Epigraphs of Hassan-Alur: Insights into Hoysala Socio-Cultural History

Hoysala epigraphs from Hassan-Alur reveal a complex, interconnected socio-cultural landscape of medieval Karnataka, challenging traditional political narratives. These inscriptions, analyzed through a regional lens, provide unprecedented insights into daily institutional, economic, religious, and social interactions during the Hoysala period (12th–14th centuries). The study highlights the roles of royalty, officials, merchants, artisans, women, and religious professionals in shaping regional organizations, while also documenting the coexistence and syncretism of Shaivism, Vaishnavism, and Jainism. Temples emerged as multifunctional hubs for worship, education, economic activity, artistic output, and social cohesion. By synthesizing epigraphic data with archaeological, architectural, literary, and secondary historical sources—primarily from Epigraphia Carnatica—the research demonstrates how systematic interpretation of Hoysala inscriptions can reconstruct the nuanced socio-cultural history of medieval Karnataka, offering a holistic understanding of this UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site.

KN, K. G. (2026). Epigraphs of Hassan-Alur: Insights into Hoysala Socio-Cultural History. International Journal of History, 8(9), 01–12. https://doi.org/10.22271/27069109.2026.v8.i9a.867