About the empire
The first Hoysala family record dates to 950, naming Arekalla as the chieftain, followed by Maruga and Nripa Kama-I (976). Nripa Kama-II, who held such titles as Permanadi that show an early alliance with the Western Ganga dynasty, succeeded the next ruler, Munda (1006–1026). From those modest beginnings, the Hoysala dynasty began its transformation into a strong subordinate of the Western Chalukyas. Through Vishnuvardhana’s expensive military conquests, the Hoysalas achieved the status of a real kingdom for the first time. He wrested Gangavadi from the Cholas in 1116 and moved the capital from Belur to Halebidu. The Hoysalas, an indigenous dynasty of kings, ruled for over three centuries over almost the whole of Karnataka, leaving a rich heritage of imperishable monuments of art and culture. From the position of petty tribal chiefs and later from that of vassals of more powerful neighbours such as the Cholas, they rose to power in the 11th century and ruled as contemporaries of the Seunas, from the 12th-14th centuries, i.e., from 1100 A.D.-1346 A.D. The Hoysala dynasty symbolised the cultural achievement of Karnataka, in the realm of art, this dynasty remains difficult to surpass or even equal in its exquisite beauty, its divine conception of soulstirring themes and it's perfect execution of the most delicate delineations of abstract ideas. Hoysala influence is clearly evident not only in Karnataka, but also in modern day government and in the temples of Tamilnadu. During their rule, the Hoysalas were responsible for the democratisation of education and learning, for they popularised education through the creation of Brahmapuris, Sivapuri, Agraharas, Mathas and Ohatikasthanas. The age of the Hoysalas could indeed be described as a Golden Period in the history of Karnataka, for the Hoysala monarchs ushered in economic prosperity, treated their subjects with the tender care of parents and adopted moral laws that could parallel the modem directive principles of state policy.
Famous kings of their empire
The reign of the Hoysalas was marked by acts of conquest and annexation carried out by the ambitious chiefs who made their regime memorable by their achievements.
Kama (C. 1000 - 1045 A.D): Epigraphical sources portray a Hoysala chief in 1006 A.D. who enters into combat with Aprameya, a Chola General. This chief can be identified with King Kama, the first Hoysala chief who came into conflict with the Cholas while trying to assert himself. Cherishing the ambition to build his own kingdom, this chief moved from the hilly tract to the plains.
Vinayaditya (C. 1045 - 1098 A.D): Kama's successor was his son Vinayaditya who extended his influence over a major part of Gangavadi Towards the end of his reign, Vinayaditya had made the Hoysalas powerful enough to earn recognition from the Chalukyas.
Ereyanga (C. 1098 - 1100 A.D): After a brilliant career as a prince, Ereyanga succeeded to the throne at a late age and ruled only for two years till 1100 A.D.
Ballala-I (C 1100 - 1108 A.D): Ereyanga was succeeded by his eldest son Ballala whose kingdom consisted of Konkana, Bayalnad and Savimale. At the outset, Ballala was attacked by Jagaddeva, the Paramara prince who lived in the Kalanupaka as a Chalukya subordinate. However, Ballala was able to strike terror in the Chalukya forces and push them back. He proceeded to expand his territories by subduing the Chengalvas, a petty clan of chieftains ruling over certain areas in the modern Coorg and Mysore districts. After this, he occupied Alvakheda, then proceeded against the Pandyas of UchchangI and attempted to occupy the Belvola country after crossing the Tungabhadra. This open violation of the authority of Vikramaditya provoked him into sending his feudatory Achugi-II to defeat the Hoysala chief and drive him back to his capital.
