The Hoysala dynasty, which ruled over the Deccan region from the 10th to the 14th centuries, made substantial contributions to the literature and culture of Karnataka. Their patronage and support for various forms of artistic expression, along with advancements in Kannada literature, left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of the region.

Patronage of Arts and Architecture:

The Hoysalas were notable patrons of the arts, and their most significant contribution lies in the field of temple architecture. The Hoysala style of architecture, characterized by intricately carved sculptures and lathe-turned pillars, is exemplified in temples such as the Chennakesava Temple in Belur and the Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebidu. These architectural marvels stand as enduring symbols of Hoysala cultural patronage and artistic excellence.

Literary Contributions:

The Hoysala rulers, particularly during the reign of King Vishnuvardhana, extended their patronage beyond architecture to the realm of literature. Their support played a pivotal role in fostering a vibrant literary culture in Karnataka.

1. Royal Contributions to Literature:

King Vishnuvardhana himself was a literary enthusiast. He is credited with composing "Gadya Ratnavali," a significant work in Kannada literature. This text, written in prose, explores various aspects of governance, ethics, and statecraft. Vishnuvardhana's literary pursuits reflected not only his commitment to intellectual pursuits but also his desire to contribute to the cultural heritage of his kingdom.

2. Courtly Patronage and Encouragement of Kannada Language:

• The Hoysala rulers actively encouraged the use and development of the Kannada language. Kannada, which had already seen significant literary achievements in earlier centuries, received further impetus during the Hoysala period
• In the twelfth century, some scholars wrote works in the Champu mixed prose-verse style but distinctive Kannada metres became more widely accepted
• The Sangatya metre used in compositions, Shatpadi, Tripadi metres in verses (seven and three line) and Ragale (lyrical poems) became fashionable
• Jain works continued to extol the virtues of Tirthankaras
• The Hoysala court supported scholars such as Janna, Rudrabhatta, Harihara and his nephew Raghavanka, whose works endure as masterpieces in Kannada
• In 1209, the Jain scholar Janna wrote Yashodharacharite, the story of a king who intends to perform a ritual sacrifice of two young boys to a local deity, Mariamma. Taking pity on the boys, the king releases them and gives up the practice of human sacrifice. In honor of that work, Janna received the title "Emperor among poets" (Kavichakravarthi) from King Veera Ballala II
• Harihara, (also known as Harisvara) a Virashaiva writer and the patron of King Narasimha I, wrote the Girijakalyana in the old Jain Champu style describing the marriage of Lord Shiva and Parvati in ten sections. He came from a family of accountants (Karanikas) from Halebidu and spent many years in Hampi writing more than one hundred Ragales (poems in blank verse) in praise of Lord Virupaksha (a form of Lord Shiva)
• Raghavanka had been the first to introduce the Shatpadi metre into Kannada literature in his Harishchandra kavya, considered a classic even though it occasionally violates strict rules of Kannada grammar

3. The Influence of Jain Scholars:

Jainism played a vital role in the cultural milieu of the Hoysala kingdom. Jain scholars and poets, in particular, contributed significantly to Kannada literature during this period. Notable among them was Janna, a renowned poet in the Hoysala court, who composed "Yashodhara Charite," a classic in Kannada literature

Bhakti movement

• The Hoysala period witnessed a flourishing of Bhakti era, with poets expressing profound devotion and mysticism
• The Bhakti movement, emphasizing a personal and emotional connection with the divine, found expression in various compositions. This devotional literature, often composed in the vernacular, resonated with the masses and became an integral part of Karnataka's cultural fabric.
• King Vishnuvardhana built many temples after his conversion from Jainism to Vaishnavism under Ramanuja
• Another wave of devotion (bhakti) in the 17th and 18th centuries found inspiration in his teachings for which Hoysala kingdom paved way

Enduring Cultural Symbols:

The temples built by the Hoysalas, with their intricate carvings depicting mythological narratives and celestial beings, stand as enduring cultural symbols. These architectural marvels not only served as places of worship but also as visual representations of the cultural ethos of the time. The Hoysala temples became repositories of art, literature, and cultural narratives, reflecting the grandeur of a bygone era.

Conclusion:

The Hoysala dynasty's contributions to the literature and culture of Karnataka were multi-faceted and enduring. From the grandeur of their architectural marvels to the poetic brilliance of their courtly poets, the Hoysalas shaped a cultural legacy that continues to influence Karnataka's artistic and intellectual landscape. Their patronage, encouragement of the Kannada language, and support for a diverse range of artistic expressions laid the foundation for a cultural renaissance that reverberates through the corridors of Karnataka's history. In essence, the Hoysala dynasty stands not only as builders of stone temples but as architects of a cultural heritage that transcends time and continues to inspire generations.