A Critique of Hoysala Polity (An Old and Rare Book)

Organising, retaining and exercising of political power are the major themes of a concept which we generally term polity. A systematic study of the pro blem of past politics of kingdoms and empires in Karnataka history is yet to be undertaken. It is said that history is past politics and politics is present histroy. In spite of recent emphasis on the study of socio-economic aspects of our past heritage, the study of the various dimensions of the past poli tics has still retained its fascination among scholars. The study of polity in one sense encompasses the in teraction of politics, society, culture and religion. Each sustains and supports the other. In this sense the present monograph on Hoysala Polity was con ceived and executed with the hope that it may encou rage other scholars to probe the subject in depth. The Hoysalas have attracted my attention for a long time. The study of their agrarian system by me a few years ago and the encouragement I received for that work, further motivated me to peep into their polity.