Vishnuvardhana (C. 1108 - 1152 A.D): The successor of Ballala was his younger brother Vishnuvardhana who began his rule with a compaign to the south in order to subjugate Gangavadi and Nolambavadi. After that, it appears that he attacked and subdued the Kongalvas and the Nidugal Cholas, who were Chola subordinates. He also made expeditions to the Nilgiris and the Kongu country to extend the Hoysala authority over the Salem - Coimbatore area. In an attempt to declare his independence of Chalukya allegiance, Vlshnuvardhana began to proceed against the Chalukya feudatories such as the Pandyas of UchchangI who were governing the Nolambavadi province. This made him adopt the title of Nolambavadigonda, i.e., the conqueror of Nolambavadi. Next he captured Baltare and crossed Tungabhadra to conquer the fort of Kummata. By attacking the territories of the Kadambas of Hangal, he also secured that fort. In 1136 A.D. he captured Bankapura after a victory over the Kadambas. Thus by 1149 A.D his territories included Gangavadi, Nolambavadi, BanavasI, Hangal and Huligere with his capital at Bankapura. Though he did not achieve independence, Vlshnuvardhana succeeded in liberating this capital at Bankapura. hough he did not achieve independence, Vlshnuvardhana succeeded in liberating the entire Gangavadi area from Chola control and spread his Influence as far as Belvola and Bellary in the north.
Narasimha-I (1152 - 1178 A.D): The son of Vishnuvardhana by name Narasimha inherited the kingdom, but failed to take advantage of his reign to consolidate his position. As such he proved to be an unworthy successor of this father.
Ballala-II (1173 - 1220 A.D): A significant event in the reign of Ballala-II was his defeat of the Pandyas and conquest of Uchehangl. By 1178 A.D he secured Hangal , and in 1190 A.D he was victorious in a fierce battle near Soratur in Gadag taluk, after which he established himself in Belvola, with Lakkundl as his stronghold. By moving into Raichur district, he captured important places such as Kukkanur and Manvi, and then turned eastward to capture parts of Raichur, Bellary area. Ballala extended Hoysala control up to Malaprabha in the north, after defeating Seuna Bhillama. By intervening in the Chola affairs, he earned great prestige in the south and secured for his family the position of a sovereign ruling powder.
Narasimha-II (1220 - 1235 A.D): Succeeding his father to the Hoysala throne in 1220 A.D. Narasimha-II"s rule for 15 years was significant for his achievements in the Chola territory. He secured from the Chola ruler some territory around Kannanur which he entrusted to his son Somesvara. He helped in reinstating Rajaraja on the Chola throne, and was regarded as the saviour of the Chola throne after he subdued the Pandya king Naravarman Sundara Pandya. Thereafter, there was a tremendous increase in his influence over the Chola country and the Kannanur region was added to the territory controlled by the Hoysalas.
Somesvara (1235 - 1253 A.D): The reign of somesvara brought about a shift in the policy of the Hoysalas as regards their neighbours in the north and in the south. After having supported the Cholas all this time. Somesvara now turned to the aid of the Pandyas. He defeated Rajendra and declared himself as the saviour of the Pandyas, Then somesvara divided his kingdom into two parts and made his elder son Narasimha-III govern the northern area with Dorasamudra as the capital, while he placed the southern region from Kannanur under his younger son Ramanatha, somesvara himself lived in Kannanur for a few more years.
Harasimha-III (1253 - 1292 A.D) and Ramanatha (1253 - 1295 A.D): Somesvara partitioning of the country resulted in frequent conflicts between Narasimha-III and Ramanatha. These continued until Narasimha-III in 1291 A.D. Owing to his death, Ramanatha was able to secure some territories in Kolar and Bangalore districts. However, Ramanatha lost Kannanur after a clash with a Pandya ruler and thereafter shifted his capital to Kundani to the 32 north of Kannanur .
Ballala-III (1291 - 1342 A.D): Narasimha-Ill's son Ballala-III succeeded to the throne in 1291 A.D. He ruled over the united Hoysala kingdom by 1301 A.D. Epigraphical records reveal that Ballala fought against the Muslims but had ultimately to submit to them and surrender his wealth to them, though he could return safely to his country by 1313 A.D he had to send his son to the court of Delhi. Later he was able to annex areas around Arunasamudra which he made his southern headquarters . Ballala met his death in 1342 A.D at the hands of Ohiyasuddin after being captured by the Muslim General Nasirudin.
