Hoysala Empire
The Hoysala Empire (
Kannada: ಹೊಯ್ಸಳ), ruled part of
southern India from
1000 to
1346, with
Belur,
Karnataka as their capital. The Hoysala Empire is remembered today primarily for its
architecture. Over a hundred surviving
temples are scattered across Karnataka, the finest examples of which are found in the cities of
Belur,
Halebid and
Somnathpura. The Hoysala kings were influenced by
Jainism and
Hinduism. King
Vishnuvardhana and his successors were followers of
Vaishnavism.
Hoysalas began their rule as subordinates of the
Chalukyas of
Kalyani and gradually established their own empire in Karnataka. Hoysalas period is remembered today as one of the brightest periods in the history of
Karnataka, next only to the
Vijayanagara Empire. Famous kings among the Hoysalas were Vishnuvardhana,
Veera Ballala II and Veera Ballala III.
Kannada was the native language of the Hoysala Kings. The Hoysalas encouraged both
Kannada and
Sanskrit literature.
The Hoysalas came to power in the region by defeating the
Chalukyas and became the paramount rulers in South India. The Hoysala dynasty's capital was initially located at
Halebid (17 km from Belur) where they ruled for over 150 years. However, after repeated invasions which lay the city to ruins, the Hoysalas relocated their capital to Belur.
The Hoysalas continued to patron art and literature during the peak of their empire. Vishnuvardhana (1108-1142), wrested
Gangavadi from the Cholas, and in commemoration of his victory, built the Vijayanarayana (Chennakeshva) Temple at Belur. His commander Ketamalla built the famous Hoysaleshwara Temple in
Halebid. Though Vishnuvardhana did not succeed in his efforts to overthrow the Chalukyas, his grandson
Veera Ballala II (1173-1220) not only freed himself from captivity, but also defeated Sevuna Bhillama V at Soraturu in
1190, after defeating Chalukya King Someshwara IV in
1187. Popular Kannada folklore suggests that it was during the time of Veera Ballala II, that the city of
Bangalore was founded. Veera Ballala II repulsed the attacks by the
Pandyas of
Tamil Nadu and later and assumed the title "Establisher of the
Chola Kingdom".
Later, in the days of his son Narasimha II (1220-1235), the Hoysalas also secured a foothold in Tamil Nadu. The
Tamil city of
Tiruvannamalai became the winter capital of the Hoysalas.
Veera Ballala III (1291-1343), the last Hoysala, was known for his military prowess. He expanded his kingdom to encompass all of South India and prevented multiple attacks from the
Bahamani Sultans who ruled over the region that is now
Orissa. Veera Ballala III was the first Hindu king to consolidate South India into a single empire. The
Vijayanagara Empire, which was founded during his time by his sons
Harihara (Hakka) and
Bukkaraya (Bukka) effectively became the new empire of South India, upon Veera Ballala's death in battle in
Madhurai (
1343).
|
Elaborate carvings was the motif of Hoysala architecture. This carving depects the imaginary animal Yali. |
The Hoysala age saw the ascent of revered
Kannada poets such as Rudrabhatta, Janna,
Harihara and Raghavanka.
Temples at Belur, Halebid, Somanathapur, Arasikere and Amritapura in Karnataka and
Tiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu are prime examples of Hoysala art.
The Hoysaleshwara Temple at Halebid is perhaps one of the finest examples of the Hoysala architecture. The outer walls of the temple contain an intricate array of stone sculptures.Art critic
James Ferguson remarked, "The great temple of Halebid, which, had it been completed is one of buildings on which the advocate of Hindu architecture would desire to take his stand".
The Hoysalas are also known to have
minted coins. Their
gold coin was called
Honnu and weighed 62 grains of gold.
Pana was 1/10 of the
Honnu.
Haga was 1/4 of the
Pana.
Visa was 1/4th of
Haga. There were coins called
Bele and
Kani as well.
The Hoysala society was comparatively
liberal. However, like in most of India, the
Indian caste system was conspiciously present. Women made progress in the realms of
music, dance,
literature, politics and administration. The practice of
sati, was prevalent and
prostitution enjoyed social acceptance. [
1].
The origin of the name "Hoysala" is part of popular
Kannada folklore. Early in his youth, Sala, a member of what was at that time a Hoysala tribe, was instructed by his
guru Sudatta Muni, to strike dead a tiger he encountered in the vicinity of the temple of the goddess
Vasantika at Sosevur. Guru Sudatta Muni was teaching his disciples at the temple.The word "strike" literally translates to "hoy" in Hale Kannada (Old Kannada). Hence the name "Hoy-sala". However, inconsistencies of facts that are associated with the Sala story, have prevented historians in giving credence to it.
Another interpretation is that Hoysalas were
Halumatha Kurubas, who were also called Hasalas. Hoysala, it is claimed, is a
misnomer of Hasala.
*
More on Hoysala art and architecture by Dr. Jyothsna Kamat
*
History of Karnataka by Mr Arthikaje
*
South Indian Inscriptions Archeological Survey of India (vols 9, 15,17,18)*
Hoysala Tourism*
Hoysala Coinage
