HOYSALA EMPIRE
1. Context
- Recently, The Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas, which includes three temples in Karnataka, has been inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
- The Hoysala Temples, as they are also known, will be India’s 42nd UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Rabindranath Tagore’s Santiniketan, the university town in West Bengal, was also included as a world heritage site.
2. About Hoysala Empire
- The Hoysala Empire originated in the Malnad region of present-day Karnataka, India, in the 10th century.
- The Malnad region is hilly in the Western Ghats, and the Hoysalas were initially a feudatory of the Western Chalukya Empire.
- However, they gradually gained power and independence, and by the 12th century, they had become a major power in southern India.
- The Hoysala Empire reached its peak of power in the 13th century, under the rule of kings such as Vishnuvardhana (1108-1152) and Veera Ballala II (1173-1220).
- During this period, the Hoysalas expanded their territory to include much of present-day Karnataka, as well as parts of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
- They also defeated the Chalukyas and became the dominant power in southern India.
- The Hoysala Empire began to decline in the 14th century, due to several factors, including invasions from the north and internal conflicts.
- The empire finally collapsed in 1343, after it was defeated by the Vijayanagara Empire.
2.1. Economy
- Agriculture: The Hoysalas primarily relied on agriculture as the backbone of their economy. They cultivated crops such as rice, pulses, and sugarcane, benefiting from the fertile Deccan Plateau.
- Trade: The empire was strategically located along major trade routes, which facilitated trade with other regions, including northern India and overseas trade with regions like the Arab world.
- Mining: The Hoysalas engaged in mining activities, extracting valuable resources like gold, iron, and gems, which contributed to their economic prosperity.
2.2. Government
- Feudal Structure: The Hoysala government followed a feudal system where the king held the highest authority. The kingdom was divided into administrative units known as Nadu, each governed by local chieftains.
- Decentralized Administration: The administration was relatively decentralized, giving regional rulers considerable autonomy as long as they paid tribute to the Hoysala king.
- Religious Patronage: The Hoysala kings were known for their patronage of temples and religious institutions, which played a role in their governance and securing the loyalty of their subjects.
2.3. Society
- Caste System: The caste system played a significant role in Hoysala society, with people categorized into different social groups. Brahmins held a prominent position.
- Role of Women: Women had a relatively high status in Hoysala society compared to some other medieval Indian societies. They participated in religious activities and could even hold positions of power in the administration.
- Education: Education was valued, with Brahmin scholars often receiving patronage from the Hoysala kings. Temples and monasteries served as centres of learning.
- Social Welfare: The Hoysala rulers supported the construction of tanks, irrigation systems, and temples that often served as hubs for various social and cultural activities.
2.4. Culture and Architecture
- Temple Architecture: The Hoysala Empire is most famous for its exquisite temple architecture. The Hoysala temples, known for their intricate and ornate sculptures, are prime examples of Dravidian architecture. The Chennakesava Temple in Belur and the Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebidu are iconic structures from this period.
- Literature: Kannada literature flourished during the Hoysala period. Notable works include the writings of poets like Raghavanka and Harihara.
- Language: Kannada was the primary language of administration and culture, and the Hoysala kings made significant contributions to Kannada literature.
- Dance and Music: The Hoysalas were patrons of various forms of art, including dance and music, which played an integral role in temple rituals and cultural life.
3. About World Heritage Site
- A World Heritage Site is a place, landmark, building, or area that is recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for its cultural, historical, scientific, or natural significance.
- These sites are considered to be of outstanding value to humanity, and their preservation and protection are of global importance.
- As of September 2023, a total of 1,172 World Heritage Sites (913 cultural, 220 natural, and 39 mixed properties) exist across 166 countries.
- With 58 selected areas, Italy is the country with the most sites on the list; China is the second with 57 sites, and Germany is the third with 52.
3.1. World Heritage Sites can fall into one of three categories
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Cultural Heritage Sites: These include historical buildings, cities, monuments, archaeological sites, and cultural landscapes that hold significant cultural or historical importance. Examples include the Great Wall of China, the Pyramids of Egypt, and the Historic Centre of Rome.
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Natural Heritage Sites: These encompass natural features such as national parks, forests, wildlife reserves, geological formations, and ecosystems that are of exceptional ecological or geological significance. Examples include the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, Yellowstone National Park in the United States, and the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador.
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Mixed Heritage Sites: Some sites are recognized for both their cultural and natural value, and they are classified as mixed heritage sites. For instance, Machu Picchu in Peru is renowned for its archaeological significance as well as its stunning natural setting in the Andes Mountains.
- The designation of a site as a World Heritage Site signifies the commitment of the international community to protect and preserve it for future generations.
- UNESCO works closely with countries to identify and nominate sites, and once a site is inscribed on the World Heritage List, it may receive international assistance and support for its conservation and management.
- The World Heritage designation also brings increased tourism and recognition to these sites, which can have economic and cultural benefits for the local communities and countries where they are located.
- However, managing the influx of tourists while safeguarding the site's integrity is often a significant challenge for World Heritage Sites.
