Karnataka Medieval History: Kalachakra, Jain/Buddhist Centres, Hoysala, and Vijayanagara
Introduction
The medieval history of Karnataka is a tapestry of powerful dynasties, religious movements, art, and architecture that left an indelible mark on South Indian history. Beginning with the establishment of the Kalachakra dynasty (also called the Kalyani Chalukyas) to the golden era of the Hoysalas and the grandeur of the Vijayanagara Empire, Karnataka emerged as a dominant political and cultural force in the Deccan.
The Kalachakra Dynasty (Chalukyas of Kalyani) — c. 973–1189 CE
Also known as the Western Chalukyas, the Kalachakra dynasty ruled from their capital at Kalyani (modern Basavakalyan in Bidar district). Their reign is considered a golden period in Karnataka’s political history.
Key Rulers
- Tailapa II (973–997 CE): Founder who revived Chalukya power after a brief Rastrakuta interregnum. He defeated the Rashtrakuta ruler Khottiga.
- Satyasraya (997–1008 CE): Known for defending against Western Chalukya expansion
- Vikramaditya IV (1008–1015 CE): Also called Vikramaditya, an epithet used by later rulers
- Vikramaditya VI (1076–1126 CE): The most celebrated ruler — also known as “Tribhuvana Märtinga” (Lord of the Three Worlds). He defeated the Chola and Hoysala rulers and established supremacy over the Deccan. The Vikram Samvat calendar is believed to have been instituted by him.
- Jagadekamalla II (1139–1150 CE)
- Tailapa III (1151–1164 CE)
Notable Achievements
- Rock-cut temples at Badami, Aihole, and Pattadakal (UNESCO World Heritage Site) were expanded and renovated
- Patronage to scholars like Vijñāneśvara (author of Mitakshara, a seminal treatise on Hindu law) and Bhattanarayana
- Administrative divisions: Nadu, Sim雪山, Nadu system — village self-governance was highly developed
- Emissive art style called the Chalukyan style influenced Pallava, Hoysala, and later Vijayanagara architecture
- Introduction of the Dravida vimana temple architecture in Deccan
Kalachakra’s Decline
The dynasty was overthrown by the Hoysalas under Vishnuvardhana around 1116 CE.
Jain and Buddhist Centres in Karnataka
Jain Legacy
Karnataka was a major centre of Jainism especially during the rule of the Gangas, Rastrakutas, and Hoysalas.
- Shravanabelagola (Hassan district): The most famous Jain pilgrimage site. Home to the monolithic statue of Gomateshwara (Bahubali) — 57 feet tall, erected in 983 CE by the Ganga general Chavundaraya. The Maha Mastakabhisheka (grand consecration ceremony) is held every 12 years.
- Karnataka’s Jaina mathas: Sringeri, Kambadahalli, and Tonnur served as centres of Jain learning
- Karnataka’s first Jain basadi was built at Karkala (Udupi district) — site of the Chaturmukha Basadi
- Kundur, Narayana, and Nandi towns had significant Jain settlements
Buddhist Heritage
- Buddhist influence in Karnataka dates to the 3rd century BCE (Ashoka’s missionaries)
- Ancient Buddhist sites at Sanjivini Betta (Ballari district) and Kuruvanthali (Coastal Karnataka)
- Halekuru (Shivamogga district) and Tagarthi were ancient Buddhist centres
- The Kushana period saw active Buddhist monasteries in North Karnataka
- However, Buddhism declined significantly in Karnataka by the medieval period, replaced by Jainism and Shaivism
The Hoysala Empire — c. 1026–1343 CE
The Hoysalas originated from Dwaraka (mythological) and established their capital at Belur (initially) and later Halebidu (Darasuram).
Key Rulers
- Nripa Kama I (early 11th century): Earliest known ruler
- Vishnuvardhana (Bittiga) (1108–1152 CE): The greatest Hoysala ruler. He defeated the Cholas at K触发 H and freed his kingdom. A convert to Vaishnavism under the influence of saint ** Ramanuja**. He built the famous Chennakesava Temple at Belur.
