuram: The entrance wall boasts a central gateway known as a gopuram.
• Structural Changes: The vimana, the main temple tower in Tamil Nadu, takes the form of a geometrically rising stepped pyramid, differing from the curving shikhara of North India.

Distinctive Features

Shikhara: In South Indian temples, the term ‘shikhara’ refers only to the crowning element, usually shaped like a small stupika or an octagonal cupola (equivalent to the amlak and kalasha of North Indian temples).

• Guards: Entrance sculptures typically depict fierce dvarapalas (door-keepers) guarding the temple.
• Water Reservoir: Temple complexes often include large water reservoirs or temple tanks.

Evolution of Temple Size

Differentiating Elements: Unlike North Indian temples with clusters of shikharas, South Indian temples often have the main temple with one of the smallest towers, indicating its historical significance.

• Huge Gopuram: Over time, as towns expanded, new boundary walls with loftier gopurams were constructed around the temple.
• Example: Srirangam temple in Tiruchirapalli showcases multiple concentric rectangular enclosure walls, each with gopurams of varying heights.

Urbanization and Administrative Centers

Main Areas: Temples in TamilNadu, such as those in Kanchipuram, Thanjavur, Madurai, and Kumbakonam, became focal points of urban architecture.

• Transformation: Temples transformed into rich administrative centers, exerting control over extensive land areas during the eighth to twelfth centuries.

Classification of Dravida Temples

Dravida temples are categorized into five shapes: 

• Square (kuta or caturasra), 
• Rectangular (shala or ayatasra), 
• Elliptical (gaja-prishta or vrittayata), 
• Circular (vritta), and 
• Octagonal (ashtasra).
• The choice of temple plan and vimana shape is influenced by the iconographic nature of the consecrated deity.

Pallavas: Pioneers of South Indian Architecture

Region: The Pallavas, active from the second century CE in the Andhra region, migrated south to Tamil Nadu, leaving a significant architectural legacy.

• Initial Structures: Initially, rock-cut structures attributed to Mahendravarman I coexisted with structural buildings, showcasing early mastery in both forms.
• Narasimhavarman I, also known as Mamalla, ascended the Pallava throne around 640 CE, expanding the empire and initiating building works at Mahabalipuram.
• The shore temple at Mahabalipuram, possibly built in the reign of Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimha), presents three shrines—two to Shiva and one to Vishnu (Anantashayana).
• The compound includes evidence of a water tank, early gopuram, and sculptures of Nandi, though erosion has affected some carvings.

Chola Dynasty: Architectural Marvels

Time Period: The Rajarajeswara or Brahadeeshwarar temple, completed around 1009 CE by Rajaraja Chola, stands as the largest and tallest Indian temple.

• Shape: Characterized by a massive pyramidal vimana rising 70 meters, it features a monolithic octagonal dome-shaped stupika.
• Structural Features: Two large gopuras with intricate sculptural programs were conceived along with the temple.
  • Chola temples, including Rajarajeswara, surpassed their predecessors in scale.
  • The temple’s sanctum houses a two-storeyed lingam of Shiva.
  • Elaborate mythological narratives adorn the walls, depicted through painted murals and sculptures.
• Stucco figures on the vimana, while possibly added during the Maratha Period, contribute to the temple’s grandeur.

Conclusion

Dravidian architecture, distinct from Nagara style, features towering gopurams, stepped pyramid vimanas, and intricately carved halls. South Indian temples often have a central tower with surrounding gopurams that grew in size over time. Pallava and Chola dynasties were key contributors, with the Rajarajeswara temple standing as a marvel of Chola architecture. This style reflects a rich blend of religious and administrative functions.