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Source: TH
Context:
In 2023, the Hoysala temples of Belur, Halebidu and Somanathapura were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Scholars are now also highlighting lesser-known Hoysala monuments in rural Karnataka such as Koravangala and Doddagaddavalli.
Who Were the Hoysalas?
The Hoysala Empire (11th–13th century CE) ruled large parts of present-day Karnataka.
They are renowned for transforming temple architecture through extraordinary sculptural detail and decorative richness.
Their temples represent the culmination of medieval Deccan temple architecture.
Major Hoysala Temples
Halebidu – Hoysaleshwara Temple
- Built around 1121 CE.
- Commissioned by Ketamalla under King Vishnuvardhana.
- Located in the former capital Dorasamudra.
- Twin-shrine temple dedicated to Shiva.
- Famous for extremely detailed outer wall sculptures.
Belur – Chennakeshava Temple
- Built to commemorate Vishnuvardhana’s military victories.
- Dedicated to Vishnu (Kesava).
- Known for elegant bracket figures and sculptural refinement.
Somanathapura – Keshava Temple
- Built in the 13th century under Hoysala rule.
- Perfect example of symmetrical star-shaped layout.
- Rich iconographic programme of Vaishnava imagery.
Lesser-Known but Important Sites
Recent attention is shifting to rural Hoysala monuments such as:
- Koravangala temples
- Doddagaddavalli Lakshmi Devi Temple
UNESCO World Heritage Recognition (2023)
The “Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas” were recognised for:
- exceptional artistic achievement
- architectural innovation
- preservation of medieval Indian craftsmanship
- testimony to Hoysala cultural power
