Halebid
During the 12th and 13th C. Halebid was the regal capital of the Hoysala Dynasty. Literally meaning 'the ruined city', this magnificent temple town has to bear the brunt of raids by marauding invaders, who robbed it of its treasures, leaving behind the ruins of the once-magnificent Shiva temple. In the face of persistent attacks, the Hoysalas then relocated their capital to Belur and this royal capital gradually reduced to a state of dilapidation and ruins.
The two temples, Hoysaleshwara and Kedareshwara, built of monolithic soapstone or Chloritic Schist are supreme examples of the Vesara style of temple architecture, characterized by star-shaped structures set upon raised platforms. It is believed that Queen Shantala Devi, was an epitome of beauty and fashion, she was also a great Bharatnatyam dancer and musician. The walls of the temple are covered with an endless variety of depictions from Hindu mythology, animals, birds and Shilabalikas or dancing figures, which are models of the queen and her courtesans. The temples took 190 years to build requiring skills of more than 20,000 laborers.