3.2. Hoysala Temples Declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites
The Hoysala temples of Belur, Halebidu, and Somanathapura in Karnataka were declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites on September 18, 2023. These temples are known for their exquisite architecture and intricate sculptures.
The Keshava Temple in Somanathapura was built in the 13th century by King Narasimha III. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is known for its symmetrical architecture and intricate sculptures. The temple is also known as the Star Temple because of its star-shaped plan.
4. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
- The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) that was established on November 16, 1945. UNESCO's headquarters are located in Paris, France.
- The organization is dedicated to promoting international collaboration in the fields of education, science, culture, and communication.
- Its mission is to contribute to peace and security by advancing mutual understanding and cooperation among nations.
Key functions and activities of UNESCO include
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Education: UNESCO works to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all, with a focus on access to education, teacher training, literacy programs, and education for sustainable development. It supports efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
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Science: UNESCO promotes scientific research, capacity-building, and international cooperation in various scientific disciplines. It also addresses global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity conservation, and water resource management through scientific research and collaboration.
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Culture: UNESCO is known for its efforts to protect and preserve cultural heritage sites and intangible cultural heritage, such as traditions, music, and folklore. It administers the World Heritage Program, which designates and protects World Heritage Sites of outstanding cultural or natural significance.
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Communication and Information: UNESCO promotes freedom of expression, media development, and access to information as fundamental rights. It also works to address issues related to media literacy, the safety of journalists, and the ethics of artificial intelligence and new technologies.
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Social and Human Sciences: UNESCO supports research and policy development in areas related to social sciences and human development, including issues such as gender equality, human rights, and intercultural dialogue.
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International Collaboration: UNESCO facilitates international cooperation and dialogue among its member states, which currently number 193. It promotes cultural exchange, academic mobility, and the sharing of knowledge and expertise across borders.
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World Heritage: One of UNESCO's most well-known programs is the World Heritage Program, which identifies, protects, and preserves cultural and natural heritage sites of exceptional value to humanity.
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UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Program: This program promotes the sustainable use and conservation of natural resources and biodiversity in designated biosphere reserves around the world.
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UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage Program: This program focuses on safeguarding and promoting intangible cultural practices, traditions, and expressions.
5. The Way Forward
- UNESCO's World Heritage Program is an important initiative that helps to protect and preserve cultural and natural heritage sites of outstanding value to humanity.
- It is also a vehicle for promoting international cooperation and dialogue.
- The inscription of the Hoysala temples on the World Heritage List is a reminder of the importance of protecting and preserving our cultural heritage for future generations.
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For Prelims: Hoysala Empire, UNESCO World Heritage sites, Rabindranath Tagore, Santiniketan town, Keshava Temple, Somanathapura, Hoysaleshwara Temple, Halebidu, Chennakeshava Temple, Belur, Western Ghats, Western Chalukya Empire, Vishnuvardhana, Veera Ballala II, Vijayanagara Empire, Kannada literature, Sustainable Development Goal,
For Mains:
1. Discuss the role of temple architecture and cultural practices in the preservation of India's rich cultural heritage. (250 Words)
2. Discuss the historical significance of the Hoysala Empire in southern India. What were the key factors contributing to its rise and eventual decline? (250 Words)
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Previous Year Questions
1. The UNESCO World Heritage Site, “MahabodhiVihar” is situated in which Indian state? (SSC MTS 2017)
A. Madhya Pradesh B. Himachal Pradesh C. Bihar D. Maharashtra
Answer: C
2. Consider the following statements: (MPSC 2019)
a. As of July 2018, a total of 1092 World Heritage sites exist across 167 countries.
b. Italy, with 54 World Heritage sites has the most of any country (up to July 2018).
c. India has 39 World Heritage sites (up to July 2018).
d. A collection of Victorian, Gothic, and Art Deco buildings of Mumbai are declared as World Heritage sites in 2018.
Which of the above statements are correct?
