Temples of Karnataka: An Epigraphical Study

by Varija R. Bolar

Temples are the best architectural forms which reveal the deepest faith of devotees in religion. Representing sacred architecture, they demonstrate the cultural landscape of the time and stand testimony to the contemporary socio-religious ethos of the society.

This book traces the history of temples of Karnataka covering the period from 3rd century B.C. to 1050 AD. Chronologically based on the inscriptions found in the erstwhile 19 districts of Karnataka, it throws ample light on the antiquity and spatio-temporal distribution of temples belonging to different religious sects of Hinduism, including Saiva, Vaishnava, Shakti, Surya, Syncretistic cults and village deities. It also examines the dynastic contribution towards temple construction and maintenance as well as the nature of grants or endowments. The socio-economic and political conditions of the time have been discussed as well.