The recent inclusion of the Hoysala temples in Karnataka, India on the UNESCO World Heritage list marks an important acknowledgement of these architectural and historical gems. The famed Hoysala temples of Belur, Halebid and Somanathapur, referred to as the Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysala, are now recognized for their historical and cultural significance.
Recent Additions to UNESCO’s World Heritage List
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recently added the Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysala to its esteemed World Heritage list. Comprising the Hoysala temples of Belur, Halebid and Somanathapur in Karnataka, this is now the 42nd UNESCO World Heritage Site in India.
In the recent past, Santiniketan, a town in the Birbhum district of West Bengal, was also included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The ‘Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysala’ have been on UNESCO’s Tentative list since April 15, 2014. Other sites in Karnataka that have made it to the UNESCO list include Hampi (1986) and Pattadakal (1987).
Key Facts About the Hoysala Temples
The Chennakeshava Temple in Belur, one of the main Hoysala temples, was constructed by Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana in honour of his victory over the Cholas in 1116 AD. The Hoysaleshwara Temple in Halebid, representing perhaps the largest Shiva temple built by the Hoysalas, showcases sculptures depicting various aspects of Shiva, scenes from the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and the Bhagavata Purana. The third temple, the Keshava Temple of Somanathapur, is a beautiful Trikuta Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna.
Distinct Features of Hoysala Architecture
Built during the 12th and 13th centuries CE, the Hoysala Temples exhibit the unique architectural and artistic brilliance of the Hoysala dynasty. The Hoysala temples are known for their distinctive blend of Bhumija style prevalent in Central India, the Nagara traditions of northern and western India, and the Karnataka Dravida modes favored by the Kalyani Chalukyas. Made out of soapstone, a relatively soft stone, the artists were able to carve their sculptures intricately.
These temples are not only architectural wonders but also repositories of the cultural and historical heritage of the Hoysala dynasty. The Hoysala architecture stands out for being a hybrid style, known as vesara, which is neither completely dravida nor nagara, but somewhere in between.
The Hoysala Dynasty: Origin, Rise and Political History
The Hoysalas ruled over areas covering Karnataka and Tamil Nadu for over three centuries. The dynasty was founded by Sala with Dorasamudra (present-day Halebid) becoming their capital in about 1060. Initially, the Hoysalas were feudatories of the Chalukyas of Kalyana, also known as the Western Chalukya Empire. Vishnuvardhana, Veera Ballala II, and Veera Ballala III were among the most notable rulers of the Hoysala dynasty.
Religion and Culture under the Hoysala Dynasty
The Hoysala society was tolerant, pluralistic and a patron of various religions including Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism. King Vishnuvardhana started as a Jain but later converted to Vaishnavism under the influence of the saint Ramanuja.
