Hoysala temples

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