'The Hoysala Legacy: Belur, Halebidu, Somanathapura' by Kamalika Bose

The Hoysalas were supreme rulers of the southern Deccan in the 12th and 13th centuries. Together with their queens, ministers and commanders, they sponsored a series of magnificent temples, the most famous of which are those at Belur, Halebidu and Somanathapura. The complicated layouts, elaborate wall treatments and spacious interiors of these monuments testify to the genius of Hoysala designers and builders, while the carved friezes, wall panels and column brackets illustrating Hindu myths and legends showcase the talents and imagination of the Hoysala artists, many of whom signed their work. In this illustrated lecture, Kamalika Bose provides a comprehensive introduction to the architecture and art at Belur, Halebidu and Somanathapura. The lecture introduces the history of the Hoysalas, the role of patrons and artists, the different styles perfected by the builders of the time, and the themes depicted in the carvings. Then follow discussions of the individual temple complexes, pointing out the finest reliefs and sculpted figures. The lecture concludes with a commentary on the current use and state of conservation of these historical sites, many of which continue to have an active stream of visitors.

Kamalika Bose
Kamalika Bose is a Mumbai-based urban conservationist, curator and educator with twelve years of experience in heritage-oriented planning, advocacy and research. She is the Founder of Heritage Synergies India, a dynamic practice deeply committed towards the stewardship, preservation and management of built and cultural heritage. She obtained a Master in Historic Preservation Planning from Cornell University as a Fulbright Scholar. She has authored 'Seeking the Lost Layers' (CEPT 2008) and 'A History of Interior Design in India' (CEPT 2007) and recently edited 'People Called Kolkata' (Penguin Randomhouse 2019). Together with Dr. George Michell, she has co-authored 'The Hoysala Legacy' (Jaico 2019), richly illustrated with specially commissioned photographs by Surendra Kumar.

This lecture was organised as a collaboration between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) and the Museum Society of Mumbai (MSM) and was supported by Natesan's Antiqarts, well-wishers of MSM.