Question

____________ earned the title of Talakadu Gonda.

Answer 1

Hint: The King that got the title of Talakadugonda was the first notable great Hoysala king, who was also known as Bottega. The Hoysala Dynasty was a prominent South Indian Kannadiga empire that dominated over the majority of modern-day Karnataka state from the 10th century to the 14th century AD.

Complete answer:
Vishnuvardhana, the king of the Hoysala Empire, got the title of Talakadu Gonda (Lord of Talakad) when he captured Talakadu and Kolar after defeating Adigiman, the Chola commander. The Hoysala Dynasty was a prominent South Indian Kannadiga empire that controlled the majority of modern-day Karnataka state from the 10th century to the 14th century AD. Initially, the Empire’s capital was situated at ‘Belur’ but was later shifted to ‘Helebidu’. The Empire contributed to the growth and development of both Kannada and Sanskrit literature. ‘Nripa Karma II’ was the earliest known king of this dynasty that ruled from 1026-1046 A.D.

However, Vishnuvardhana was the first notable great Hoysala king. He ruled as an independent ruler from 1106-1152 A.D. and is best known for taking steps to consolidate the Hoysala Empire. He instituted his capital at Halebidu, Karnataka. He ascended to the throne after the demise of his elder brother Veera Ballala-I. Originally, he was a Jain and Jain religion enjoyed high favour under the protection of his minister ‘Gangaraja’. But it is believed that under Ramanujacharya’s influence, Vishnuvardhana converted to Hinduism and became a Vashnavite. This is evident by the fact that he built a number of Vishnu Temples during his reign. He died in 1152 and his throne was ascended by his son Narasimha I.

Thus, Vishnuvardhana earned the title of Talakadu Gonda.

Note: Vishnuvardhana gained the title of Nolambavadi Gonda (Lord of the Nolambas) when he conquered the Nolamba region. He was also given many other titles like Mahamandaleshwara, Chalukya Mani Mandalika Chudamani, Tatpada padmopajivin, and Maleverolganda.