The Hoyasalas
Hoysala dynasty, family that ruled in India from about 1006 to about 1346 CE in the southern Deccan and for a time in the Kaveri (Cauvery) River valley. The first kings came from the hills northwest of Dorasamudra (present-day Halebid), which became their capital about 1060. With their hardy hill-dwelling, Kannada-speaking followers, they gradually absorbed Gangavadi (Mysore state) and the rich lands beyond the Tungabhadra toward Dharwar and Raichur. The imperialistic programs of the Chalukyas of Kalyani helped them, for under the Hoysala rulers Vinayaditya (reigned c. 1047–98) and his grandson Vishnuvardhana (reigned c. 1110–41) they gained wide experience as feudatory generals.
Vishnuvardhana won much territory from the tough Kadambas of Hangal, but his weak son Narasimha I lost much of it. Yet Vishnuvardhana’s expulsion of Cholas/”>The Cholas from the plateau succeeded. His grandson Ballala II (reigned 1173–1220) was invited into the plains to help the Cholas. He agreed because his northern gains in 1189–1211 from the Chalukya dynasty beyond the Malprabha and Krishna rivers proper had diminished under pressure from the Yadava dynasty of Devagiri. He extended his dominions to the north of Mysore and defeated the Yadavas, making the Hoysala dynasty the dominant power in southern India.
Ballala II’s grandson Someshvara (reigned c. 1235–54) resided in the principality on the Kaveri given by the Cholas, and his son Ramanatha (reigned 1254–95) was allowed to remain there by the Pandya emperor. On his eviction, however, his attempt to take the plateau kingdom from his brother Narasimha III weakened Hoysala Resources. Ballala III (reigned c. 1292–1342), who helped the sultan of Delhi against the Pandyas, brought about the dynasty’s downfall by his futile ambitions. The Vijayanagar dynasty succeeded the Hoysalas.
Hoysala architecture and sculpture, especially ornate and intricate, are best seen at Halebid, Belur, and Somnathpur. The family liberally patronized Kannada and Sanskrit literary artists.
Vishnuvardhana Raya: The Great King
In the history of Hoysalas the name, Vishnuvardhana Raya holds great importance. It was under King Vishnuvardhana Raya that the kingdom achieved political prominence. Of his many military conquests, he is best known for winning the Gangawadi area from the Cholas in 1116.
It was also under his reign that the influence of Sri Ramanujacharya spread in the Karnataka region and Srivaishnavism grew in popularity. Vishnuvardhana Raya himself was originally known as Bittideva and took on this name only after converting from Jainism to Srivaishnavism.
A number of Vaishnava temples were built under his patronage while his queen, Shantala Devi who remained a devout Jain, fostered a number of artists.
Architecture
Today, the empire is remembered mainly for its Temple Architecture rather than its military conquests. There are over a hundred temples from this era still standing in various parts of Karnataka. Three of the most well-known Hoysala Temples are the Kesava Temple at Somanathapura, Chennakesava Temple at Belur and Hoysaleswara Temple at Halebidu.
Kesava Temple, Somanathapura
The Chennakesava Temple or Kesava Temple at Somanathapura was built under King Narasimha III in 1268 C.E. This is considered a Vaishnava Temple and has three shrines devoted to the different avatars of Lord Vishnu. The temple is built from soapstone and is known for its lathe turned pillars, symmetrical architecture and intricate sculptures.
Chennakesava Temple, Belur
Belur was originally the capital of the Hoysala Kingdom. In 1117 AD King Vishnuvardhana commissioned the building of this temple which was originally named the Vijayanarayana Temple. Scholars stand divided on whether it was built to celebrate his victory over the Cholas in the battle of Talakad or to commemorate his conversion from Jainism to Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism.
The temple itself marks the development of a new Architectural style. It is also renowned for the 48 unique pillars inside the main hall. Of these the Narasimha pillar and Mohini Pillar are the most well-known.
Hoysaleswara Temple, Halebidu
In the 12th Century, the Hoysala capital shifted to Halebidu under the rule of King Vishnuvardhana. It is said that the rich an influential Shaiva followers of the city initiated the construction of this temple in competition with the Chennakesava Temple in Belur. This temple is best known for its intricately carved sculptures.,
The Hoyasalas were a dynasty of South Indian kings who ruled over a large part of the Deccan plateau from the 11th to the 14th centuries. They were originally feudatories of the Chalukyas, but they eventually became independent and established their own kingdom with its capital at Halebidu. The Hoyasalas were patrons of art and architecture, and they built many temples and other monuments, including the Chennakeshava Temple at Belur and the Hoysaleswara Temple at Halebidu. They were also known for their military prowess, and they fought many wars against the Cholas, the Pandyas, and the Delhi Sultanate. The Hoyasala dynasty came to an end in the 14th century, when they were overthrown by the Vijayanagara Empire.
