Hoysala Empire facts for kids

The Hoysala Empire (Kannada: ಹೊಯ್ಸಳ) was a powerful Indian empire. It ruled over parts of southern India for more than 300 years. This was from about the year 1000 to 1346 A.D. The capital city of the empire was Belur in Karnataka.

The Hoysala Empire is best known today for its amazing buildings. Many hundreds of beautiful temples can still be seen across Karnataka. Famous examples are in the cities of Belur, Halebid, and Somnathpura. The Hoysala kings followed both Jainism and Hinduism. King Vishnuvardhana and the kings who came after him mainly believed in Vaishnavism, a branch of Hinduism.

At first, the Hoysalas were just a small group under the Chalukyas of Kalyani. But they slowly grew stronger and created their own empire in Karnataka. The time of the Hoysalas is seen as one of the greatest periods in the history of Karnataka. It is often compared to the Vijayanagara Empire. Important Hoysala kings included Vishnuvardhana, Veera Ballala II, and Veera Ballala III. The main language spoken by the Hoysala kings was Kannada. They also helped develop both Kannada and Sanskrit writing.

Important Hoysala Kings

The Hoysala Empire was led by many strong kings. They helped the empire grow and become famous. Here is a list of some of the most important rulers and when they reigned:

• 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)

Hoysala Architecture and Art

The Hoysala Empire is most famous for its unique style of temple building. These temples are known for their detailed carvings and star-shaped designs.

Famous Hoysala Temples

Many temples were built during the Hoysala period. They show the amazing skill of the artists and builders.

• The Chennakeshava Temple, Belur is a beautiful example. It was built by King Vishnuvardhana.
• The temples at Halebid are also very famous. They have incredibly detailed sculptures.
• The Chennakesava Temple, Somanathapura is another stunning temple. It is known for its intricate carvings.

These temples often feature many sculptures. They show gods, goddesses, animals, and scenes from daily life. The carvings are so detailed that they look like lace made of stone.

Unique Building Style

Hoysala temples are often built on a raised platform called a jagati. This platform allows people to walk around the temple. The temples also have a special tower called a vimana. This tower is often shaped like a star. The walls are covered with many small carvings. These carvings tell stories from Hindu myths and legends.

Culture and Language

The Hoysala kings played a big role in developing culture in Karnataka. They supported writers and artists.

Language and Literature

Kannada was the main language of the Hoysala court. Many important literary works were created in Kannada during this time. The kings also supported the ancient language of Sanskrit. This led to a rich period for both languages.

Religion in the Empire

The Hoysala rulers were open to different religions. They supported both Jainism and Hinduism. Many temples were built for both faiths. King Vishnuvardhana, who was originally a Jain, later became a follower of Vaishnavism. This shows the mix of beliefs during the empire's time.

Images for kids

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  Sala fighting the Lion or Tiger, the emblem of the Hoysala Empire at Belur, Karnataka.

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  Gajapati pagoda, ca. 10th–13th century CE.

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  Garuda pillar hero stone (virgal) at Halebidu with old Kannada inscription of about 1220 CE.

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  Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana

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  Chennakesava Temple, Somanathapura, built 1268 CE.

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  Standing Vishnu as Keshava, 1st quarter of the 12th century, Hoysala period, probably Belur, Karnataka, India

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  Old Kannada inscription dated to 1182 of King Veera Ballala II at Akkana Basadi, Shravanabelagola.

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  "Darpanasundari" (lady with a mirror), one of the many madanakai decorating the Chennakeshava Temple, Belur.

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  Old Kannada inscription (1270 CE) of King Narasimha III at Keshava Temple, Somanathapura.

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  Akkana Basadi, Shravanabelagola

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  Vesara style Vimana of the Lakshmi Narasimha temple at Nuggehalli (1246 CE)

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  Stellate Vimana, at Ishvara Temple (Arasikere) built in 1220 CE

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  Jain temples, Halebidu

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  Twin temples (1200 CE) at Mosale, the Nageshvara (near) and Chennakeshava temple (far)

See also

In Spanish: Hoysala para niños