Hoysala Empire

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The Hoysala Empire (Kannada: ಹೊಯ್ಸಳ), ruled part of southern India from 1000 to 1346, with Belur, Karnataka as their capital. The Hoysala Empire is remembered today primarily for its architecture. Over a hundred surviving temples are scattered across Karnataka, the finest examples of which are found in the cities of Belur, Halebid and Somnathpura. The Hoysala kings were influenced by Jainism and Hinduism. King Vishnuvardhana and his successors were followers of Vaishnavism.

Hoysalas began their rule as subordinates of the Chalukyas of Kalyani and gradually established their own empire in Karnataka. Hoysalas period is remembered today as one of the brightest periods in the history of Karnataka, next only to the Vijayanagara Empire. Famous kings among the Hoysalas were Vishnuvardhana, Veera Ballala II and Veera Ballala III. Kannada was the native language of the Hoysala Kings. The Hoysalas encouraged both Kannada and Sanskrit literature.

History

The Hoysalas came to power in the region by defeating the Chalukyas and became the paramount rulers in South India. The Hoysala dynasty's capital was initially located at Halebid (17 km from Belur) where they ruled for over 150 years. However, after repeated invasions which lay the city to ruins, the Hoysalas relocated their capital to Belur.

The Hoysalas continued to patron art and literature during the peak of their empire. Vishnuvardhana (1108-1142), wrested Gangavadi from the Cholas, and in commemoration of his victory, built the Vijayanarayana (Chennakeshva) Temple at Belur. His commander Ketamalla built the famous Hoysaleshwara Temple in Halebid. Though Vishnuvardhana did not succeed in his efforts to overthrow the Chalukyas, his grandson Veera Ballala II (1173-1220) not only freed himself from captivity, but also defeated Sevuna Bhillama V at Soraturu in 1190, after defeating Chalukya King Someshwara IV in 1187. Popular Kannada folklore suggests that it was during the time of Veera Ballala II, that the city of Bangalore was founded. Veera Ballala II repulsed the attacks by the Pandyas of Tamil Nadu and later and assumed the title "Establisher of the Chola Kingdom".

Hoysala Kings (1000-1346)
Nripa Kama	(1000 - 1045)
Vinayaditya	(1045 - 1098)
Ereyanga	(1098 - 1100)
Veera Ballala I	(1100 -1108)
Vishnuvardhana	(1108 - 1152)
Narasimha I	(1152 – 1173)
Veera Ballala II	(1173 – 1220)
Narasimha II	(1220 – 1235)
Vira Someshwara	(1235 – 1253)
Narasimha III	(1253 – 1292)
Ramanatha	(1253 – 1295)
Veera Ballala III	(1292 – 1342)
Harihara Raya (Vijayanagara Empire)	(1342-1355)

Later, in the days of his son Narasimha II (1220-1235), the Hoysalas also secured a foothold in Tamil Nadu. The Tamil city of Tiruvannamalai became the winter capital of the Hoysalas. Veera Ballala III (1291-1343), the last Hoysala, was known for his military prowess. He expanded his kingdom to encompass all of South India and prevented multiple attacks from the Bahamani Sultans who ruled over the region that is now Orissa. Veera Ballala III was the first Hindu king to consolidate South India into a single empire. The Vijayanagara Empire, which was founded during his time by his sons Harihara (Hakka) and Bukkaraya (Bukka) effectively became the new empire of South India, upon Veera Ballala's death in battle in Madhurai (1343).

Art and architecture

The Hoysala age saw the ascent of revered Kannada poets such as Rudrabhatta, Janna, Harihara and Raghavanka.

Temples at Belur, Halebid, Somanathapur, Arasikere and Amritapura in Karnataka and Tiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu are prime examples of Hoysala art.

The Hoysaleshwara Temple at Halebid is perhaps one of the finest examples of the Hoysala architecture. The outer walls of the temple contain an intricate array of stone sculptures. Art critic James Ferguson remarked, “The great temple of Halebid, which, had it been completed is one of buildings on which the advocate of Hindu architecture would desire to take his stand”.

The Hoysalas are also known to have minted coins. Their gold coin was called Honnu and weighed 62 grains of gold. Pana was 1/10 of the Honnu. Haga was 1/4 of the Pana. Visa was 1/4th of Haga. There were coins called Bele and Kani as well.

Society

The Hoysala society was comparatively liberal. However, like in most of India, the Indian caste system was conspiciously present. Women made progress in the realms of music, dance, literature, politics and administration. The practice of sati, was prevalent and prostitution enjoyed social acceptance. [link].

Name and origins of the dynasty

The origin of the name "Hoysala" is part of popular Kannada folklore. Early in his youth, Sala, a member of what was at that time a Hoysala tribe, was intructed by his guru Sudatta Muni, to strike dead a tiger he encountered in the vicinity of the temple of the goddess Vasantika at Sosevur. The word "strike" literally translates to "hoy" in Hale Kannada (Old Kannada). Hence the name "Hoy-sala". However, inconsistencies of facts that are associated with the Sala story, have prevented historians in giving credence to it.

Another interpretation is that Hoysalas were Halumatha Kurubas, who were also called Hasalas. Hoysala, it is claimed, is a misnomer of Hasala.

External links

• [More on Hoysala art and architecture] by Dr. Jyothsna Kamat
• [History of Karnataka] by Mr Arthikaje
• [South Indian Inscriptions Archeological Survey of India (vols 9, 15,17,18)]
• [Hoysala Tourism]
• [Hoysala Coinage]

 

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