The romance and love of Krishna and Radha are legendary. Yet, the story behind Krishna's wedding to his first wife Rukmini, as narrated in the Hindu scripture of Bhagavata, is equally interesting. A festival banner from the year 1800 shows the sequence of events that transpired during the wedding.

This online exhibit gives a glimpse into the marvellous temple at Beluru, Karnataka, through numerous images captured by many history enthusiasts. An artistic and cultural example of the Hoysala architecture, Sri Chennakeshava temple was built by King Vishnuvardhana in 1117. The temple complex went through modifications for over hundred years to become the architectural marvel that it is today.

Temple art, architecture and ground plan

This exhibit goes into the architectural and artistic details of the Beluru Chennakeshava Temple. Scholar Adam Hardy classifies the Hoysala temples as the Karnata Dravida tradition. Hoysala temples typically have a Mantapa - an entrance porch called Navaranga, Vimana - the shrine built above the sanctum, and a Jagati - a platform for circumnavigation. The outer walls are all carved with extensive sculptures and reliefs.

Halebeedu

Hoysaleshwara Temple is a 12th-century Shaivite temple and is the largest monument in Halebeedu, the former capital of the Hoysala Empire. It is unique for the richness, finesse and beauty of the carved friezes that adorn its exterior walls.

The exquisite Amrutheshwara Temple (also known as Amrutesvara) is located in the village of Amruthapura in Chikmagalur district. Externally, the temple gives a deceptively small look, but visitors are surprised with the number of wonders it holds within. The temple was built in 1196 CE by Amrutheshwara Dandanayaka (commander) under the Hoysala King Veera Ballala II.

Krishna's valour and his charm as youth are depicted in a multitude of artistic forms in India - from paintings, sculptures, and music, to dance. Stories of Krishna, especially of his childhood, have enthralled artists and commoners for centuries. Puranic scriptures dedicated to Vishnu, namely Bhagavatha Purana and Vishnu Purana, narrate the stories of Krishna at length since he is considered the eighth incarnation of God Vishnu.

Somanathapura Keshava-Temple is not as massive in size as the Beluru – Halebidu temples, but it is as stunningly beautiful and ornate. Built in 1258 CE, more than 100 years after the Belur – Halebidu temples, it is a testament to the continued patronage of arts, crafts, and temple building by the Hoysala rulers.

A hidden Hoysala gem

Aralaguppe in Karnataka is a temple built by King Veera Someshwara in 1250 and dedicated to God Vishnu. A noteworthy feature of the temple is the many complex forms of Vishnu. Vishnu is commonly identified by the four primary objects he holds, Shankha (conch), Chakra (discus), Gada (mace), and Padma (lotus). However, in Aralaguppe Vishnu is depicted with unusual objects such as sugarcane, mace, noose, mortar, etc. These sculptures of Vishnu indicate that the sculptors, along with their artistic prowess, also possessed a deep theological understanding of the Hindu scriptures.

Ramayana is one of the great epics of India. An earthen vase from 1800s showcased in this exhibit pictorially represents an important incident from Ramayana. The accompanying essay in this special collection deciphers and textually narrates the incident.

Mahishasura slayer Durga in Indian art

Goddess Durga is one of the most popular deities in India. Thus, she is also the subject of various art forms, from sculptures to paintings to temple art. In this exhibit, know the story behind this much-revered Goddess through art.

An enigma in the cave architecture of India, Ellora, situated in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, represents a phase of aesthetic appeal and a model of religious harmony and cohesiveness that existed during the early medieval period in the Deccan region. Through images, we explore the architectural journey of Ellora in this collection.