Home > Indian History > History of India > Hoysala Ballala III
Hoysala Ballala III
Brave like a lion and strong like pillar, Hoysala Ballala III fought many battle against Moughal Emperors to protect the

Share this Article:

Hoysala Ballala III, Hoysala dynasty of IndiaBallala III was the last great king of the Hoysala dynasty. This powerful king confronted various other kings of Karnataka like the Seunas, Kadambas and Santharas. With a desire to help Sundara Pandya, of the famous Pandyan dynasty of Madurai in the Tamil country against his step brother Vira-Pandya, he led his army to the south, only to find his capital Dvarasamudra (Halebid near Mysore) attacked and ravaged by the army of Allaudin Khilji, the Sultan of Delhi. The Muslim army led by Allaudin`s general Malik Kafur, destroyed Devagiri, the capital city of the Seuna dynasty and reached Dvarasamudra in 1311 A.D. Ballala III went back to his capital city and with no other alternative, submitted to the Sultan`s army and also sent his son Vira Virupaksha with Malik Kafur to Delhi. This was done by him to gain time to regroup his forces to face his enemies.

Subsequently, in 1327, Mohammad Bin Tughlaq who had by then become the Sultan of Delhi sent his army against Ballala III as he had withdrawn his allegiance to Delhi. For the second time in succession, the Hoysala capital was ravaged and plundered and Ballala had to flee to Tiruvannamalai in the Tamil country for safety. The army from Delhi marched on to Madurai and conquered the Pandyan kingdom and this paved the way for the foundation of the Sultanate of Madurai.

Having being aware that he was the only Hindu ruler left in the South who could prevent the Muslim armies following the defeat of the Seunas, the Kakatiyas of Warrangal (Andhra Pradesh) and the Pandyas who had been completely removed from the scene, Ballala made Tiruvannamalai his temporary headquarters and set about organizing his forces to counter the invasions from Delhi. Meanwhile, he also built a second capital of die Hoysalas known as Hosapattana on die banks of the river Tungabadhra.

Ballala marched against the Sultan of Madurai and won a deceive victory against the latter`s army. However, a sudden attack by the Muslim army took the Hoysala forces by surprise and in the confusion that followed his army scattered and the king was taken captive. This heroic ruler was beheaded in a gruesome manner in 1343 A.D. by the Sultan. The well-known Muslim chronicler Ibn Batuta, who visited the kingdom of Madurai during this time, gives a graphic description of the way he was killed. Thus came to a pathetic end the reign of a brave ruler of a famous dynasty. His heroic actions paved the way for the Vijayanagara forces to later take up the work of preventing the armies of the north from entering South India.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in History of India


History of Uttar Pradesh
The state was the heart of Mahabharata war and the history of Uttar Pradesh is very much the history of India. The place finds its mentions in Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
History Of Archaeology In India
History of archaeology in India contributes a lot to define the past history and the social life of India.
Mughal Architecture during Babur
Mughal Architecture during Babur is of adequate significance in Mughal history, as the emperor introduced Mughal architecture in India, during 16th century.
Princely State of Patdi
Princely State of Patdi or Patri was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was a sub division of Western India States Agency.
Architecture during Sayyid and Lodi Dynasty
Architectures during the Sayyid and Lodi dynasty were mainly the tombs and monuments for the dead rulers. It were carefully designed and meticulously constructed.
Brahmanical Sources of Ancient History
Brahmanical Sources of ancient history are contained in the Vedas and they constitute one of the most important literary sources of information about ancient India.
Female Education In British India
The over brimming enthusiasm among zealous Hindu reformers welcomed female education in British India.
Revenue System of Mauryan Empire
Revenue system of Mauryan Empire can be divided into eight categories. The principal revenue of the state was the land revenue, taxes from traders, artisans and professional taxes were also collected.
Mughal Architecture During Jahangir
Mughal architecture during Jahangir`s period was relative dull in comparison to that of Akbar dynasty.
Princely State of Satlasna
Princely State of Satlasna was amongst the former native states of India that was appointed as one of the Indian princely states during the early 19th century.
Coins of Chola Empire
Coins of Chola Empire were issued in gold, silver and copper and carried the Chola emblem.
Social Life during the Pala Period
Religious toleration and simple living were the characteristics of social life during the Pala period.
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty was reintroduced in the South India after a brief break of coinage less period of nearly three century. Chalukyas issued coins only in gold and they exhibit a brilliant artistic skill of the engraver.
Costumes of Indus Valley Civilisation
Costumes of Indus valley Civilization have been considered as the basis for Indian clothes. Sophisticated ornaments and make up were used during that age.
Development of Science under Gupta Empire
Development of Science under Gupta Empire was progressive and it had attained considerable perfection. Mathematics, astronomy, medicine, chemistry, physics and metallurgy were the most prominent of the sciences at that time.
Culture under Delhi Sultanate
Culture under Delhi Sultanate had enduring aspects to it. It included the society, the religious condition, literature and art and architecture of that period.
Princely State of Hapa
Princely State of Hapa was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was under the administrative control of the Western India States Agency.
Economy Under Chola Dynasty
Economy under Chola dynasty was strong and well developed. The economic life of the people of the Chola Kingdom was well balanced with their social life.
Coins of Khilji Dynasty
Coins of Khilji Dynasty had an influential feature that was followed by the other dynasties.
Religion During Mauryan Dynasty
Religion during Mauryan dynasty became a considerable episode in Indian history with an esteemed lineage of rulers.