UPSC Articles
Hoysala temples
Part of: Prelims and GS-I -Culture
Context: The Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysala — the Hoysala temples of Belur, Halebid and Somananthpura in Karnataka — has been finalised as India’s nomination for consideration as UNESCO’s World Heritage for 2022-23.
About UNESCO’s World Heritage
- A World Heritage Site is a landmark or area with legal protection by an international convention administered by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
- World Heritage Sites are designated by UNESCO for having cultural, historical, scientific or other form of significance
About Hoysala Architecture
- Hoysala architecture is the building style developed under the rule of the Hoysala Empire between the 11th and 14th centuries, mostly concentrated in southern Karnataka.
- Hoysala temples are sometimes called hybrid or vesara as their unique style seems between Dravida and Nagara styles.
- The Hoysala temples contain multiple shrines grouped around a central pillared hall and laid out in the shape of an intricately-designed star.
- They are made out of soapstone which is a relatively soft stone.
- They are easily distinguishable from other medieval temples by their highly original star-like ground-plans and a profusion of decorative carvings.
- Some of the famous temples are:
- Hoysaleshvara temple at Halebid, Karnataka that was built in dark schist stone by the Hoysala king in 1150
- Chennakeshava temple in Somnathpura, Karnataka built around AD 1268 under Narasimha III
- Kesava temple at Belur, Karnataka built by Vishnuvardhana.
News Source: TH
