Society of the Hoysala Empire

The Hoysala Empire (Kannada: ಹೊಯ್ಸಳ ಸಾಮ್ರಾಜ್ಯ) was a notable South Indian empire that ruled most of the modern day state of Karnataka between the 10th to the 14th centuries. The capital of the empire was initially based at Belur, and later transferred to Halebidu. Hoysala society in many ways reflected the emerging religious, political and cultural developments of those times.

ociety

A notable feature of the Hoysala kingdom was the involvement of women, especially of royalty, in administrative matters. Queen Umadevi governed Halebidu in the absence of Veera Ballala II and is known to have fought wars against antagonistic feudatories.This is in stark contrast to literature (like "Vikramankadeva Charita" of Bilhana) from those times that portrayed women as retiring, romantic and unconcerned with affairs of the state, "The Penguin History of Early India", pp 392, Dr. Romila Thapar] Women participated in music, dance, literature, poetry, politics and administration. Queen Shantala Devi was well versed in dance and music and rendered public performances. Akka Mahadevi, a Vachana poet who renounced the temporal world in favour of one of devotion became an example for woman of the day.Belonging to the 12th century, Akka Mahadevi was a Virashaiva mystic. She was not only a pioneer in the era of Women's emancipation but also an example of transcendental world-view, cite web|title=History of Karnataka-Who is Akka|url=http://www.ourkarnataka.com/religion/akka_mathapati.htm|author=Dr. R.G. Mathapati, Dharwad|publisher=© 1998-00 OurKarnataka.Com, Inc|work=|accessdate=2006-11-17] The practice of sati, though voluntary was prevalent and prostitution was socially acceptable.cite web|title=Administration, Economy and Society in Hoysala Empire
url=http://www.ourkarnataka.com/history.htm|author=Arthikaje, Mangalore|publisher=© 1998-00 OurKarnataka.Com, Inc|work=|accessdate=2006-12-08] Temple dancers ("Devadasi") were common in temples and some were well educated and accomplished in arts. These qualifications gave them more freedom than other urban and rural women who were restricted to daily mundane tasks."The Penguin History of Early India", pp 391, Dr. Romila Thapar] Like in most of India, the Indian caste system was conspicuously present.

Trade on the west coast brought many foreigners to India including Arabs, Jews, Persians, Chinese and people from the Malay Peninsula.Prof. K.A.N Sastri,"A History of South India", pp 286] Large scale migration of people from present day Karnataka to Tamil Nadu happened during this time. With the expansion of Hoysala territory in Tamil country, these immigrants went as officers and soldiers of the empire and were given land concessions.Royal patronage of learning, arts and religion were other causes of similar movements of people, K.A.N Sastri,"A History of South India", pp 287] Migration of Tamil sculptors to Belur and Halebidu is also apparent from the presence of some Chola style sculptures in a few Hoysala temples.The "sthamba-buttalika" type of sculpture in the Chennakeshava temple at Belur is more Chola type of art with Chalukya touches, cite web|title=Hoysala Heritage|url=http://www.flonnet.com/fl2008/stories/20030425000206700.htm |author=Professor S. Settar|publisher=Frontline, From the publishers of the Hindu|work=Frontline, Volume 20 - Issue 08, April 12 - 25, 2003|accessdate=2006-11-17] The marketplace was the nuclei of urban centers. This is where materials and produce was brought and exchanged hands. These were the location of recurring festivals and fairs. In South India, towns were called "Pattana" or "Pattanam" and the marketplace, "Nagara" or "Nagaram". Important marketplaces gradually grew into townships and so did famous pilgrim places. Shravanabelagola in Hassan district developed from a place of religion in the 7th century to an important settlement by the 12th century when rich Jain merchants were established here. The market place was also closely tied with temple administration.

The prolific temple construction was not entirely for religious reasons. Temples acted as local courts or as surrogate courts, especially when built from royal endowments. They were seen as palaces and the rituals marking the daily routine of the deity imitated those of the king. Some temples also received local patronage from rich landlords. Temples built from royal patronage took on an aura of a leading ceremonial center. When king Vishnuvardhana built the Chennakesava Temple ( a Vaishnava temple) at Belur, the town was transformed into a famous city. Competition from the Shaiva merchants of Halebidu resulted in the construction of the Hoysaleswara temple which gave the town prominence.cite web|title=Hoysala Heritage|url=http://www.flonnet.com/fl2008/stories/20030425000206700.htm |author=Professor S. Settar|publisher=Frontline, From the publishers of the Hindu|work=Frontline, Volume 20 - Issue 08, April 12 - 25, 2003|accessdate=2006-11-17] Often temples built in rural areas were not supported by royal patronage. They evolved into complex institutions related to fiscal, political, cultural and religious needs. Irrespective of patronage, temples were also establishments that provided employment to hundreds of people. Temple funds maintained families of priests, record keepers, administrators, guards, garland makers, dancers, "devadasis", sculptors, carpenters and craftsmen. They were also a source of loans. Inscriptions mention 12%-15% interest on loans.Dr. Romila Thapar, The Penguin History of Early India, pp 389] In short, Hindu temples began to take on the shape of wealthy Buddhist monasteries.

Notes

References

* Nilakanta Sastri, K.A. (1955). A History of South India, From Prehistoric times to fall of Vijayanagar, OUP, New Delhi (Reprinted 2002), ISBN 019560686-8.
* Dr. Suryanath U. Kamath (2001). A Concise History of Karnataka from pre-historic times to the present, Jupiter books, MCC, Bangalore (Reprinted 2002), OCLC: 7796041.
* Dr. Romila Thapar, The Penguin History of Early India, From Origin to 1300 AD., 2003, Penguin, New Delhi, ISBN 0-14-302989-4.
*
*