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Hoysala architecture (1050–1300 CE) is best known for its star-shaped (stellate) temple plans, soapstone carvings, and hybrid Vesara style blending Nagara and Dravida features.

Historical Background – Hoysala Dynasty

• Period: c. 11th–14th century CE
• Initially feudatories of the Western Chalukyas (Kalyana Chalukyas), later emerged as an independent power.
• Founder: Nripa Kama II (early phase as vassal).
• Capitals:
  • Initially Belur
  • Later shifted to Dwarasamudra (modern Halebidu)
• Ruled large parts of present-day Karnataka and parts of Tamil Nadu for over three centuries.

Notable Rulers

• Vishnuvardhana (Bittideva) – Major territorial expansion; prolific temple patronage; converted from Jainism to Vaishnavism under the influence of Ramanuja.
• Veera Ballala II
• Veera Ballala III

Architectural Style: Vesara Tradition

Hoysala architecture represents the Vesara style, a hybrid blending:

• Nagara (North Indian) features
• Dravida (South Indian) features

It evolved into a distinct regional idiom in Karnataka.

Core Architectural Features

1. Building Material

• Chloritic schist (soapstone)
  • Soft when quarried → allows intricate carving
  • Hardens over time
  • Enabled microscopic detailing (ornaments, curls, fingernails)

2. Ground Plan Variations

• Ekakuta – Single shrine
• Dvikuta – Two shrines
• Trikuta – Three shrines
• Chatushkuta / Panchakuta – Four or five shrines

Most temples stand on a raised jagati (platform) with a stellate (star-shaped) plan, producing rhythmic projections and recesses.

Distinctive Feature: Unlike the cruciform Panchayatan layout, Hoysala temples maximize sculptural surface through multiple star-shaped projections.

3. Sculptural Ornamentation

• Outer walls resemble sculptural manus.
• Horizontal friezes depict:
  • Elephants (strength)
  • Horses
  • Mythical beasts
  • Episodes from Ramayana, Mahabharata, Puranas
• Bracket figures: Madanikas (celestial dancers)
• Detailed jewellery and costumes carved in stone.

4. Shikhara (Superstructure)

• Tiered arrangement with horizontal mouldings.
• Interconnected chambers crowned by proportionate towers.
• Harmonious vertical elevation.

Important Hoysala Temples

1. Chennakeshava Temple

• Located at Belur.
• Commissioned by King Vishnuvardhana after victory over the Cholas.
• Dedicated to Vishnu.
• Known for exquisite bracket figures (madanikas).
• Inscribed under UNESCO (2023).

2. Hoysaleswara Temple

• Grand Shiva temple at Halebidu.
• Elaborate narrative friezes and mythological panels.
• One of the most sculpturally dense monuments.
• UNESCO inion (2023).

3. Keshava Temple

• 13th-century Trikuta Vaishnava temple.
• Built by Somanatha Dandanayaka under Narasimha III.
• Exemplifies mature Hoysala detailing.
• UNESCO inion (2023).

Other Important Monuments (Prelims Focus)

• Veera Narayana Temple (c. 1200 CE) – Large ranga-mandapa, interior emphasis.
• Nageshwara & Govindeshwara Temples (Koravangala) – Transitional phase from Chalukyan to mature Hoysala style.
• Bucheshwara Temple (1173 CE) – High sculptural density; star-shaped platform.
• Lakshminarasimha Temple (1250 CE, Javagal) – Trikuta shrine; polished pillars.
• Lakshmidevi Temple (1114 CE) – Early experiment; rare Mahakali shrine; patronized by merchant Sahaja Devi.
• Panchalingeshwara Temple (Mandya) – Rare Panchakuta design (five east-facing Shiva shrines).
• Jain Basadis at Halebidu – Parshvanatha, Shantinatha, Adinatha; restrained aesthetic.
• Hulikere Kalyani – 12th-century stepped tank integrating cosmological symbolism.

UNESCO Recognition

In 2023, the following were inscribed as “Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas” during the 45th World Heritage Committee session:

• Chennakeshava Temple (Belur)
• Hoysaleswara Temple (Halebidu)
• Keshava Temple (Somanathapura)