Karnataka’s Hoysala temples nominated for World Heritage Sites list 2022-23


Hoysala temples: The Hoysala Temples of Belur, Halebid, and Somnath Pura in Karnataka have been finalized for the nominations for consideration in the World Heritage Sites List for 2022-23.

Key Facts:

  • They were finalized by the Union Ministry of Culture and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
  • The nomination bid was formally submitted by India's Permanent Representative to UNESCO, Vishal V Sharma to UNESCO, Director of World Heritage, Lazare Eloundou.
  • After the submission of the dossier the technical scrutiny will be done.
  • The site evaluation will happen around September /October 2022 and the nomination will be taken up for consideration in July-August 2023.

Key Highlights:

  • The Hoysala temples are protected monuments of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
  • Since April 15, 2014, the ‘Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysala’ are on UNESCO’s Tentative list.
  • The temples stand testimony to the rich cultural and historical heritage of India.

About Hoysala Temples:

  • The Hoysalas temples of Belur, Halebid and Somnathapur were reportedly built in the 12th-13th centuries.
  • Hoysala building style of architecture was developed by architects under the rule of the Hoysala Empire between the 11th and 14th centuries.

Hoysaleswara temple at Halebidu

  • The Hoysaleswara temple at Halebidu was built during the reign of Hoysala King, Vishnuvardhana Hoysaleshwara, in 1121CE. It is dedicated to Shiva.
  • It was sponsored and built by merchants and wealthy citizens of Dwarasamudra.
  • The temple is well-known for more than 240 wall sculptures, running along the outer wall.

Hoysala temple at Belur:

  • The Hoysala temple at Belur, the Chennakeshava temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu.
  • It is located on the banks of Yagachi River.
  • Its construction started in 1117 AD and completed in 103 years.
  • Around 118 stone inscriptions have been recovered from its complex, belonging to 1117-18th century.
  • Richly sculptured exterior of this temple includes sculptures, iconography and horizontal friezes which depict scenes from daily life, dance and music.
  • These scenes not only narrate the life of Vishnu and his reincarnations but also the epics namely Ramayana, and Mahabharata.

About Hoysala Dynasty:

  • The Hoysala Dynasty was the prominent dynasty of the Kannadiga region (which is now Karnataka, India) who ruled and parts of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu between 10th to 14th centuries AD.
  • It was founded by Nripa Kama II or Sala. Its capital initially resided at Belur, but later moved to Halebidu.
  • He was succeeded by his son Vinayaditya who was followed by his son and their sons until Veera Ballala I who died childless and was succeeded by his younger brother Vishnuvardhana Raya.
  • The Hoysala era emerged as an important period in the development of art, architecture, and religion in South India.
  • The dynasty is remembered for temple building and their three most well-known Temples are the Kesava Temple at Somanathapura, Chennakesava Temple at Belur and Hoysaleswara Temple at Halebidu.
  • The Hoysala rulers also patronized the fine arts. That patronage encouraged literature to flourish in Kannada and Sanskrit.

Vishnuvardhana Raya:

  • In the history of Hoysalas the name, Vishnuvardhana Raya holds great importance.
  • It was under King Vishnuvardhana Raya that the kingdom achieved political prominence.
  • Of his many military conquests, he is best known for winning the Gangawadi area from the Cholas in 1116.

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