Interesting Observations at Hoysala Temples

Keywords: Hoysala Temples, Hoysala Architecture

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Hoysala Architecture

The Hoysala era was an important period in the development of art, architecture, and religion in South India. The empire is remembered today primarily for Hoysala architecture. Over a hundred surviving temples are scattered across Karnataka. A feature of Hoysala temple architecture is its attention to exquisite detail and skilled craftsmanship.

The Hoysala artists mastered the use of Soapstone (Chloritic schist), a soft stone as basic building and sculptural material. The outer walls of all the temples contain an intricate array of stone sculptures and horizontal friezes (decorative mouldings) that depict the Hindu epics. The temple of Halebidu has been described as an outstanding example of Hindu architecture and an important milestone in Indian architecture.

The sculptors have intricately carved episodes from Hindu mythology, scenes of various dancers and musicians in the court, war scenes and military accomplishments of various kings. Mainly they have captured the theological, social and economic perspectives of that era. While most of the temples are now understood by scholars and are under the patronage of Archaeological survey of India, there are still many mysteries hidden in these temples.

Interesting Observations about Hoysala Temples

Lathe Turned and Polished Pillars

All Hoysala temples are characterised by this shining lathe turned kind of pillars. Most of the Hoysala temples were constructed around 11-12th century CE. It is really astonishing to see finely polished and perfectly turned pillars in these temples. It is worth thinking how the Hoysala architects achieved this level of craftsmanship with primitive equipment’s especially if they were all handcrafted as claimed by historians.

All the pillars appear to be perfectly turned with great amount of surface finish which makes us think that they had advanced technology. This level of finishing is achieved today only through lathe machinery. 

The Royal Emblem of Hoysalas. Just a Folklore or a real story?

The Royal emblem of the Hoysalas as seen in almost all the temple depicts a brave warrior “Sala” killing a mythical tiger like creature. It is said that a young boy named Sala and his teacher were in a temple in Angadi when a tiger approached them menacingly. The teacher handed Sala an iron rod and said “Poy Sala” which translates to ‘strike Sala’. Sala took the rod and kill the Tiger with a single blow. However, the story has many discrepancies and is considered folklore by many historians. Another interpretation of this emblem is that it represents the victory of King Vishnuvardhana over the Cholas as the tiger was the emblem of the Chola dynasty. 

Was there a dragon during the Hoysala era?

Many mysterious animals are sculpted in the temples. It is hard to interpret whether these are just artistic imaginations, or such a creature really lived during those times. 

This mysterious looking creature is found in almost all the Hoysala temples which raises some serious questions about their existence.

Mysterious Foreigners in Hoysala era?

Now it gets interesting here. We all know from history that the continents were not connected until modern times till 15th century CE. India was discovered only in 1498 CE by Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama and through this a link was established between Europe and Asia through an Ocean route. This was important as this opened the way for an age of global imperialism and long lasting colonial empires. But interestingly, some mysterious sculptures dressed in long coats and pants have been depicted in many temples. It is clear these are not any of the gods or any of the people from the Hoysala era as those are shown wearing lot of jewellery and the clothes are clearly recognizable as traditional Indian ware. This indicates that Hoysala empire had frequent visitors from foreign countries.

Mysterious Sculptures? 

Indian mythology is famous for its many mysterious creatures and characters and can be located across many temples all over the country. Many great sculptures have always tried to portray their artistic imagination of such characters in the form of carvings and idols. Many of such mysterious characters can also be located in many of the Hoysala temples which are hard to explain.

King’s Bodygaurds beheading themselves after king’s death

An elite and well-trained force of bodyguards known as Garudas protected the members of the royal family always. These servants moved closely yet inconspicuously by the side of their master, their loyalty being so complete that they committed suicide after his death. Hero stones (virgal) erected in memory of these bodyguards are called Garuda pillars.

Fine detailing of sculptures with just chisels and Hammers?

A feature of Hoysala temple architecture is its attention to exquisite detail and skilled craftsmanship. But looking at some of their work its hard to imagine that such a level of detailing was achieved with just hand-held chisels and hammers. Some of the sculptures are so fine in detail that you can pass light through them.

One thing is for sure that our great history has many hidden secrets waiting to be discovered and told.