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Introduction: Hoysala Empire
The Hoysala Empire was a South Indian dynasty that flourished between the 10th and 14th centuries CE. The empire was known for its significant contributions to South Indian architecture, particularly its intricate temple complexes.
Hoysala Empire
- The Hoysala Empire ruled parts of Karnataka between the 10th and the 14th century.
- They were feudatory under the Cholas or the Western Chalukyas.
- The capital of the Hoysalas was initially located at Belur (Hasan district of Karnataka).
- Vishuvardhana (1110-1152 AD), the first notable ruler of this kingdom, shifted the capital from Belur to Dwarasamudra (present-day Halebidu). He was attracted to Vaishnavism after coming under the influence of Ramanuja.
- The Hoysalas were famous temple builders and are remembered today primarily for architecture.
- The empire started to decline gradually after its defeat twice, in 1311 and 1327 by invading forces of the Delhi Sultanate.
Architecture of Hoysala Empire
| Hoysaleswara Temple | Location – Halebidu The temple was built by Vishnuvardhana. Its construction started around 1121 CE and was completed in 1160 CE. |
| Chennakesava Temple (Vishnu) | Location – Belur Built by Vishnuvardhana in 1117 CE |
| Kesava Temple | Location – Somanathapura The temple was built during the reign of Narasimha III in 1258 CE. |
| Veera Narayana Temple | Belavadi, Chikkamagaluru district, Karnataka |
| Amrutesvara Temple | Amruthapura The temple was built in 1196 AD during the reign of Veera Ballala II. the inscription contains poems composed by the Kannada poet Janna (Kavichakravarti) |
| Lakshminarayana Temple | Hosaholalu, Mandya, Karnataka built by Vira Someshwara in 1250 AD |
| Nageshvara-Chennakeshava Temple complex | Mosale, Hassan District |
| Mallikarjuna Temple | Basaralu, Mandya, Karnataka |
| Brahmeshvara Temple | Kikkeri, Mandya district, Karnataka It was completed in 1171 AD during the reign of Narasimha I. |
| Akkana Basadi | A Jain temple, built in 1181 AD during the rule of Veera Ballala II. |