RAS question
The Hoysaleswara Temple at Halebidu was built during the reign of:
Correct answer: (A) Vishnuvardhana.
The Hoysalesvara Temple at Halebidu was built in 1121 CE during the reign of the Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana.
Explanation
The Hoysalesvara Temple at Halebidu is part of the Hoysala sacred-architecture tradition of the 12th-13th centuries. According to the UNESCO nomination dossier, the temple was consecrated in 1121 CE. Its construction was sponsored by Ketamalla Dandanayaka, a prominent merchant and general, in honour of the ruling king Vishnuvardhana and queen Shantaladevi. It was originally called Srimad Vishnuvardhana Poysalesvara before the name was shortened to Hoysalesvara. For RAS, the key point is that this temple at ancient Dorasamudra was built during Vishnuvardhana's reign. Chloritic schist, stellate planning and intricate Hoysala carving are its notable features.
Why the other options are wrong
- (B) Ballala II was a later Hoysala ruler, whereas the Hoysalesvara Temple was built in 1121 CE during Vishnuvardhana's reign.
- (C) Veera Ballala III is remembered as the last significant Hoysala ruler, not as the ruler connected with the temple's construction in 1121 CE.
- (D) Narasimha I was not the ruler associated with the temple's original construction. The monument was built in 1121 CE during Vishnuvardhana's reign, while Narasimha I is associated only with later additions.
Concept
This tests the RAS history theme of medieval South Indian dynasties and their temple architecture. Temples at Belur, Halebidu and Somanathapura recur in exam questions because they connect the Hoysala dynasty, its rulers and patrons, building materials, temple styles and distinctive sculptural forms.