News: Several Hoysala-era temples and basadis (Jain shrines) in Hassan, Mandya, and Mysuru districts have drawn attention to Karnataka’s rich yet often overlooked medieval architectural heritage.
About Hoysala Dynasty
- The Hoysala Dynasty was a prominent South Indian dynasty that ruled from the 10th to the 14th centuries mainly in present-day Karnataka.
- Political history
- Origins: The Hoysalas were feudatories of the Chalukyas of Kalyana,
- Founder: Sala was regarded as the founder of the dynasty.
- Capital: The early capital was Belur, which later shifted to Dwarasamudra (present-day Halebidu).
- Important kings
- Kings such as Vinayaditya, Ballala I, and especially Ballala II strengthened and expanded the kingdom.
- King Vishnuvardhana (c. 1108–1152 CE) was one of the most important rulers.
- He defeated the Cholas at Talakad and assumed the title Talakadugonda.
- He commissioned the Chennakesava Temple at Belur, marking a new phase in Hoysala temple architecture.
- Hoysala administration
- The Hoysala state followed a centralised monarchical system with structured administrative divisions.
- Central administration: The empire was managed by senior ministers called Pancha Pradhanas, including officials such as Sandhivigrahi (foreign affairs) and Mahabhandari (treasury).
- Provincial structure: The empire was divided into provinces like Nadu, Vishaya, Kampana, and Desha for effective governance.
- Local governance: Provincial administration included Mahapradhana, Bhandari, Heggaddes, and Gavundas who managed agriculture and resources.
- Elite guards: Elite royal bodyguards called Garudas protected the king.
- Coins: The coins like Honnu, Pana, and Haga were issued with inscriptions.
- Religious Patronage: The Hoysalas patronized Shaivism, Vaishnavism, and Jainism, which shaped the religious character of their kingdom.
- Vishnuvardhana’s Conversion: King Vishnuvardhana initially followed Jainism, but later converted to Srivaishnavism under the influence of Sri Ramanujacharya, and this shift encouraged temple construction.
- Rise of Bhakti traditions:
- During 12th century, Virashaivism associated with Basavanna and Vaishnavism supported by thinkers like Ramanujacharya and Madhvacharya gained prominence in the region.
- Society
- Role of women: Women like Queen Umadevi and Queen Shantala Devi played active roles in governance and culture.
- Urban centres: Pattana and nagaram served as important commercial and cultural centres.
- Temple role: Temples played religious, social, economic, and judicial roles in society.
- Literature
- Language: Kannada and Sanskrit literature developed significantly.
- Important Kannada writers: Harihara, Raghavanka (Harishchandracharite), Nemichandra (Leelavati Prabhanda), and Janna contributed to literature.
- Art & Architecture
- Architectural style: The Hoysalas combined Vesara and Dravida elements and developed a distinct Hoysala style, which later came to be recognised as Karnata Dravida.
- Platform design: Their temples were usually constructed on star-shaped raised platforms, and the jagati around the temple functioned as an open pradakshinapatha for circumambulation.
- Structural features: The structures were carved from soft soapstone and displayed polished pillars, rhythmic projections, celestial dancers, dense friezes of epic scenes, and beautifully carved madanika figures.
- Notable temples: Important examples include the Chennakeshava Temple at Beluru, the Hoysaleshvara Temple at Halebidu, and the Keshava Temple at Somnathpura.
