---
title: "Aihole Temples: Chalukyan Cradle of Architecture"
description: "Aihole Temples in Karnataka, built between the 5th and 8th centuries, are key to understanding early Chalukyan architecture for UPSC candidates."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/aihole-temples"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Aihole is a temple complex in Karnataka built between the 5th and 8th centuries CE that served as the experimental cradle of early Chalukyan temple architecture in India.
- Why is Aihole called the cradle of Indian temple architecture?
- How do Aihole, Badami, and Pattadakal differ?
- What is the significance of the Aihole prashasti?
- Which are the most important temples at Aihole for UPSC?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

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In 634 CE the court poet Ravikirti composed the Aihole prashasti at the Meguti Jain temple, recording the Chalukya king Pulakeshin II's victory over Harsha and fixing a key date in Deccan history.

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