International Journal of History

Shimoga District in central Karnataka preserves a layered and regionally distinctive temple, building tradition shaped by successive political regimes, evolving material cultures, and long, standing religious practices. This paper examines the major architectural styles and temple typologies of the region, tracing their development from early Kadamba and Chalukya traditions through strong Hoysala influences, and later Keladi Nayaka and Vijayanagara adaptations. The study highlights how local factors such as patronage patterns, availability of building materials, and ritual requirements, contributed to variations in temple plans, elevations, and ornamental programs. Three representative case studies, the Rameshwara Temple at Keladi, the Aghoreshwara Temple at Ikkeri, and selected village temple typologies are analysed to demonstrate regional diversity in architectural expression and the continuity of ritual use across historical phases. Based on field survey observations, district heritage records, and published scholarly studies, the paper situates Shimoga’s temple architecture within the broader framework of South Indian architectural history while emphasizing its local specificity. The study seeks to contribute to regional architectural historiography and serve as a reference for heritage scholars and students of Karnataka’s temple traditions.