Why in the News
A recent feature highlights lesser known Hoysala era temples and basadis in rural parts of Hassan, Mandya and Mysuru districts of Karnataka, drawing attention to the architectural and cultural legacy beyond the famous sites.
About the Hoysala Dynasty
- The Hoysala dynasty ruled parts of present day Karnataka between the 11th and 14th centuries. Their rule is known for:
- Temple architecture in soapstone
- Intricate sculptural detailing
- Fusion of Shaiva, Vaishnava and Jain traditions
- Prominent rulers include:
- Veera Ballala II
- Vira Someshwara
Key Architectural Features
- Material: Built using soft chloritic schist, commonly called soapstone.
- Platform: Temples rest on star shaped raised platform called Jagati
- Temple Plans
- Ekakuta: Single shrine
- Dvikuta: Two shrines
- Trikuta: Three shrines
- Panchakuta: Five shrines
- Sculptural Elements
- Friezes depicting epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata
- Celestial dancers
- Finely lathe turned pillars
- Elephant processions
Important Sites
- Halebidu: Hoysaleswara Temple. Jain Basadi complex including Parshvanatha, Shantinatha and Adinatha shrines
- Belur: Chennakeshava Temple
- Somanathapura: Keshava Temple
- Doddagaddavalli: Lakshmidevi Temple. One of the earliest surviving Hoysala temples, built in 1114 CE
- Koravangala: Nageshwara, Govindeshwara and Bucheshwara temples
- Hulikere: Hulikere Kalyani. Stepwell architecture linked symbolically with zodiac and nakshatras.
| [2024] Consider the following properties included in the World Heritage List released by UNESCO: 1. Shantiniketan
2. Rani-ki-Vav 3. Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas 4. Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodhgaya How many of the above properties were included in 2023? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four |
