The Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysala – the ancient Hoysala temples of Belur, Halebid, and Somananthpura in Karnataka were recently added to the World Heritage list of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

The move comes a day after Nobel laureate Rabindra Nath Tagore's house, Santiniketan, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In January 2022, it was finalised as India's nomination for consideration as a World Heritage Site for 2022-23.  All these Hoysala temples are already protected monumnets of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

This recognituion marks marks an important step forward in the preservation and acknowledgement of India's rich historical and culture.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also reacted to the news and called the incident a matter of pride for the nation. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, the prime minister wrote, "More pride for India! The magnificent Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas have been inscribed on the @UNESCO World Heritage List. The timeless beauty and intricate details of the Hoysala temples are a testament to India's rich cultural heritage and the exceptional craftsmanship of our ancestors."

Reportedly, the 'Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysala' serve as a compelling testament to the Hoysala dynasty's heritage, demonstrating their architectural genius and cultural influence. These temples have long been admired for their architectural splendour and profound symbolism.