Andhra Pradesh is an illustration of the diverse styles of temple building in the Indian subcontinent. The temples that line the length and breadth of the State stand in silent acknowledgement of centuries of history and the patronage of various kingdoms such as the Cholas and Pallavas of Tamil Nadu, the Chalukyas of Deccan, the Eastern Gangas and the Vijayanagar Kings. The oldest temples in the State, Tirupati Venkateswara Temple and the Kalahasteeswara Temple that date back to the pre Christian times.