Virupaksha Ballala-IV (1342 - 1346 A.D): He was the successor of Ballala-III and was crowned in August 1343 A.D. However, his reign was not significant for, by this time, the new kingdom of Vijayanagara was founded by the Sangama brothers in the Hoysala territory. By this time, the Hoysala kingdom comprised of the Salem district, the western half of north Arcot and Chittor districts, the whole of thiruchirapalli district excluding Karur, the Tanjore, the Papanasam and Mannargudi taluks of the Tanjore district and the eastern part of Pudukottal state as well as east Mysore country comprising the modern Kolar district, Kannanur and south Arcot. It is reported that by 1346 A.D most of the Hoysala territory was under the dominion of the new power. In this way, the rule of the Hoysalas, which had lasted for over three centuries, came to an end.
Extent of their empire & Patronage towards the Hindu religion
This period also witnessed the birth of luminaries in the sphere of religion, philosophy, literature and architecture, such as Basaveswara, RamanujSenarya, Madhvacharya, Janakacharya, Religious toleration was the spirit of the age, for the four principel creeds Brahmanisra, Buddhism, Jainism and Veerasaivism - flourished simultaneously, Vaishnavism and the Bhakti movement were propogated with great fervour. Among the religious faiths that prevailed during the Hoysala rule. Buddhism was not very prominent. Jainism exerted a powerful influence over the people of Karnataka and was followed in many parts of the region. One of its great patrons was Vinayadltya II who had several tanks, temples, and Jaina shrines constructed. His son Ereyanga was also a devout Jaina and made a grant of Rachanahalla in Belgola in 1094 A.D. Vlshnuvardhana's queen Santaladevi as well as his generals were active supporters of Jainism. Among her many religious endowments queen SantaladevI founded the Jaina temple of santlsvara Gandhavarana at Sravana Belgola. Thus, until the rise of Vaisnavism and Saivism Jainism enjoyed the patronage of most of the Hoysala rulers. The great teacher Saftkara promoted this cult with regard to his theistic approach to religion. The Hoysala period was noted for the abundance of Sanskrit and Kannada literary works, both in the religious and secular fields.
Architecture style of the kings
The sculptural compositions of the Hoysalas are unique for they portray maidens either singing, dancing, hunting, or ornamenting Instead cf the usual female forms that are found bending, kicking or reclining against the trees. Among the several sculptures carved by the artists belonging to varied schools, the Salabhanjikas of the Hoysalas are definitely the most florid and intricate. The artist's main idea was to exhibit as many facets of feminine physique, grace and beauty as possible not withstanding their significance, and the symbolism governing their conception. Another notable feature was that the Hoysala sculptor generally failed to make a distinction between the arrangement of the hair and ornaments of the male and female figures, thus making it difficult to distinguish between one from the other without the aid of the surface anatomy of the torse and udarabandha. The Hoysala rulers spared no efforts In their encouragement of the fine arts such as music, dance and dramatics. These were pursued by the royal and aristrocratic families as well as by other social groups. Temples made these performances an integral part of their routine and rituals. The popularity and prevalence of these fine arts are richly described in literature and are also reflected in the profuse sculptured scenes on the Hoysala temple walls.
Key temples built/enhanced during Hoysala empire
The Hoysala dynasty bequeathed a significant legacy to the main stream of Indian culture, in the spheres of art, architecture, literature, religion, philosophy and political organisation. It is difficult to find many other dynasties that could surpass the exquisite pieces of art created by the Hoysalas who made ornamentation a unique norm in their task of building temples. Indeed the temples at Belur, Halebid and Somnathpur are famed for their delicate and beautiful sculptural work, and they are a living testimony to the amazing talent of the Hoysala arcists. Over a hundred surviving temples exist across Karnataka, including the well known Chennakesava Temple at Belur, the Hoysaleswara Temple at Halebidu, and the Kesava Temple at Somanathapura.
