The style of temple architecture that evolved in northern India, between the Himalayas and the Vindhyas, is known as the Nagara style. The extant temple remains indicate that although individual elements of the Nagara style started developing from the 6th century CE, the style fully evolved by the 8th century. One of its unique features includes the Panchayat style of temple making and assembly halls or mandaps in front of the principal shrine. Also, the tower (shikhara) gradually curves inwards and is capped by a spheroid slab with ribs around the edge (Amalaka) giving the elevation. The evolution of the Nagara style can be traced from the development of Gupta temples, which can be divided mainly into the following stages:

• First stage Gupta temples: These temples were square in shape and had flat roofs. The portico was developed on shallow pillars. The entire structure was built on low platforms as seen in temple no. 17 at Sanchi.
• Second stage Gupta Temples: The temples built during this phase continued most of the features of the earlier phase. However, the platforms were higher or upraised. Some instances of two-storied temples have also been found. Another important addition of this phase was a covered ambulatory passageway around the sanctum sanctorum or garbhagriha. The passageway was used as a pradakshina path. For example. Parvati temple at Nachna Kurihara in Madhya Pradesh.
• Third stage Gupta temples: This stage saw the emergence of shikhara in place of a flat roof. However, they were still quite low and almost square, i.e. curvilinear. Panchayatan style of temple making was introduced. This style is evident in the Dashavatar temple at Deogarh (U.P.) and Durga temple at Aihole (Karnataka).

Though the Gupta temples witnessed two further stages in evolution, the Nagara style is considered to be the successor of the third Stage of Gupta Temples. Nagara style of temple architecture further developed into the following three sub-schools:

• Odisha School: Developed in the Kalinga empire, these temples have lavishly decorated exterior walls along with plain interior walls and boundary walls. An example of this school is Sun Temple of Konark.
• Khajuraho School: Developed under Chandel rulers, these sandstone temples have lavishly decorated exterior and interior walls and sculptures are erotic in themes. For example, Kandariya Mahadev temple.
• Solanki School: Developed under the Solanki rulers, these temples were devoid of any carvings. They have a step-tank, known as surya-kund in the proximity of the temple. The steps of the tank are full of small temples which have wooden carvings. For example, Modhera Sun temple.

Thus, the Nagara style of temple architecture evolved out of the third stage of Gupta temples which gave rise to a number of magnificent temples that are part of the rich tangible cultural heritage of India.