Renewed Attention on Hoysala Heritage Beyond Iconic Temples
Context
After the 2023 UNESCO World Heritage inscription of select Hoysala temples, academic and heritage discourse in 2026 has widened to include lesser-known Hoysala-era monuments in rural Karnataka. Scholars and conservationists are increasingly drawing attention to sites such as Doddagaddavalli and Koravangala, recognising their architectural, cultural, and historical significance.
Hoysala Legacy in Focus
Civilisational Background:
Between the 11th and 13th centuries CE, the Hoysala dynasty developed a distinctive temple-building tradition in the Karnataka region, characterised by the extensive use of Soapstone (Chloritic Schist).
This period marked a transition from relatively restrained architectural forms to highly ornate, sculpture-intensive temples that redefined medieval South Indian architecture.
Flagship Monuments of the Hoysala Period
Hoysaleshwara Temple, Halebidu
Historical Context: Constructed around 1121 CE during the reign of King Vishnuvardhana, the temple symbolised the political and cultural stature of Dorasamudra, the Hoysala capital.
Architectural Highlights:
- Twin-Shrine Configuration: A Dvikuta layout with two identical sanctums.
- Narrative Wall Art: Continuous sculptural bands depicting animals, mythological scenes, and ornamental motifs.
- Sacred Bull Enclosures: Monolithic Nandi sculptures housed in separate pillared pavilions.
- Advanced Stone Finish: Lathe-turned interior pillars with a mirror-like polish.
Chennakeshava Temple, Belur
Historical Context: Built in 1117 CE to commemorate the Hoysala victory over the Cholas at Talakadu.
Architectural Highlights:
- Bracket Sculptures: Forty-two Madanika figures displaying exceptional aesthetic refinement.
- Raised Circumambulatory Base: A star-shaped Jagati platform designed for ritual movement.
- Engineering Excellence: The freestanding monolithic pillar and the formerly rotatable Narasimha pillar demonstrate advanced craftsmanship.
Neglected but Notable Hoysala Sites
Doddagaddavalli – Lakshmidevi Temple:
An early Hoysala structure (1114 CE), distinguished by its Chatuskuta (four-shrine) plan and prominent Mahakali iconography.
Koravangala – Bucheshwara Temple:
A Dvikuta temple that reflects the stylistic transition toward the mature Hoysala sculptural idiom.
Hulikere Kalyani:
A large ritual stepwell complex where shrined and unshrined structures are arranged with symbolic references to celestial cycles, highlighting sacred water architecture.
Distinctive Features of Hoysala Temple Design
Complex Ground Geometry:
Stellate temple plans built on raised platforms to maximise sculptural surface area.
Layered Sculptural Bands:
Horizontal friezes arranged in symbolic order, depicting animals, floral designs, and mythological narratives.
Precision-Carved Pillars:
Smooth, circular pillars produced through lathe-turning techniques, enhancing light and spatial harmony.
Material Innovation:
Soapstone enabled deep-relief carving and minute detailing, including ornaments and facial expressions.
Functional Stone Screens:
Perforated jalis provided ventilation, diffused lighting, and controlled visibility.
Cultural and Historical Importance
Artistic Achievement:
Hoysala temples represent a high point of sculptural refinement in medieval India.
Religious Inclusivity:
The coexistence of Shaiva, Vaishnava, and Jain monuments reflects doctrinal harmony.
Water Management Knowledge:
Associated tanks and stepwells indicate advanced hydraulic planning.
Social Documentation:
Temple inscriptions offer insights into guilds, women patrons, and artisan communities.
Way Forward
Expanding conservation efforts beyond well-known monuments is essential for a holistic understanding of Hoysala civilisation. Protecting these lesser-known rural temples will preserve the full architectural, cultural, and technological legacy of the Hoysalas, whose stone craftsmanship continues to reflect a synthesis of devotion, innovation, and artistic excellence.
Source : The Hindu