Dancing Ganesh

Dancing Ganesh

Hoysala Dynasty,13th Century AD

           The Hoysala Dynasty although is a minor dyynasty compared to the Imperial Cholas, but the Hoysala artists have left a treasure trove for the country.  The Hoysala Kings were great builders who have left mind boggling temples at Belur,  Halibedu and Somnathampuram. The Hoysala temples dot the Karnataka landscape. 

           Unlike the rectangular floor plan of the Northern Indian temples, unlike the square floor plans of the Dravidian temples,  the Hoysala architect invented a new floor plan for the temples : star shaped. Two squat star shaped 'shikhars ' ( towers) are joined by a middle rib. The multiple walls of the stars gave ample surface to the sculptor to display his talent.

           And what a display it is ! Carved out of a soft stone, the soapstone, the sculptor could carve out the intricate details of the jewellery,  the foliage,  the body of the figure.  The Hoysala sculptures are known for its details, intricacy, for its flowing forms, and rhythmic patterns. The sculptor has carved the body of the stone,  the soul of the figures, the heart of Hindu  philosophy.  

          Lord Ganesh dances to the rhythm of music, to the sounds of the waves ( the Hoysala capital was Dwarsamudra ---the gateway to the sea). With the joyous dance of the Lord the entire universe seems to pulsate with energy and life. 

Lord Narsimha ( The third incarnation of Lord Vishnu as the half lion, half man)

Lord Narsimha ( The third incarnation of Lord Vishnu as the half lion, half man)

Hoysala Dynasty,13th Century AD

        The story of Lord Narsimha has caught the imagination of the Indian artists. While the sculptors of Ellora have captured the frightened look on the face of Harnakashyup when Narsimha touches him, the Hoysala sculptor has depicted the final moment of his death. 

        The story of Harnakashyup is important. Having gained the boon from Lord Shiva that he would not be killed either by man or animal, neither in daytime nor at night, neither inside a building or under the sky, he became demonic in his nature. Absolute power had corrupted  absolutely. But God has his way. A half lion, half man killed him at the threshold of the Palace at twilight hours.  Good always triumphs.

Mahisasurmardani ( Goddess Durga Killing the Demon Mahisasur )

Mahisasurmardani ( Goddess Durga Killing the Demon Mahisasur )

Hoysala Dynasty,13th Century AD

            One of the most beautiful and intricate carvings has been done by the Hoysala sculptors. Working with soapstone which is soft, they could carve fine details in the stone. Notice the elaborate jewelry of the goddess.  

            Goddess Durga is the eternal mother who protects us from all the evil. But psychologically she is the power within us who kills our evil thoughts and deeds. We only need to look inward to discover the shakti ( power ). 

A Nymph

A Nymph

Hoysala Dynasty,13th Century AD

        Belur, a famous Hoysala temple, has numerous nymphs who are either dancing, doing make up or even hunting. These sculptures depict the myriad moods of women. Here we see a young woman standing under a tree holding one of its branches. The image of a woman holding a tree branch is ancient one in India going back to the Sanchi stupa of 2nd century BC.  Such a woman or "yakshini " was called "Salibhanjika" as she would hold a branch of the Sal tree. These Yakshini symbolised the mother goddesses who in turn stood for Nature, its  regenerative and creative powers. The feminine divine is a strong element in Hinduism. It points to the ancient ancestry of the religion. 

Dancer

Dancer

Hoysalawara Temple,Hoysala Dynasty, 12th Century AD

           The sculptures of dancers have preserved the legacy of classical Indian dances well. Classical dances have an ancient history and a modern rediscovery. Bharat Muni had written his Bharatnatya Shastra--a treatise on Drama--in 2nd century BC. But during the medieval period dance died out as a living art. It is only in the beginning of the 20th century that it was rediscovered by famous dancers like Uday Shankar and Rukmani Devi.

These dancers went back to the sculptures of temples at Tanjore and Chidambram to see the postures, the gestures of the dancers.

Today India has six classical dances: Kathak from Jaipur and Lucknow, Kathakali from Kerala, Bharatnatyam from Tamil Nadu, Manipuri from Manipur, Odissi from Odissa, Kuchipudi from Andhra Pradesh. The extent of dances from the four corners of the nation proves their lasting traditions and popularity.

A Lady with a Parrot

A Lady with a Parrot

Belur Temple,Karnataka,Hoysala Dynasty,12th Century AD

The relationship between woman and a bird is an ancient one. In Sanskrit literature there are stories about women talking to a parrot. During the Mughal period these stories were translated into Persian and came to be known as "Tutinama".

Parrot is the symbol of love in Hindu mythology as it is the vehicle of Kama, the god of love. The lonely woman confined behind the walls of her palace, thus, speaks to the parrot about her loneliness, about her desires and about her love for the hero. In turn, the parrot tells her stories to keep her entertained. Through this dialogue many practical tips, many comments are made about the world at large. The parrot, therefore, is not only a source of entertainment, but is also a source of enlightenment.

The Hoysala sculptor depicts the woman elegantly attired, standing solemnly, paying attention to what the parrot has to say. The jewelery, the voluptuous figure captures the yourh of the woman who is being made wiser by the bird. It is a poignant moment of loneliness, of learning.

A Wall of the Somanathpuram Temple with Hindu Gods

A Wall of the Somanathpuram Temple with Hindu Gods

 Hoysala Dynasty,12th century AD

      The Hoysala Dynasty established a new trend in Indian architecture: the star shaped temples. The edges of the star gave ample surface to the sculptors to depict the Hindu Pantheon and to portray the Puranic stories. Made out of soap stone, these temples are full of intricate carvings. They are a marvellous fusion of art, architecture, sculpture, myth and engineering.