Beyond Belur & Halebidu: Lesser-Known Hoysala Monuments of Karnataka
๐ Context
While Belur, Halebidu, and Somanathapura dominate discussions on Hoysala architecture, the rural landscapes of Hassan, Mandya, and Mysuru host several remarkable yet overlooked Hoysala-era temples and basadis.
Built between the 11th and 13th centuries, these monuments reflect the dynasty’s:
๐งญ Relevance for UPSC
GS Paper I
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Indian Art & Culture
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Temple architecture
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Regional architectural styles
Prelims Focus
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Features of Hoysala architecture
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Chronology & patronage
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Jain & Shaiva-Vaishnava traditions
Essay / Interview
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Heritage conservation
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Cultural tourism
๐ Distinctive Features of Hoysala Architecture
✔ Building Material
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Soapstone (chloritic schist)
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Soft → allows intricate carvings
✔ Ground Plan
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Star-shaped (stellate) platforms
✔ Shrine Types
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Ekakuta → Single sanctum
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Dvikuta → Two sanctums
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Trikuta → Three sanctums
๐ UPSC Tip: Frequently asked in Prelims
✔ Decorative Elements
๐ Important Lesser-Known Sites
1️⃣ Koravangala (Hassan District)
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Once a vibrant Hoysala centre
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Three temples built by three brothers
Key Structures
๐ Represents early & mature phases of Hoysala art
2️⃣ Javagal – Lakshminarasimha Temple
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Built c. 1250 CE
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Trikuta shrine
Highlights
๐ Shows architectural continuity across dynasties
3️⃣ Doddagaddavalli – Lakshmidevi Temple (1114 CE)
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Among earliest surviving Hoysala temples
Unique Features
๐ Built by merchant woman Sahaja Devi
UPSC Value Addition: Role of non-royal patrons & women
4️⃣ Hulikere Kalyani (Stepwell)
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12th-century water structure
Importance
๐ Hoysala innovation beyond temples
5️⃣ Jain Basadi Complex (Near Halebidu)
Key Basadis
Architectural Traits
๐ Reflect Jain aesthetic philosophy
๐ Religious Pluralism Under Hoysalas
Dynasty patronised:
๐ Example: Doddagaddavalli’s Lakshmi–Shiva–Vishnu–Kali shrines
⚖ Analytical Insights (UPSC Value Addition)
✅ Contributions
❗ Contemporary Concerns
๐ฎ Way Forward
๐งพ Conclusion
These lesser-known monuments reveal:
A reminder that India’s cultural history extends far beyond textbook icons.
✨ UPSC Mains Practice Questions
Q1. Discuss the distinctive features of Hoysala temple architecture.
Q2. Examine the role of regional dynasties in shaping India’s temple traditions.
Q3. Why is conservation of lesser-known heritage sites important?