Hoysala’s Sri Madhava Perumal Temple Reveals Trade Route

• 09 May 2024

Source: TH

Why in News?

Recently, Inscriptions found at Sri Madhava Perumal Temple indicate the existence of a major trade route over 1,000 years ago, connecting the Kongu region in western Tamil Nadu with southern Karnataka and Kerala.

What are the Key Facts About the Madhava Perumal Temple?

• About:
  • It is dedicated to the Hindu deity Vishnu, who is worshipped as Madhava Perumal. It is located in Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
  • The Mylapore region came under the rule of the Hoysala dynasty, particularly King Veera Ballala III.
  • The general of the Hoysala army, constructed Dhandanayaka Fort, 680 years ago. The temple in the Dravidian style of architecture was constructed inside the fort.
    • The area was later ruled by the Vijayanagara Empire and Tipu Sultan.
    • The Battle of Sathyamangalam (1790), during the Third Anglo-Mysore War (1790-1792), also took place near the fort.
  • The temple is believed to be the birthplace of Peyalvar, one of the first three of the twelve Alvar saints of the 6^th-9^th century CE.
  • The temple, largely submerged in the water-spread area of the Bhavanisagar dam in Erode district, became visible as the water level in the dam dipped.
• Temple Inscription:
  • The inscriptions revealed the existence of a village named Thuravalur.
  • The area served as a trunk road, and traders crossed River Bhavani and River Moyar to reach Wayanad in Kerala and various places in Karnataka.
  • Construction of the Bhavanisagar dam in 1948 resulted in the relocation of nearby residents and the shifting of temple idols to new locations in 1953.

Bhavanisagar Dam

• It is located in Erode district, Tamil Nadu, India.
• The dam is constructed on the Bhavani River. It is one of the world's largest earthen dams.
• Bhavani River originates from the Nilgiri hills of the Western Ghats, enters the Silent Valley National Park in Kerala and flows back towards Tamil Nadu. The Bhavani River is one of the main tributaries of the Cauvery River.

What are the Key Facts about Hoysala Dynasty?

• Origin and Rise:
  • The Hoysalas were feudatories of the Chalukyas of Kalyana, or the Western Chalukya Empire.
    • The first kings came from the hills northwest of Dorasamudra (present-day Halebid), which became their capital in 1060 AD.
  • The most notable rulers of the Hoysala dynasty were Vishnuvardhana, Veera Ballala II, and Veera Ballala III.
    • Vishnuvardhana (also known as Bittideva) was the greatest king of the Hoysala dynasty.
  • They governed areas spanning Karnataka and Tamil Nadu in the Kaveri (Cauvery) river valley between the 11^th- 14^th century.
  • Later, the Vijayanagar dynasty succeeded the Hoysalas.
• Religion and Culture:
  • The dynasty patronised various religions, such as Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism.
  • King Vishnuvardhana was initially a Jain but later converted to Vaishnavism under the influence of the Saint Ramanuja.
• Temple Architecture:
  • The Hoysala Temples were built during the 12^th and 13^th centuries CE, showcasing the unique architectural and artistic brilliance of Vesara style.
  • Among Hoysala temples, Chennakeshava Temple in Belur, Hoysaleshwara Temple in Halebid, Keshava Temple of Somanathapur are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and protected by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
  • Hoysala architecture is known for its distinctive blend of Bhumija style prevalent in Central India, the Nagara traditions of northern and western India, and the Karnataka Dravida modes favoured by the Kalyani Chalukyas.
    • These contain multiple shrines grouped around a central pillared hall and laid out in the shape of an intricately designed star.
  • They are made out of soapstone which is a relatively soft stone, the artists were able to carve their sculptures intricately.

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Prelims

Q. The Nagara, the Dravida and the Vesara are the:(2012)

(a) three main racial groups of the Indian subcontinent

(b) three main linguistic divisions into which the languages of India can be classified

(c) three main styles of Indian temple architecture

(d) three main musical Gharanas prevalent in India

Ans: c

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Mains

Q. Chola architecture represents a high watermark in the evolution of temple architecture. Discuss (2013)