Our History
The Hoiz
al Family (also sometimes referred to as Hoysala Dynasty) trace their lineage to the rulers who governed regions of present day Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana for 396 years i.e. from 950 AD to 1346 AD. The Hoizal kings belonged to the community of Smartha Brahmins and are widely celebrated for encouraging arts, architecture and literature in Karnataka.
According to legend, the Hoizal Dynasty was founded by King Zal who demonstrated his bravery during his school days by rescuing his teacher from a sudden tiger attack. While other students fled, Zal fearlessly picked up a charcoal stick and fought the tiger. His teacher cheered him on by shouting "Hoi Zal," which means "Strike, Zal," in Kannada language. After killing the tiger and saving his teacher's life, Zal became popular as Hoizal. One of his descendants, King Vishnuvardhana Hoizal is credited with expanding the dynasty's territories and establishing their capital at Dwarasamudra, which is present-day Halebidu in Karnataka in 1150 AD.

During the reign of Hoizal Dynasty, arts and architecture thrived as evidenced by the intricately carved and sculpted temples that still stand today. Notable temples built by Hoizal kings include the Chennakesava Temple in Belur, the Hoysaleshwara Temple in Halebidu, and the Kedareshwara Temple in Balligavi.


The Hoizal rulers were originally from Malenadu, an elevated region in the Western Ghats. In the 12th century, taking advantage of the internecine warfare between the Western Chalukya Empire and Kalachuris of Kalyani, the Hoizal kings annexed areas of present-day Karnataka and the fertile areas north of the Kaveri delta in present-day Tamil Nadu. By the 13th century, they governed most of Karnataka, entire northwestern parts of Tamil Nadu and parts of western Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in the Deccan Plateau.

The Hoizal Dynasty's rule ended in 1346 AD when the last Hoizal king Veera Virupaksha Ballala Hoizal IV lost battle to Sangama brothers of Vijaynagar Empire marking end of Hoizal kingdom and rise of the Wodeyar dynasty as vassal of the Vijaynagar Empire.

 


 

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