CHENNAKESHAVA TEMPLE - Anekere, Hassan, Karnataka, India
Chennakeshava Temple is one of the beautiful temples built by the Hoysalas and dedicated to Lord Chennakeshava. The two distinct features of this temple are the Temple Compound Wall and the Khalasa on the Temple Shikara and the Khalasa here is supposedly the largest one found in the state. The temple is a perfect example of Hoysala architecture, though smaller in size when compared to the other Hoysala temples. An interesting feature on its Navaranga Ceiling wherein, its central portion is carved in a way that it resembles a Conch (Shanka).
SRI CHENNAKESHAVA SWAMY TEMPLE - Belur, Karnataka, India
The Chennakeshava Temple of Belur, is a 12th-century Hindu temple commissioned by King Vishnuvardhana in 1117 C.E of Hoysala Empire. The temple was built over three generations and took 103 years to finish. It was repeatedly damaged and plundered during wars, repeatedly rebuilt and repaired over its history. The Vijayanagara Empire sponsored the addition of smaller shrines dedicated to goddesses and the Naganayakana mandapa within the temple complex. These were constructed by collecting the war ruins of other demolished temples in Belur area and reusing them.
Sri Chennakeshava Swamy Temple
SRI CHENNAKESHAVA TEMPLE - Hullekere, Karnataka, India
The Chennakeshava temple was built in 1163 A.D. by a minister of Hoysala empire king Narasimha-I is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. The architectural style is a single shrine construction with miniature vimanas, the basic building material being Soapstone which also qualifies as a ekakuta plan. The decor on the parapet walls, ceiling, lintel over the entrance and the pillars is noteworthy and the inner walls of the shrine is square and plain where as the outer walls have numerous recesses and projections that is used for decorative relief which includes Kirtimukha, Aedicula, deities in relief and half pilasters.
BANDALIKE TEMPLE COMPLEX - Bandalike, Shimoga, Karnataka, India
Bandalike Temple Complex consists of four temples are scattered over 10 acres of mounds and depressions. Built in 1160, this is a Trikutachala temple of the Kalyana Chalukyan period. Known for its elegance and symmetry, this temple in east-west orientation has Siva-linga in the western and southern cells, the northern cell has a sculpture of Vishnu. All the three cells have vestibules with ornamental doorways flanked by niches.
HOYSALA TEMPLES OF NAGALAPURA - Nagalapura, Turuvekere, Tumkur, Karnataka, India
The Kedareshwara temple is ekakuta temple faces east and is dedicated to Shiva and just like any other Hoysala temple in shape and design. It has five pattikas. The outer walls have amazing sculptures of Lord Shiva depicted in his various forms and vahanas. Though the garbha-grha faces east however the main entrance to the temple, through navaranga, is on its southern side. Channakeshava Temple is also an ekakuta temple consists of a garbha-grha (sanctum), antarala (vestibule) and navaranga (closed hall). The garbhagrha is a stellate structure with sixteen-pointed star plan and the adhishthana (platform) of the temple has arrangements of the characteristic Hoysala bands, six in numbers depicting, elephants, riders on horses, scroll work, blank frieze where Puranic scenes are usually carved, makaras and swans. Presence of these bands suggests that this temple belongs to the matured Hoysala phase.
MALLIKARJUNA TEMPLE - Hirenallur, Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka, India
The temple is a trikuta with Shiva Linga, Keshava and Surya Deva adorning the cells. The central ceiling is a masterpiece with complicated carvings on it and overshadows the beauty of this temple. There are sculptures of Ganapathi and Sapthamatrikas in the sabhamandapa of the temple as usual and the three Shikaras of this temple are heavily decked with images of the various gods and goddesses on them.
SRI CHENNAKESHAVA SWAMI TEMPLE - Tandaga, Tumkur, Karnataka, India
The Chennakeshava temple of Turuvekere was built around 1263 A.D. During the rule of the Hoysala Empire King Narasimha III was dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. The temple has all the basic elements of a standard Hoysala temple and comprises a sanctum which is connected to a closed hall by a square vestibule. The porch consists of an awning supported by two decorative half pillars with two parapets on both sides and the ceiling of the closed hall is supported by four lathe turned pillars. These pillars divide the ceiling into nine highly decorated bays.