- Ballala II (1173–1220 CE): Declared independence from the Chola overlordship; known as Dakshina Chakra
- Ballala III (1292–1343 CE): The last Hoysala ruler who fought against the Delhi Sultanate; died in battle at Khavi near Tiruchirapalli
Hoysala Architecture — The Distinctive Star-Shaped Temple
The Hoysala architectural style is unmatched in its intricacy and uniqueness:
- Star-shaped (stellate) plan) — temples are built on a star-shaped (sadanga) platform
- Materials: Soapstone (chloritic schist) — soft and easily carved
- Notable temples:
- Chennakesava Temple, Belur (built by Vishnuvardhana, 1117 CE)
- Hoysaleshwara Temple, Halebidu (built by Ketamalla, 1121 CE) — dedicated to Shiva
- Chennakesava Temple, Sravanabelagola (site of Gomateshwara)
- Kedareshwara Temple, Hampi (older pre-Vijayanagara structure)
- Carvings: Over 1.5 lakh (150,000) intricately carved figurines of gods, goddesses, animals, and mythological scenes
- Musical pillars: At Hampi and Belur — produce musical notes when struck
Hoysala Administration
- Vishaya (province) and Nadu (district) system
- Seeta: Local administrative units
- Land grants to Brahmins and temples (agrahara system)
- Highly developed system of local self-government in villages
The Vijayanagara Empire — c. 1336–1646 CE
Founded by Harihara I and Bukka Raya I (brothers) in 1336 CE, Vijayanagara became one of the greatest empires in Indian history.
Capital: Hampi (Vitthalnagar, Bellary district)
- Located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River
- UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986
- At its peak, Hampi was one of the largest and richest cities in the world
- Covered an area of about 25 sq km
Key Rulers
| Period | Ruler | Key Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| 1336–1356 | Harihara I & Bukka Raya I | Foundation of empire |
| 1356–1377 | Bukka Raya I | Consolidation, campaigns against Madurai Sultanate |
| 1377–1404 | Harihara II | Extended to Orissa and Konkan |
| 1404–1422 | Deva Raya I | Most powerful ruler; defeated Bahmani Sultans |
| 1422–1446 | Deva Raya II | Prauda-mekha (Proud soldier); military genius |
| 1446–1465 | Mallikarjuna Raya | Fought battles with Bahmanis |
| 1465–1485 | Virupaksha Raya | Internal strife begins |
| 1485–1503 | Saluva Narasimha | Saved empire from collapse |
| 1503–1570 | Tuluva Narasa Nayaka | Military reforms, expansion |
| 1570–1602 | Tirumala Deva Raya | Patronized literature |
| 1602–1646 | Ranga Deva Raya | Last major ruler; decline begins |
Administration Under Vijayanagara
- Mahapradhana (Prime Minister), Mahamatya, Dandanatha (commanders)
- Nayaka system of governance — provincial governors with military and civil powers
- Amara-nayaka system (military garrison commanders) — highly decentralized
- Agricultural economy supported by Tungabhadra irrigation projects
- Guild-based economy: weavers, metalworkers, jewelers organized into guilds
Art, Architecture, and Culture
- Virupaksha Temple (Hampi): Built by Lakkana Dandadeva in 1446 CE; one of the oldest structures
- Vitthalaswamy Temple (Hampi): Finest example of Dravidian architecture with the famous musical pillars
- Lotus Mahal (Hampi): Indo-Islamic architectural style
- Hazara Rama Temple: Has the famous Rama Pattabhishekam carving sequence
- Pattadakal: UNESCO site with Virupaksha and Sangameshwara temples — synthesis of Dravida and Nagara styles
Literary Contributions
- Kannada literature flourished: Purandara Dasa (Kannada poet-saint), Kanaka Dasa (devotional poet)
- Sanskrit scholars: KumaravyasaBharata (Karnataka’s Ramayana in Kannada)
- Guru nanak visited Hampi during this period
- Hampi had world’s largest diamond trade centre — source of the famous Koh-i-Noor and Hope diamonds
Decline and Fall
- Battle of Talikota (1565): Combined Deccan Sultanates defeated the Vijayanagara army under Rama Raya. This battle is considered the Waterloo of South India.
- Sacked and destroyed by the Sultanates — never fully recovered
- Survived as a rump kingdom from 1646 before being absorbed by the Golconda Sultanate
Conclusion
Karnataka’s medieval history showcases a remarkable continuum of statecraft, art, and religious synthesis. For the KPSC KAS exam, focus on understanding the distinctive architectural styles of each dynasty (Chalukyan, Hoysala, Vijayanagara), key rulers, important centres (Shravanabelagola, Hampi, Belur, Halebidu), and significant religious movements (Jainism, Vaishnavism under Ramanuja). The Battle of Talikota (1565) and the Maha Mastakabhisheka of Gomateshwara are frequently asked topics.