- Temple Architecture: The period saw the evolution of Nagara, Dravida, and Vesara styles of temple architecture.
- Bhakti Movement: The rise of devotional movements focused on Vishnu, Shiva, and Shakti, promoting personal devotion.
- Buddhist Decline: Decline in royal patronage led to a reduction in Buddhist influence in India.
- Tantric Practices: Emerged in both Hinduism and Buddhism, emphasizing rituals and esoteric practices.
- Sanskrit Literature: Flourished with works by poets like Bhavabhuti and Rajasekhara.
- Regional Languages: Development of early regional languages like Tamil, Kannada, and Telugu began during this period.
- Advaita Vedanta: Adi Shankaracharya established Advaita philosophy and revitalized Hinduism.
- Vaishnavism and Shaivism: These sects gained prominence, with extensive temple building and literary works dedicated to their deities.
- Alvars and Nayanars: Tamil poet-saints who composed devotional hymns for Vishnu and Shiva.
- Jain Contributions: Jain scholars like Jinasena and Somadeva enriched Jain literature.
- Artistic Patronage: Regional kings supported art forms like painting, sculpture, and dance.
- Ellora and Ajanta: Continued development of rock-cut caves showcasing Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain influences.
- Metal Art: Advances in bronze sculpture, especially under the Cholas.
- Education Centers: Universities like Nalanda and Vikramashila remained important centers of learning.
- Rajput Culture: Flourished with distinct architectural styles, art, and valor-based literature.
- Festivals and Rituals: Local and regional festivals became more elaborate.
- Islamic Influence: Early contact introduced Persian and Central Asian cultural elements.
- Iconography: Increased complexity and diversity in religious iconography.
- Bhakti Literature: Emergence of devotional poetry in regional languages.
- Shilpa Shastras: Texts on architecture and sculpture guiding temple construction and icon-making.
- Chola Temples: Temples like Brihadeshwara represented architectural and artistic zeniths.
- Hindu Philosophy: Continued elaboration of Darshanas (philosophical systems).
- Pilgrimage: Emergence of major pilgrimage centers like Varanasi, Kanchipuram, and Rameswaram.
- Local Deities: Integration of local deities into mainstream Hindu pantheon.
- Manuscripts: Growth in manuscript writing and preservation in palm leaves.
- Music and Dance: Development of classical forms like Bharatanatyam and Carnatic music.
- Yakshagana and Kathak: Regional theatrical traditions that blend storytelling and performance.
- Guild Patronage: Guilds of traders and craftsmen funded temples and cultural activities.
- Epigraphy: Inscriptions became a major source of historical and cultural data.
- Harsha Charita: Written by Banabhatta, showcasing the culture of the time.
- Kashmir: Flourished as a center of Sanskrit learning and Shaiva traditions.
- Terracotta Art: Widespread use in temple decorations and sculptures.
- Medicine: Texts like Sushruta Samhita and Charaka Samhita influenced medical practices.
- Maritime Trade: Influenced the spread of Indian culture to Southeast Asia.