Portal:Karnataka/Selected article

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The Hoysala Empire (Kannada: ಹೊಯ್ಸಳ), at their peak throughout the 13th century ruled large parts of southern India. They were in power from about1000 to 1346 CE, with Belur and later Halebidu, Karnataka as their regal capital. The Hoysala Empire is remembered today primarily for its architecture. Over a hundred surviving temples are scattered across Karnataka, the finest examples of which are found in the cities of Belur, Halebidu and Somnathpura. The Hoysala kings were influenced by Jainism and Hinduism. King Vishnuvardhana and his successors were followers of Vaishnavism. Kannada was the native language of the Hoysala Kings. They encouraged both Kannada and Sanskrit literature. The Hoysala era is considered a golden age in the development of art, architecture and religion. Literature in Kannada language in the Vaishnava, Shaiva and Jain traditions flourished. Many great Sanskrit works spanning Advaita, Vishishtadvaita and Dvaita philosophies were written. Three of India's great philosophers, Ramanujacharya, Basavanna and Madhvacharya lived during this time and propounded their philosophy. Architecture in the Vesara or Karnata dravida tradition reached its peak of expression.