This work is on the Somanathapura Temple-complex. Several studies have come out on this temple. But here is a fresh outlook. The temple is viewed and analysed in its historical, economic, social and cultural perspectives. It shows how socialisation had taken place as a consequence of agrarian and commercial activities in the 13th century. From the point of religion the temple is an integration of Saiva and Vaisnava philosophies and rituals. The interest is in its aspect of Visnuisation. Thus here is a study from a new non-conventional angle.
Born on 20th May, 1938 at Bangalore, Dr. D.V. Deveraj had his early education in Maraganakunte (Kolar district), Hindupur (Anantapur District of Andhra Pradesh) and Bangalore, before he joined the Maharaja's College, Mysore where he graduated in Arts degree. He obtained the M.A. Degree in Indology in 1962 and joined the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Karnataka, soon thereafter as a Technical Assistant. Rising step by step, in 1990 he became the Director of that Department. He has participated in the excavation conducted by late Dr. M.Seshadri at T.Narasipur, Hemmige and Banavasi. As Director he is now excavating the ancient site at Talakadu in collaboration with the Department of studies in Ancient Indian History and Archaeology of the University of Mysore.
The present work is a revised version of my thesis entitled History of the Somanathapura Temple-Complex, in Socio-Economic and Cultural Perspectives for the Ph.D. Degree in History of the University of Mysore. Right from 1917 when R.Narasimhachar published a monograph on the Kēšava temple at Sömanāthapura, several scholars have subjected this temple for greater scrutiny and from different angles. Mine is a non-conventional approach to the study of the Temple-Complex of the place, not necessarily the Kešava temple. Besides a historical perspective, it examines the development of agrarian economy leading to the rise of small-scale industries and the consequent socialisation which led to liberalisation of caste rigidity. The existence of Saiva and Srivaisņava temples side by side and the icons of both sections reflected on the walls and friezes point to religious integration. Through the sculptural, architectural, epigraphical, mythological and literary data, it has been possible to underline the peaceful coexistence, religious harmony and the basic cultural unity of Hinduism in the 13th century Karnataka.
A number of friends and colleagues have helped me in this venture. First and foremost is Dr. K.S.Shivanna, Professor of History in the University of Mysore who guided me at all stages of research and helped me in finalising the thesis. To him I owe a deep debt of gratitude. To the Government of Karnataka and the authorities of the University of Mysore, I am beholden for their kind permission to undertake this research work and publish it. Dr. B.R.Gopal, Professor of History (Retd.) in Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, has helped me in editing my thesis and giving it the present shape. To him my thanks are due. Among several others that have helped me are the Librarians of Mysore and Karnataka Universities, Maharaja's Sanskrit College Library, Mythic Society Library, Bangalore, Oriental Munuscripts Library, Madras, and the Library of the Department of Archaeology and Museums, Dr. G.Lakshamma, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Studies in History, University of Mysore, Sri Sampathkumar Bhattar, Chief priest of the Cheluvarayasvami temple at Melukõțe, Dr. C.S. Patil, Deputy Director of my Department, Dr. C.Margabandhu, Director (Monuments) Archaeological Survey of India, Sri G.B.Hoogar, Photographer, Sri C.Kuppachar, Draughtsman, Sri P.Natarajan of the Office of the Director of Epigraphy and Sri Mylara Setty, Conservation Assistant of my department - to all these and those who have stood behind me I am thankful. I am indebted to Sri Kamalesh, a well-known Artist of Karnataka who has designed the cover page as beautifully as he alone can do.
Special mention should be made of DTP Comptek Computer Systems, Mysore and Sri Arun Kumar Sinha, Manager, and the staff of the Government of India Text Book Press, Mysore, for their prompt and efficient work in the shortest possible time.
My sincere and special thanks are due to Sri Chiranjiv Singh, the then Secretary to the Government of Karnataka, Department of Information, Tourism and Youth Services, who gave me unstinted support in my work and has blessed me with an illuminating foreward.
The temple of Somanathapur is one of the finest examples of the Hoysala temple architecture. Of late the temple has become an object of serious study, including studies by scientists who are seeking evidence of maize cultivation in India in the pre-Columbian days from the temple friezes. The present work by Dr.D.V. Devaraj, Director of Archaeology and Museums, Karnataka State, is one of the most erudite studies of the temple and its place in the social and cultural life of the region.
Dr.Devaraj's study is inter-disciplinary. He has drawn on epigraphical and mythological sources as well as the material available in the temple. His conclusion that the temple complex was a notable example of the peaceful co-existence of Srivaisnavism. Vaisnavism and Saivism is enlightening. It reveals a highly evolved culture and a materially prosperous and advanced society. make the study very interesting. These insights.
Looking beyond the technical and aesthetic details of the Somanathapur temple complex, Dr.D.V. Devaraj speculates on the way in which the temples might have moulded the temporal and spiritual life of the people. This is a welcome approach. The study helps us to understand the role of such temple complexes in the history and culture of Karnataka.
The Directorate of Archaeology and Museums is happy to publish this work by Dr.D.V.Devarj. I am sure it would be welcomed by scholars and general readers alike.
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