Hoysala Dynasty: Art, Architecture and Cultural Renaissance (10th-14th Centuries)

The Hoysala dynasty, founded by Sala in the 10th century, rose to prominence in South India, establishing a formidable empire known for its architectural marvels and literary patronage. With a capital at Dwarasamudra and renowned rulers like Vishnuvardhana and Ballala III, the Hoysalas expanded their territory, leaving a lasting impact on the region’s culture and history.

An Overview of the Hoysala Dynasty 

1. Rise and Fall Hoysala Dynasty

• Founder: Sala, also known as Nripakama, was the founder of the Hoysala dynasty. 
• Extent: The dynasty spanned across the districts between the Western Chalukyas and Cholas, eventually extending over much of the former Mysore state. 
• Establishment of Capital: They established their capital at Dwarasamudra. 
  • Belur served as a royal residence renowned for splendid Hoysala monuments. 
  • Royal Residence: The royal family was protected by a well-trained force of bodyguards known as Garudas.
• Early Chieftains: Arekalla, Maruga, and Nripa Kama I were early chieftains of the Hoysala dynasty, dating back to 950 AD.
  • Nripa Kama II’s Reign: marked an alliance with the Western Ganga dynasty, indicating the dynasty’s transition into a stronger entity.
• Conflicts: They engaged in conflicts with the Yadavas and Pandyas.
• Architectural Legacy: The Hoysalas were eminent builders, evolving Chalukya art traditions. Eg: Hoysalesvara temple at Halebid.
• Notable Rulers: included Vishnuvardhan, Ballala II, and Ballala III.
  • Ballala III: fought with the armies of the Delhi Sultanate (Khalji and Tughlaq). 
• Vishnuvardhana’s Reign: Vishnuvardhana expanded the Hoysala kingdom through military conquests, becoming an independent king and moving the capital to Halebidu.
  • He wrested Gangavadi from the Cholas in 1116 AD, laying the foundation for Hoysala dominance in Karnataka.
• Veera Ballala II’s Independence: Veera Ballala II achieved independence for the Hoysalas in 1187 AD, establishing them as a formidable empire.
  • He defeated the Pandya kingdom and assumed titles like “Establisher of the Chola Kingdom” and “Emperor of the South.”

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• Expansion and Hegemony: The Hoysalas extended their influence to Tamil Nadu around 1225 AD, establishing Kannanur Kuppam near Srirangam as a provincial capital.
  • Veera Ballala III: recaptured lost territories and expanded the kingdom south of the Krishna River by the end of the 13th century.
• Muslim Invasions: Malik Kafur plundered the Hoysala capital Halebidu twice in 1311 and 1327 AD.
  • By 1336 AD, the Sultanate had conquered various Hindu kingdoms, leaving the Hoysalas as the last Hindu empire resisting invasion.
• Fall of the Hoysalas: Veera Ballala III resisted northern invasions until his death in the battle of Madurai in 1343 AD.
  • The Hoysala territories merged with those administered by Harihara I, laying the groundwork for the Vijayanagara Empire.
• Collaboration with Vijayanagara: Inscriptions show collaboration between the waning Hoysala kingdom and the emerging Vijayanagara Empire.
  • Both empires patronized the Sringeri monastic order, as evidenced by grants made by Veera Ballala III’s queen and Harihara I in 1346 AD.

2. Art and Architecture

• Literature during Hoysala Rule
  • Sanskrit literature remained popular, but royal patronage increased for local Kannada scholars.
  • Notable literary developments included the use of distinct Kannada meters and the emergence of Champu style compositions.
• Prominent Scholars and Works:
  • Scholars like Janna, Rudrabhatta, Harihara, and Raghavanka received support from the Hoysala court.
  • Janna’s “Yashodharacharite” received royal recognition, earning him the title “Emperor among poets.”
  • Rudrabhatta’s “Jagannatha Vijaya” and Harihara’s “Girijakalyana” were significant literary contributions.
• Philosophical Movements: Madhvacharya’s works in Sanskrit, such as “Rigbhshya,” critiqued other Vedantic doctrines.
  • Philosophers like Basavanna, Madhvacharya, and Ramanujacharya inspired cultural and literary developments.
• Distinct Architectural Style:
  • Hoysala architecture, influenced by Dravidian styles, developed into an independent school known as Karnataka Dravida.
  • Temples showcased intricate carvings and attention to detail, using soapstone as the primary building material.
  • Notable Temples: Chennakesava Temple at Belur, Hoysaleswara temple at Halebidu, and 
• Artistic Expression: Hoysala art found complete expression in smaller temples like those at Somanathapura and Nuggehalli, which feature elaborate stone sculptures and friezes depicting Hindu epics.
• Language Usage: Kannada and Sanskrit were extensively used in the Hoysala empire, with temples serving as centers of education.
• Inscription Practices: Inscriptions, both on stone and copper plates, were bilingual in Sanskrit and Kannada, ensuring clear communication with local people.
• By the 14th century, the use of bilingual inscriptions declined, with officials opting for local language inscriptions.

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Conclusion

The Hoysala dynasty, known for its remarkable architectural legacy, literary scene, and strategic alliances, played a significant role in shaping the cultural landscape of medieval South India. Despite facing challenges from external invasions, their collaboration with emerging powers like the Vijayanagara Empire ensured the preservation of their legacy and contributions to Indian heritage.

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