Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas
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Overview
The Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas in Karnataka, the temples at Belur and Halebid with their star-shaped plans and soapstone carving, became a World Heritage Site in 2023.
The property groups the Chennakeshava temple at Belur, the Hoysaleswara temple at Halebidu and the Keshava temple at Somanathapura.
It was inscribed as India's 42nd World Heritage Site in 2023.
Hoysala temples are built in soft soapstone on star-shaped platforms, with intricate sculpture.
The Hoysalas ruled in the 12th and 13th centuries.
The temples show sculptors' names.
Halebidu was the Hoysala capital.
The temples are in Hassan and Mysuru districts.
Geography and key facts
- Karnataka
- Belur and Halebid
- World Heritage Site, 2023
- Belur, Halebidu, Somanathapura
- WHS 2023
- Soapstone; stellate plans
Why it matters for UPSC
Asked on new heritage sites.
Note for UPSC
Cultural World Heritage Site, inscribed 2023 · Karnataka.
UPSC asks about the state, the dynasty or period, and whether a site is cultural or natural.
Asked in PYQs
No question in our Prelims bank names Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas yet.
Key facts
- Type
- World Heritage Site
- State / UT
- Karnataka
- Heritage type
- Cultural
- Inscribed (UNESCO)
- 2023
- Coordinates
- 13.213°N, 75.994°E
From the Map Explorer data; positions are for orientation.
In the lessons
- South Indian Kingdoms: Pallavas, Chalukyas and the Imperial Cholas
- Hindu Temple Architecture: Nagara, Dravida and Vesara
- Indian Architecture and Temple Styles (map lesson)
- Performing Arts, Paintings and Heritage (map lesson)
- Indo-Islamic, Mughal and Colonial Architecture (map lesson)
- Mughal Culture: Architecture, Painting, Literature and Music (map lesson)
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