The Dravidian temple architecture traces its origin to 6th century Pallava kingdom.

Architecture during Pallava

(A) Mahendravarman rule

Rock-cut temples prominent

Structural temples not available during that time

Simple structure without much ornamentation.

(B2) "Mamalla" rule

Free standing Nandi portals along attached with people

Primitive structural temple got built at Mamallipuram.

Monolithic Rath temple at Mamallipuram as testament

"Rajasimha" rule

Full-scale structural temples came into prominence.

Explicit features of ovaside temples like Mc.mandapas, Wells in temple present

Ex: Shore Temple at Kanchipuram

However, the temple architecture reached finality during Cholas

[Diagram showing temple components]

Rayapaya1

Mature stage of Ovaside architecture

Elaborate carvings on walls

Gapuram became big & magnificent

Ex: Brihadesshwara Temple.

Note: [illegible - possibly architectural diagram with components like Ulama, Nandya, Garbhagriha, Vimana, Ardha temple]

Rajendra I

Ultimate display of chola architecture zenith

Multiple manodapas as asita architectural elements

Vimana decorated with gold.

Temples shifted from being a just an architecture to being a social entity.

Thus, the temple Chola's temple purpose continued in Southern Indian with Nayakaar developing Talent gopuram in form of Meenakshi Temple at Madurai.

— Prateek Joshi · AIR 1