Belur and Halebidu, situated in Karnataka’s Hassan district in India, hold immense historical significance as they were once the capitals of the Hoysala Empire, which governed a vast part of present-day Karnataka from the 10th to the 14th centuries.
These towns are revered pilgrimage destinations and draw tourists and scholars globally, owing to their remarkable architectural grandeur and historical importance.
Belur, initially the Hoysala Empire’s capital, rose to prominence during King Vishnuvardhana’s reign in the 12th century. The Chennakesava Temple in Belur stands as a pinnacle of Hoysala architecture, celebrated for its intricate carvings, sculptures, and architectural finesse. Commencing its construction in 1116 AD, the temple’s completion spanned over a century. Honoring Lord Vishnu, it holds the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
Halebidu, also called Dwarasamudra, took over as the Hoysala Empire’s capital following its shift from Belur. The Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebidu showcases another breathtaking example of Hoysala architecture. Erected during King Vishnuvardhana’s reign and that of his successors in the 12th century, this temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, boasts intricate sculptures, notably its friezes illustrating Hindu mythology and daily life. Halebidu endured repeated invasions and pillaging, leading to its eventual decline.
Read to know more about Hoysala architecture.
The rise of Halebidu
The emergence of Halebidu aligns with the rise of the Hoysala Empire in southern India during the 12th century. Established by King Nripa Kama II in the 10th century, the Hoysala Dynasty experienced its pinnacle under the reign of King Vishnuvardhana (1108–1152). Vishnuvardhana not only expanded the empire’s territorial reach but also laid the groundwork for Halebidu’s prominence as the capital.
Renowned for their military prowess, the Hoysalas extended their dominion through conquests, culminating in the establishment of Halebidu as a significant political and military hub in southern India. Situated strategically at the heart of the Deccan plateau, Halebidu enabled the Hoysalas to regulate vital trade routes and wield influence over neighboring territories, fostering the city’s growth and consolidating its importance as a center of power and commerce.
Deeply devoted to Hinduism and Jainism, the Hoysala rulers generously supported the construction of numerous temples and religious institutions in and around Halebidu. This patronage of culture and religion not only enhanced the city’s reputation as a hub of artistic and spiritual endeavors but also fueled the flourishing of the Hoysala Empire during its golden era.
The Fall of Halebidu
During the 14th century, the Delhi Sultanate, led by Alauddin Khilji and later Muhammad bin Tughlaq, launched multiple military campaigns to expand their dominion into southern India. These invasions exerted pressure on the Hoysala Empire, undermining its control over its territories.
Internal strife, including power struggles, succession disputes, and conflicts among noble families, plagued the Hoysala Empire, weakening its central authority and hindering effective responses to external threats. Concurrently, continual warfare and instability in the region inflicted considerable damage on the Hoysala economy: trade routes were disrupted, agricultural output declined, and revenues dwindled, further eroding the empire’s capacity to sustain its military and administrative infrastructure.
As the Hoysala Empire faltered, other regional powers like the Vijayanagara Empire and the Bahmani Sultanate rose to prominence, vying with the Hoysalas for territorial and resource control, thereby diminishing the empire’s influence.
The Hoysalas’ significant patronage of Hindu temples and cultural institutions characterized their rule. However, with the empire’s decline, there likely occurred shifts in religious and cultural sponsorship, alongside alterations in societal norms and values, which may have contributed to the weakening of central authority.
The demise of Halebidu signaled the end of the Hoysala Empire’s dominance in southern India, opening the door for new regional powers to emerge in the Deccan region.
Historical records attest to the massive plundering of wealth and riches during this period, leaving Halebidu in a state of perpetual neglect. In fact, the name “Halebeedu” translates to “old house” or “old ruins.” Despite the devastation, a handful of temples, like those in Halebeedu, survived, showcasing some of the most extraordinary stone sculpting ever witnessed, captivating visitors with their sheer magnificence.
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Happy traveling 🙂
