Kaladarshana - Ancient and Medieval Historical Indian Architecture and Art

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Somnathpura
The mid-13th century Kesava temple at Somnathpura is the best-preserved example of an unusual temple style developed under Hoysala patronage, and mostly built in South Karnataka. Evolved from Late Chalukyan archetypes, Hoysala temples are compact, with low towers and complicated floor plans (often with triple santcuaries opening into a common mandapa) and profuse decoration on the outer walls. The Chalukyan style developed on somewhat similar lines under Kakatiya patronage in North Andhra. Somnathpura belongs to a smaller set of Hoysala temples where the outer wall decoration becomes spectacularly ornate.