SURYANARAYANA TEMPLE - Magala, Bellary, Karnataka, India
Suryanarayana Temple constructed in 1209 A.D by Sameyada Garuda Marmmarasa of Magala which is an ornate Chalukyan structure of great architectural merit. This temple is a Trikutachala or a temple with three Garbhagrihas housing the gods Somanatha, Venugopala and Surya. The main western Garbhagriha has a standing Venugopala (Prasanna Kesava) which is profusely embellished with delicate carvings of great workmanship.
MOOLE SHANKARESHVARA TEMPLE - Turuvekere, Tumkur, Karnataka, India
The Shankareshvara temple was built around 1260 A.D. during the rule of the Hoysala Empire King Narasimha III is a protected monument under the Karnataka state division of the Archaeological Survey of India. The temple has all the basic elements of a standard Hoysala temple and comprises a sanctum (garbhagriha) which is connected to a closed hall by a square vestibule (sukhanasi). From the outside, the walls of the vestibule are inconspicuous and appear like a short extension of the shrine wall and the ceiling of the closed hall is supported by four lathe turned pillars. This is a norm in all Hoysala temples.
YOGA MADHAVA TEMPLE - Settikere, Tumkur, Karnataka, India
The Yoga Madhava temple was built in 1261 A.D. by an officer of the Hoysala empire (ruled by King Narasimha III) is a three vimana plan with the central shrine being semi-stellate (star shaped). The temple has all the standard features of the Hoysala architectural idiom, The temple gets an elevated look due to the jagati it stands on a platform that is about a meter high. The porch consists of an awning supported by lathe turned half pillars and parapets on either side and the ceiling of the closed hall is supported by four lathe turned pillars which divide the ceiling into nine decorated bays.
LAKSHMI NARASIMHA SWAMY TEMPLE - Vignasante, Tumkur, Karnataka, India
The Lakshminarasimha temple of Vignasante has all the basic features of the Hoysala architectural idiom which was built in 1286 A.D. during the rule of the Hoysala empire king Narasimha III. The architectural style as three shrined temples with closed mantapa, the basic building material being Soapstone. The porch consists of an awning supported by lathe turned half pillars and parapets on either side and the decor on the parapet outer wall, the domical ceiling, the lintel over the entrance and the pillars shows the good taste of the Hoysala artisans.
SRI LAKSHMI NARASIMHA SWAMY TEMPLE - Bhadravati, Shimoga, Karnataka, India
The Lakshmi Narasimha Temple is a temple built by the Hoysalas in the 13th century under the Hoysalas rule, by Veera Narasimha, the grandson of Vishnuvardhana. The temple is built on a Nakshatra style platform, and is around three feet high and the temple has three Gopurams and hence called by the name Threekutachal Temple. The outer walls of the temple bear great detailed carvings in Hoysala style. A flight of five steps will lead you up the platform with three of them leading to the temple. The tower is divided into tiers with each tier diminishing in height and culminating in an umbrella like structure and the lathe turned pillars with four brackets above are a signature style of the 11th-13th century Chalukya-Hoysala architectural idiom.
SRI KEDARESHWARA TEMPLE - Halebeedu, Karnataka, India
Kedareswara Temple is a fine example of Hoysala style of temple architecture was constructed by Hoysala King Veera Ballala-II and his Queen Ketaladevi with Soapstone. The carved ceilings of the temple are supported by finely polished pillars and the magnificent idol of Nandi Vahana in its lying posture adds extra elegance to the temple. The main shrine is raised over a beautiful star-shaped platform of smooth stone, the walls, the tower, the doorway and the ceiling are magnificently carved. As seen in Hoysaleswara temple, this temple has classic friezes and scenes from the epics.
SRI VEERA NARAYANA TEMPLE - Belavadi, Chikmagalur, Karnataka, India
This is a beautiful Hoysala style temple was built in 1200 C.E. by Hoysala Empire King Veera Ballala-II with Soapstone. Each of the three shrines has a complete superstructure (tower on top of shrine) and is one of the largest temples built by the Hoysala kings. While the famous temples at Belur and Halebidu are known for their intricate sculptures, this temple is known for its architecture. Built in the Trikuta style with three vimanas this temple is huge and spacious and the entrance of the temple is at the center, with slanting roofs.
