Group of Monuments at Pattadakal
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Overview
Pattadakal in Karnataka is unusual because Nagara and Dravida temples stand side by side, built by the Badami Chalukyas. The Virupaksha temple was built by Queen Lokamahadevi to mark Vikramaditya II's victory over the Pallavas. It became a World Heritage Site in 1987.
Pattadakal on the Malaprabha in Bagalkot district was a royal coronation site of the Chalukyas of Badami.
It has temples in both the northern Nagara and southern Dravida styles.
The Virupaksha temple was built by Queen Lokamahadevi to mark a victory over the Pallavas. It was inscribed as a WHS in 1987.
It has ten main temples.
The temples show a blend of styles.
The Papanatha temple combines features of both styles.
Pattadakal is near Badami and Aihole.
Geography and key facts
- Karnataka
- Nagara and Dravida together
- Virupaksha (Lokamahadevi)
- WHS 1987
- Malaprabha river
- Nagara and Dravida styles
- Virupaksha temple
Why it matters for UPSC
Asked on temple styles.
Note for UPSC
Cultural World Heritage Site, inscribed 1987 · Karnataka.
UPSC asks about the state, the dynasty or period, and whether a site is cultural or natural.
Asked in PYQs
No question in our Prelims bank names Group of Monuments at Pattadakal yet.
Key facts
- Type
- World Heritage Site
- State / UT
- Karnataka
- Heritage type
- Cultural
- Inscribed (UNESCO)
- 1987
- Coordinates
- 15.951°N, 75.815°E
From the Map Explorer data; positions are for orientation.
In the lessons
- Indian Architecture and Temple Styles (map lesson)
- Performing Arts, Paintings and Heritage (map lesson)
- Hindu Temple Architecture: Nagara, Dravida and Vesara (map lesson)
- Indo-Islamic, Mughal and Colonial Architecture (map lesson)
- Mughal Culture: Architecture, Painting, Literature and Music (map lesson)
More world heritage sites nearby
Other places in Karnataka
All world heritage sites · Revision list · Most asked in PYQs