The question asks about the empire during which the famous Chennakesava temple was constructed. This temple is a significant historical and architectural site.

Understanding the Chennakesava Temple

The Chennakesava Temple is located in Belur, Karnataka, India. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (specifically, Keshava). This temple is renowned for its intricate sculptures, detailed carvings, and exceptional architecture, which are characteristic of a particular historical period in South India.

Chennakesava Temple Construction Period

Historical records and architectural styles confirm that the construction of the Chennakesava Temple in Belur was commissioned and carried out during the reign of the Hoysala Empire. Specifically, it was built by King Vishnuvardhana, a prominent ruler of the Hoysala dynasty.

The construction began in the early 12th century CE, around 1117 CE, to commemorate the victory of King Vishnuvardhana over the Cholas in the Battle of Talakad. It took over a hundred years to complete, with significant additions and modifications made by later Hoysala rulers.

The Hoysala Empire and Architecture

The Hoysala Empire was a prominent South Indian Kannada empire that ruled most of what is now the state of Karnataka between the 10th and 14th centuries CE. The Hoysala period is considered an important era in the development of art, architecture, and literature in South India.

Hoysala architecture is known for its unique style, characterized by:

• Intricate carvings of deities, mythological scenes, animals, and geometric patterns.
• Star-shaped or stellate ground plans for the main shrine.
• Sculptures that are often freestanding and highly detailed, depicting scenes from Hindu epics and daily life.
• Soft soapstone (chloritic schist) as the primary building material, which allows for fine detailing.

The Chennakesava Temple in Belur is one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture, alongside the temples at Halebidu and Somanathapura.

Examining Other Options

Let's briefly look at the other options provided:

• Yadavas: The Yadava dynasty of Devagiri ruled parts of present-day Maharashtra and northern Karnataka from the 9th to 14th centuries. While they were contemporaries of the later Hoysalas and also patronized art and architecture, the prominent Chennakesava temple in Belur is firmly attributed to the Hoysalas.
• Cholas: The Chola dynasty was a major power primarily in Tamil Nadu and parts of South India from the 9th to 13th centuries. Chola architecture is distinct from Hoysala style, known for large vimanas (temple towers) and grand scale, seen in temples like the Brihadeeswarar Temple. The Chennakesava temple does not exhibit typical Chola characteristics.
• Pala: The Pala Empire ruled primarily in the Bengal and Bihar regions of Eastern India from the 8th to 12th centuries. Pala art and architecture have a distinct style influenced by Buddhist traditions and differed significantly from the architecture found in South India like the Chennakesava temple.

Based on historical evidence and architectural analysis, the construction of the Chennakesava temple is firmly placed within the period of the Hoysala Empire.

Conclusion

The Chennakesava temple at Belur, famous for its intricate carvings and unique architectural style, was built during the reign of the Hoysala Empire, starting in the early 12th century CE under King Vishnuvardhana.

Revision Table: Chennakesava Temple Construction

Additional Information: Hoysala Architecture

Hoysala temples are often described as 'hybrid' or 'vesara' because they combine elements from both North Indian (Nagara) and South Indian (Dravida) styles. They are known for their focus on detailed ornamentation on the exterior and interior walls, rather than towering superstructures like the Chola temples. The sculptures are often narrative, depicting stories from Hindu mythology and daily life, making the temples not just places of worship but also historical and cultural records carved in stone.