SRI LAKSHMI NARASIMHA TEMPLE - Javagal, Hassan, Karnataka, India
The Lakshminarasimha temple at Javagal is an example of mid-13th century Hoysala architecture dedicated to Lord Narasimha built in 1250 A.D. by the Hoysala Empire King Vira Someshwara. The temple follows an east-west orientation and is built primarily with soapstone with a sukanasi opening or an entrance with a superstructure or tower that leads to the main mantapa. The walls of the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Nuggehalli are covered with intricate mouldings and friezes in a horizontal treatment taken exclusively from the Bhagavatha. The lower eaves feature images of Hindi Gods and Goddesses with their attendants.
CHANDRAMOULESWARA TEMPLE - Arsikere, Hassan, Karnataka, India
The Shiva Temple has magnificent architecture dating back to 1220 C.E rule of Hoysala Empire. The Ishvara temple is considered as one of the most complicated architecture amidst the surviving structures of Hoysala. The peculiar thing about the Ishvara or Eshwara Temple is its 16 pointed star-shaped mantapa (a hall for devotees to perform prayers) sculpture along with an asymmetrical structure that is star-shaped, whose star shapes are of three different sizes. The temple has intricately carved figure sculptures depicting work of extreme dexterity. Hoysala architecture is influenced by Dravidian style as is evident from the Ishvara temple as the sculptures and stone carvings portray the splendor and richness of Hoysala sculpture.
LAKSHMI DEVI TEMPLE - Doddagadduvalli, Karnataka, India
The Lakshmi Devi temple was built during the Hoysala rule King Vishnuvardhana in 1114 CE. It is interesting to note that the four shrines are situated at cardinal directions and at the entrance of the Kali sanctorum you can find the image of Nagakanya. What is interesting is that you can find both Shaiva and Vaishnava deities. The statues of Siva, Lakshmi, Kali and Vishnu will be present where the central hall’s ceiling is exclusively and intricately carved. You can also view the bold carvings which are circular in nature.
LAKSHMI NARASIMHA TEMPLE - Haranahalli, Karnataka, India
The Lakshminarasimha temple at Haranhalli is a complete and good example of 13th century Hoysala architecture built in 1235 A.D. by the Hoysala Empire King Vira Someshwara. The towers over the central shrine and its vestibule (sukhanasi or nose) are intact and intricate. The decorative plan of the walls of the shrines and the hall is with two eaves that run around the temple. The second eaves run around the temple about a meter below the first. In between the two eaves are the miniature decorative towers (Aedicula) on pilasters. Starting from the top, the friezes depict; hansa (birds) in the first frieze, makara (aquatic monsters) in the second, the usual depiction of scenes from the Hindu epics are absent in the third frieze which has been left blank.
SOMESHVARA TEMPLE - Haranahalli, Karnataka, India
The Someshvara temple at Haranhalli is an example of 13th century Hoysala architecture built in 1235 A.D. by the Hoysala Empire King Vira Someshwara. It's overall decorative ornamentation is somewhat lesser in quality though there are some well executed reliefs. The main shrine is stellate (star-shaped), has a complete superstructure (tower or shikhara) and a sukhanasi (nose or tower over the vestibule) and the decoration in the interior of the temple and the upper parts of the walls deserves special mention for its taste. The platform, in addition to adding visual beauty, provides the devotees a path for circumambulation (pradakshina patha) around the temple.
LAKSHMINARAYANA TEMPLE - Hosaholalu, Karnataka, India
The Lakshminarayana Temple was built by King Vira Someshwara of the Hoysala Empire in 1250 C.E based on the style of the sculptures and architecture that compares closely with the contemporary Hoysala monuments. The temple is a trikutachala and is built on a raised platform that resembles a star and has a pillared hall or navaranga in the centre and the three shrines around it. The base, like all Hoysala temples has the six layers of decorative patikas that comprise of swans, elephants, horse riders, leafy scrolls, various gods and goddesses and scenes from Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
