Hoysaleshvara
Hoysala Empire, South India
Between the 10th and 14th centuries, the Hoysala Empire ruled most of what is now the southern Indian state of Karnataka. The rulers were great patrons of art and architecture, and today more than 100 of their elaborate Hindu temples survive, scattered across Karnataka. Three of the most celebrated are located in Belur (Chennakshava), Helebidu (Hoysaleswara) and Somanthapura. The carvings in and on these temples range from depictions of the classic Hindu epics to parades of everyday commerce to erotica. The artistic expression and craftsmanship of the literally thousands of carving at each temple is astounding.