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.