A. a, b and d B. b, c and d C. a, b and c D. All of the above
Answer: A
3. Which of the following is correct about Rabindranath Tagore's beliefs about education? (DSSSB PRT 2019)
I. Medium of instruction should be English
II. Nature is the richest source of knowledge.
III. Creative activities should play a central role in education
A. II and III B. I and III C. Only I D. I and II
Answer: A
4. With reference to Madanapalle of Andhra Pradesh, which one of the following statements is correct? (UPSC 2021)
A. Pingali Venkayya designed the tricolour Indian Nation Flag here.
B. Pattabhi Sitaramaiah led the Quit India Movement of Andhra region from here.
C. Rabindranath Tagore Translated the National Anthem from Bengali to English here.
D. Madame Blavatsky and Colonel Olcott set up headquartes of Theosophical Society first here.
Answer: C
5. Comprehension
Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
Santiniketan embodies Rabindranath Tagore’s vision of a place of learning that is unfettered by religious and regional barriers. Established in 1863 with the aim of helping education go beyond the confines of the classroom, Santiniketan grew into the Visva Bharati University in 1921, attracting some of the most creative minds in the country. He developed a curriculum that was a unique blend of art, human values and cultural interchange. Even today, in every step, in every brick and in every tree at Santiniketan, one can still feel his presence, his passion, his dedication and his pride in the institution. In 1862, Maharishi Debendranath Tagore, father of Rabindranath, was taking a boat ride through Birbhum, the westernmost corner of Bengal, when he came across a landscape that struck him as the perfect place for meditation. He bought the large tract of land and built a small house and planted some saplings around it. Debendranath Tagore decided to call the place Santiniketan, or the ‘abode of peace’, because of the serenity it brought to his soul. In 1863, he turned it into a spiritual centre where people from all religions, castes and creeds came and participated in meditation. In the years that followed, Debendranath’s son Rabindranath went on to become one of the most formidable literary forces India has ever produced. He wrote in all literary genres but he was first and foremost a poet. As one of the earliest educators to think in terms of the global village, he envisioned an education that was deeply rooted in one’s immediate surroundings but connected to the cultures of the wider world. Located in the heart of nature, the school aimed to combine education with a sense of obligation towards the larger civic community. Blending the best of western and traditional eastern systems of education, the curriculum revolved organically around nature with classes being held in the open air. Tagore wanted his students to feel free despite being in the formal learning environment of a school because he himself had dropped out of school when he found himself unable to think and felt claustrophobic within the four walls of a classroom. Nature walks and excursions were a part of the curriculum, special attention was paid to natural phenomena and students were encouraged to follow the life cycles of insects, birds and plants. The rural paradise of Santiniketan, Tagore’s erstwhile home, has become a thriving centre of art, education and internationalism over the years.
Which of these statements about Santiniketan is NOT true? (SSC CGL 2020)
A. Santiniketan is located in the western most part of Bengal.
B. Santiniketan grew into Visva Bharati university.
C. At Santiniketan, classes were held in the open air.
D. Santiniketan was set up by Rabindranath Tagore.
Answer: D
6. Hoysaleswara Temple is located in which of the following states? (SSC CHSL 2021)
A. Karnataka B. Odisha C. West Bengal D. Tamil Nadu
Answer: A
7. Hoysaleswara temple at Belur is an example of which type of temple? (ICAR 2022)
A. Nagara B. Vesara C. Dravida D. Mithunas
Answer: B
8. Consider the following statements regarding Hoysala art: (IB ACIO Grade II 2021)
1. The Hoysala style (1050 - 1300 AD) developed in the southern region of Karnataka.
2. Hoysala art may be said to have its starting point in the temple of the early Chalukyas at Aihole, Badami and Pattadkal.
3. An important monument employing this art is the Kesava temple at Belur.
4. Apart from the architectural plan, the Hoysala style attained a few more distinguishing characteristics. For instance, chloritic schist was given up in favour of more tractable sandstone.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1, 2 and 3 B. 3 and 4 only C. 2 and 3 only D. 1 and 2 only
Answer: A
9. Who of the following founded a new city on the south bank of a tributary to river Krishna and undertook to rule his new kingdom as the agent of a deity to whom all the land south of the river Krishna was supposed to belong? (UPSC 2015)
A. Amoghavarsha I B. Ballala II C. Harihara I D. Prataparudra II
Answer: C
10. Vijayanagara Empire was founded by: (DMRC CRA Paper I 2017)
A. Deva Raya I B.Harihara I & Bukka Raya I
C. Ramaraja D. Narasimha Deva Raya
Answer: B
11. Which of the following statements about the Vijayanagara Empire is/are true? (CDS 2016)
1. The kings claimed to rule on behalf of the God Virupaksha.
2. Rulers used the title “Hindu Suratrana” to indicate their close links with the Gods.
3. All royal orders were signed in Kannada, Sanskrit and Tamil.
4. Royal portrait sculpture was now displayed in temples.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. 4 only B. 1 and 2 only C. 1, 2 and 3 D. 1, 2 and 4
Answer: D
12. According to Portuguese writer Nuniz, the women in Vijayanagara Empire were experts in which of the following areas? (UPSC 2021)
1. Wrestling
2. Astrology
3. Accounting
4. Soothsaying
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
A. 1, 2, and 3 only
B. 1, 3, and 4 only
C. 2 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: 4
13. With reference to Indian history, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2022)
1. The Dutch established their factories/warehouses on the east coast on lands granted to them by the Gajapati rulers.
2. Alfonso de Albuquerque captured Goa from the Bijapur Sultanate.
3. The English East India Company established a factory at Madras on a plot of land leased from a representative of the Vijayanagara Empire.
Which of the statements given above is correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B
14. Regarding Indian history, which of the following is/are correct? (UPSC 2021)
1. Arcot Nizamat emerged from Hyderabad state.
2. The Kingdom of Mysore emerged from the Vijayanagara Empire.
3. The kingdom of Rohilkhand was formed from the territories conquered by Ahmad Shah Durrani
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
A. Papers 1 and 2
B. 2 only
C. 2 and 3
D. 3 only
Answer: B
15. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2016)
1. The Sustainable Development Goals were first proposed in 1972 by a global think tank called the 'Club of Rome'.
2. The Sustainable Development Goals have to be achieved by 2030.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A.1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: B
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