Historical Buildings in Karnataka (12th to

15th century)

Bidar fort
Located on the edge of Bidar Plateau, the Bidar Fort is an important historical monument in
Karnataka. Built by Adil Shah in the 15th century, it is a fine specimen of red laterite stone. It
has many monuments within its complex, including the Rangin Mahal, the Takht Mahal, Jami
Masjid and the Sola Khamba Masjid.
One of the unusual features of the fort is the historic water supply system, called karez. It is a
network of underground tunnels to the houses of the people for various uses like drinking,
washing, watering livestock, and irrigating fields etc.

Vittala Temple
A part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi Group of Monuments, the 15th century,
Vittala Temple is one of the popular historical places to not miss in Karnataka. The temple is in
Hampi, on the banks of the Tungabhadra River.It is the most ornate of the Vijayanagara temples,
also presumed to be the grandest. The temple exemplifies the immense creativity owned by the
sculptors and artisans of the Vijayanagara era. The classic example of Dravidian style of
architecture, it has traits and features that are characteristic of typical south Indian temple.
Elaborate, artistic carvings and magnificent architecture is unmatched.

Gulbarga fort
The 14th century Gulbarga fort is one of the finest examples of the ancient Islamic architecture
in Karnataka. The fort was originally built by Raja Gulchandbut when it became the Bahmani
capital, it was fortified by Alauddin Bahmani with a deep moat and massive walls.
The impressive highlights are the fort itself, Jama Masjid and the Kwaja Bande Namaz tomb.
The tomb of the saint is highly revered and is adorned with arches, paintings in Iranian and
Turkish style. Urs festival sees a lot of devotees. The fort is a historic and popular pilgrimage site
in Karnataka.
Ibrahim Rauza
Our next historic site is one of the most important tourist attractions in Karnataka. Built by a
Persian architect in the 15th century, it is an architectural masterpiece formed by the fusion of
Hindu and Muslim styles.
The beautiful adornments of Ibrahim Rauza are its mosque, tomb, a tank, and fountain. It has an
amazing look. Crowned with a bulbous dome, shaded by a chhajja and a lean minaret each
corner of its five arched-façade, the monument is a beauty. Walk amid the monument and you
can imagine the bygone days for yourself.

Hoysaleswara Temple
The 12th century capital of the Hoysala Empire, Halebid is home to several heritage monuments
in Karnataka. One of the best examples of the Hoysala architecture and the largest shrines
dedicated to Lord Shiva in South India, the Hoysaleswara Temple is a beauty to explore.
Hoysaleswara Temple is known for carvings and sculptures with metal like polishing. The walls
are ornamented with life-like mythological deities. The remarkable structure has been acclaimed
as the ‘supreme climax of Indian architecture.’ Walk through the ancient complex, pay obeisance
to the Lord Shiva, and get enthralled by the superior artisanship of the temple artisans.

Chennakeshavasvami Temple
The 12th-century Channakeshava Swamy Temple in Hassan is worthy of our list of the best
historical sites in Karnataka. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple was built during the Hoysala
Empire rule and has been mentioned in medieval Hindu texts, still being an important pilgrimage
site in Vaishnavism. Remarkable for its architecture, sculptures, reliefs, friezes, iconography,
inscriptions, and history, marvel at artwork that recreates scenes of secular life in the 12th
century. You will see dancers and musicians and a pictorial narration of the Ramayana, the
Mahabharata, and the Puranas. Though a Vaishnava temple, it includes Shaivism, Shaktism,
Jainism, and Buddhism themes. The Channakeshava temple is a testimony to the artistic,
cultural, and theological perspectives.