The Hoysala Temples are now the 42nd UNESCO World Heritage site in India

The famed Hoysala temples of Belur, Halebid, and Somananthpura in Karnataka have been added to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation as part of the Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysala

The renowned Hoysala temples of Belur, Halebid, and Somananthpura in Karnataka have been included on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites as part of the Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysala. Just one day after Rabindranath Tagore’s Santiniketan also gained this prestigious accolade, this listing makes it the 42nd UNESCO World Heritage Site in India.

The temples were chosen as India’s official World Heritage nominee for the years 2022–2023. The ‘Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysala’ have been on the UNESCO Tentative list since April 15, 2014. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has already designated all three of these Hoysala temples as protected monuments.

The beautiful architecture and detailed carvings of the Hoysala temples are well-known. The Hoysala Empire, which reigned over a sizable portion of southern India between the 10th and the 14th century, constructed these. The following three temples are now part of the UNESCO World Heritage List:

Hoysaleshwara Temple in Halebidu, Chennakeshava Temple in Belur, and Keshava Temple in Somanathapura

What is the background and significance of the Hoysala Sacred Ensembles?

The three parts of Belur, Halebid, and Somnathapura serve as a representation of the Hoysala holy ensembles built in the 12th and 13th centuries. While the Hoysala temples still have a fundamentally Dravidian morphology, they also show a significant amount of Bhumija style, which is popular in Central India, Nagara traditions, which are found in northern and western India, and Karnataka Dravida modes, which were preferred by the Kalyani Chalukyas.

From the 11th to the 14th centuries, a large portion of southern India was under the control of the Hoysala dynasty. The Hoysala rulers were renowned for their support of the arts, and they constructed several temples and other places of worship while in power. The most remarkable examples of Hoysala architecture are the Sacred Ensembles, which serve as a reminder of the dynasty’s affluence and dominance.

The Chennakeshava Temple at Belur, the largest and most ornate of the Hoysala temples, is one of the three most significant Sacred Ensembles. Its elaborate carvings, which show gods, goddesses, and scenes from Hindu mythology, are dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu.

Halebidu: Another magnificent Hoysala temple is the Hoysaleswara Temple. It is revered for its stunning soapstone sculptures and is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.

Although the Keshava Temple in Somnathapura is a smaller Hoysala temple than those in Belur and Halebidu, it is no less beautiful. It is renowned for its lovely carvings and perfect proportions

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The Hoysala Sacred Ensembles are important for a variety of reasons. First of all, they are among the world’s most exquisite and elaborate examples of Hindu temple construction. They also serve as a reminder of the Hoysala dynasty’s affluence and dominance. Thirdly, they offer a singular window into the Hoysala people’s religious and cultural life.

What does a site’s inclusion on the World Heritage List mean?

When a nation signs the World cultural Convention and has its sites included to the World Heritage List, according to UNESCO, it frequently results in increased recognition and respect for cultural preservation among both its inhabitants and government. Furthermore, the government may seek financial help and technical advice from the World Heritage Committee in order to strengthen efforts to protect these valuable sites.

When a site is included on the World Heritage List, it means that it has exceptional global worth to humanity. This indicates it is a location of extraordinary cultural or natural significance, and its preservation is critical for the benefit of all people.

World Heritage sites may be blended with natural or cultural elements. Historic landmarks, religious structures, and prehistoric ruins are examples of cultural sites. National parks, wildlife refuges, and geological formations are examples of natural locations. A cultural landscape or a national park containing significant cultural sites are examples of mixed sites, which are locations having both cultural and natural significance.

There are currently 1,172 World Heritage Sites located in 166 different nations. The Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, the Grand Canyon, and the Great Barrier Reef are a few of the most well-known World Heritage Sites.

Being placed on the World Heritage List has several advantages, including international recognition and reputation.

The World Heritage Convention provides legal protection.

Access to World Heritage Fund funds

Tourism earnings has increased.

However, inclusion on the World Heritage List carries with it certain duties. Countries that have World Heritage Sites must take steps to maintain and conserve them, as well as make them accessible to the public.

Overall, being named to the World Heritage List is a significant honour and a statement that a site is truly unique and should be preserved for future generations.