​• Hindu temple styles developed due to geographical, climatic, cultural, historical, and linguistic differences between northern and southern India. Three main styles: Nagara (northern), Dravidian (southern), and Vesara (hybrid, seen in the Deccan). Northern Style: • Emerged under the Gupta dynasty (320-550 AD) and evolved through various dynasties (5th to 12th century). • Influenced by invaders from the north-west during the medieval period (6th-13th centuries). • Some temples destroyed by Muslim invaders from the 11th century onwards. Southern Style: • Began with Early Chalukyas and Kalchuris (6th to 8th century) and continued through various dynasties (7th to 17th century). • Less disruption from Muslim rule, leading to better preservation of south Indian temple architecture. Peripheral Styles: • Other distinct styles found in Bengal, Kerala, and Himalayan valleys