Hoysala Legacy: Belur, Halebidu, Somanathapura by Kamalika Bose

Indian Heritage | Cultural Heritage | Architecture | Design | Temple Architecture | Friezes | Hindu Legends | Sacred Ensembles | UNESCO World Heritage Site

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. Having recently been declared as India's 42nd Unesco World Heritage Sites, there is a renewed spotlight on these three temples as the Sacred Ensembles of the Hoyalas, and the talk concludes by highlighting these values.