Abstract

A Study of Higher Education Practices Under the Hoysala Dynasty: An Historical Analysis

Dr. Mallikarjuna S.A

Volume: 15 Issue: 1 2025

Abstract:

This study explores the priority and structure of higher education during the Hoysala Dynasty (c. 10th - 14th centuries). Higher education flourished, centered predominantly on religious and land-grant institutions, which functioned as vibrant centers of learning. The high status accorded to education is evidenced by the extensive patronage provided by the royal family, ministers, and wealthy citizens, who supported institutions through generous endowments, viewing this support as an act of piety. Furthermore, Hoysala rulers actively promoted the fine arts, literature, and learning in both Kannada and Sanskrit. This period witnessed a notable literary shift, with Shaiva and early Brahminical works gaining popularity alongside the previously dominant Jain literary tradition. The paper explores how the educational system—particularly higher education—reflects the standard of culture of the populace. It is interesting to observe that education was viewed from varied angles, encompassing higher academic subjects, subjects of study, principles of education, and technical training. Ultimately, the research confirms that ancient Indian education, exemplified by the Hoysala Kingdom, was fundamentally and predominantly religious in its implementation and curriculum.

Back Download

References

• Altekar, A. S. (2009). Education in ancient India. Gyan Publishing House.
• Chugh, L. (2016). Karnataka's rich heritage-art and architecture: From prehistoric times to the Hoysala Period. Notion Press.
• Derrett, J. D. M. (1949). The dynastic history of the Hoysala kings [Doctoral dissertation, University of London, School of Oriental and African Studies]. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global.
• Dhiraj, M. S. (2015, January). Medieval Kerala through the Hoysala inscriptions. In Proceedings of the Indian History Congress (Vol. 76, pp. 199-206). Indian History Congress.
• Lowe, R., & Yasuhara, Y. (2013). The origins of higher learning: Time for a new historiography. History of Universities, *27*(1), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198736376.003.0001
• Rice, B. L. (2001). *Mysore gazetteer compiled for government-vol 1*. Asian Educational Services. (Original work published 1897)
• Sastri, K. A. N. (1955). A history of South India from prehistoric times to the fall of Vijayanagar. Indian Branch, Oxford University Press.
• Sridevi, J., Sriram, J., Ram, T. S., Prasad, P. V. V., & Kanakavalli, K. (2020). List of medicinal plants from Epigraphia Indica. Bioinformation, *16*(9), 695–699. https://doi.org/10.6026/97320630016695
• Various. (1987). In A. Datta (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Indian literature (Vol. 1). Sahitya Akademi.