Hoysala architecture is the distinctive building style developed under the rule of the Hoysala Empire in the region known today as Karnataka, India, between the 11th and the 14th centuries. Hoysala influence was at its peak in the 13th century, when it dominated the Southern Deccan Plateau region. Large and small temples built during this era remain as examples of the Hoysala architectural style, including the Chennakesava Temple at Belur, the Hoysaleswara Temple at Halebidu, and the Kesava Temple at Somanathapura. Other examples of fine Hoysala craftmanship are the temples at Belavadi, Amrithapura, Hosaholalu and Nuggehalli. Study of the Hoysala architectural style has revealed a negligible Indo-Aryan influence while the impact of Southern Indian style is more distinct. The vigorous temple building activity of the Hoysala Empire was due to the social, cultural and political events of the period.

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_______________________________ Today's selected anniversaries:

1640: John IV was declared King of Portugal, resulting in the Portuguese Restoration War with Spain. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_IV_of_Portugal)

1824: As dictated by the Twelfth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, the House of Representatives selected John Quincy Adams as the winner of the U.S. presidential election after none of the candidates received a majority of the total electoral college votes. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_presidential_election%2C_1824)

1955: African-American Civil Rights Movement: Seamstress Rosa Parks was arrested for violating the racial segregation laws of Montgomery, Alabama, after refusing to give up her seat on a public bus to a white man, precipitating the Montgomery Bus Boycott. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosa_Parks)

1959: Twelve countries signed the Antarctic Treaty, the first arms control agreement established during the Cold War, banning military activity in Antarctica and setting the continent aside as a scientific preserve. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antarctic_Treaty_System)

1990: Channel Tunnel workers from the United Kingdom and France met {{convert|40|m|ft|0}} beneath the English Channel seabed. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Channel_Tunnel)

_____________________ Wiktionary's Word of the day:

nimbus: A circle of light; halo. (http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/nimbus)

_____________________ Wikiquote of the day:

December will be magic again. Don't miss the brightest star. Kiss under mistletoe. I want to hear you laugh. Don't let the mystery go now. -- Kate Bush (http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Kate_Bush)