Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Hoysala

Hoysala, 12th-13th Century, Asian Art Museum of San Francisco

The Hoysala Empire consisted of the present day South Indian state of Karnataka and parts of the neighbouring states of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. The rulers of this dynasty were great patrons of the arts. Above the crown is a stylised depiction of the Kirtimukha, or Face of Glory, a fierce being created by Lord Shiva as a protection against evil.