History of the Hoyasalas
The Hoyasalas were a branch of the Chalukya dynasty, and they originated in the region of Karnataka in southern India. The first Hoyasala king, Vishnuvardhana, came to power in 1004 CE. He was a powerful ruler who expanded the Hoyasala kingdom and defeated many of his enemies. Vishnuvardhana’s son, Ballala I, was also a successful ruler. He defeated the Cholas and the Pandyas, and he extended the Hoyasala kingdom to its greatest extent.
The Hoyasala kingdom reached its peak under the rule of Vira Ballala II. He was a great warrior who defeated the Cholas, the Pandyas, and the Delhi Sultanate. He was also a patron of art and architecture, and he built many temples and other monuments.
The Hoyasala dynasty came to an end in the 14th century, when they were overthrown by the Vijayanagara Empire. The Vijayanagara Empire was a powerful Hindu kingdom that was founded in the 14th century. It was a major rival of the Delhi Sultanate, and it eventually conquered the Hoyasala kingdom.
Hoyasala art and architecture
The Hoyasalas were patrons of art and architecture, and they built many temples and other monuments. Their temples are known for their intricate carvings and sculptures. The most famous Hoyasala temples are the Chennakeshava Temple at Belur and the Hoysaleswara Temple at Halebidu.
The Chennakeshava Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu. It is located in the town of Belur in Karnataka. The temple was built in the 12th century by the Hoyasala king Vishnuvardhana. It is one of the most important temples in the Hoysala style of architecture.
The Hoysaleswara Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva. It is located in the town of Halebidu in Karnataka. The temple was built in the 13th century by the Hoyasala king Vira Ballala II. It is one of the largest and most impressive temples in the Hoysala style of architecture.
Hoyasala military history
The Hoyasalas were a powerful military power, and they fought many wars against their enemies. They were particularly successful against the Cholas and the Pandyas. The Hoyasalas also fought against the Delhi Sultanate, but they were eventually defeated.
The Hoyasalas were a major power in South India for over two centuries. They were patrons of art and architecture, and they built many temples and other monuments. They were also a powerful military power, and they fought many wars against their enemies. The Hoyasala dynasty came to an end in the 14th century, when they were overthrown by the Vijayanagara Empire.
Who were the Hoyasalas?
The Hoyasalas were a dynasty of Hindu kings who ruled over parts of southern India from the 11th to the 14th centuries. They were known for their patronage of art and architecture, and their kingdom was a center of Learning and culture.
What was their capital city?
The Hoyasala capital city was Halebidu, which is located in the modern-day state of Karnataka. Halebidu was a major center of Trade and Commerce, and it was also home to many temples and palaces.
What were their achievements?
The Hoyasalas were known for their achievements in art and architecture. They built many beautiful temples, including the Chennakeshava Temple in Belur and the Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebidu. They also patronized the arts, and their kingdom was a center of learning and culture.
What was their downfall?
The Hoyasala dynasty came to an end in the 14th century, when they were defeated by the Delhi Sultanate. The Delhi Sultanate was a Muslim empire that ruled over much of northern India at the time. The Hoyasalas were unable to withstand the power of the Delhi Sultanate, and their kingdom was conquered.
What are some interesting facts about them?
The Hoyasalas were a tolerant and inclusive dynasty. They allowed people of all religions to live and worship freely in their kingdom. They also built many temples for both Hindu and Muslim communities.
The Hoyasalas were also known for their military prowess. They were able to conquer many neighboring kingdoms, and they extended their rule over a large area of southern India.
The Hoyasalas were a fascinating dynasty that left a lasting legacy on southern India. Their achievements in art, architecture, and culture continue to be admired today.
Here are some MCQs about the Hoyasalas:
- The Hoyasalas were a dynasty that ruled over parts of what is now Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh in India from the 11th to the 14th centuries. True or False?
- The Hoyasala capital was at Halebidu. True or False?
- The Hoyasalas were patrons of the arts and architecture. True or False?
- The Hoyasala king Vishnuvardhana was a great warrior who defeated the Chola king Rajendra Chola I. True or False?
- The Hoyasala king Ballala III was defeated by the Delhi Sultanate in 1310 CE. True or False?
Answers:
1. True
2. True
3. True
4. True
5. True
Here are some additional facts about the Hoyasalas:
- The Hoyasalas were a Hindu dynasty that ruled over parts of what is now Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh in India from the 11th to the 14th centuries.
- The Hoyasala capital was at Halebidu, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- The Hoyasalas were patrons of the arts and architecture, and many of their temples and monuments are still standing today.
- The Hoyasala king Vishnuvardhana was a great warrior who defeated the Chola king Rajendra Chola I.
- The Hoyasala king Ballala III was defeated by the Delhi Sultanate in 1310 CE, and the Hoyasala dynasty came to an end.