View source for Seuna–Hoysala War

{{Infobox military conflict
| place       = [[Karnataka]], [[Maharashtra]] (modern day [[India]])
| image       = 
| caption     = 
| date        = 1187–1311 A.D
| combatant1  = [[File:Senua Yadavas flag.jpg|22px|border]] [[Seuna (Yadava) Dynasty]]<br>{{Flagicon image|Delhi Sultanate Flag.svg}} [[Delhi Sultanate]]<br>(in 1311)
| combatant2  = [[File:Hoysala emblem.jpg|22px|border]] [[Hoysala Empire]]<br>{{Flagicon image|Delhi Sultanate Flag.svg}} [[Delhi Sultanate]]<br>( In 1296)
| commander1  = [[File:Senua Yadavas flag.jpg|22px|border]] [[Seuna (Yadava) Dynasty#List of Rulers|Bhillama V]]<br>[[File:Senua Yadavas flag.jpg|22px|border]] [[Seuna (Yadava) Dynasty#List of Rulers|Jaitugi]]<br>[[File:Senua Yadavas flag.jpg|22px|border]] [[Seuna (Yadava) Dynasty#List of Rulers|Simhana II]]<br>[[File:Senua Yadavas flag.jpg|22px|border]] [[Seuna (Yadava) Dynasty#List of Rulers|Krishna]]<br>[[File:Senua Yadavas flag.jpg|22px|border]] [[Seuna (Yadava) Dynasty#List of Rulers|Mahadeva]]<br>[[File:Senua Yadavas flag.jpg|22px|border]] [[Seuna (Yadava) Dynasty#List of Rulers|Ramachandra]]<br>[[File:Senua Yadavas flag.jpg|22px|border]] Jaitrasimha {{KIA}}<br>[[File:Senua Yadavas flag.jpg|22px|border]] Kholesvara<br>[[File:Senua Yadavas flag.jpg|22px|border]] Tikkama Saluva<br>[[File:Senua Yadavas flag.jpg|22px|border]] Kannaradeva<br>[[File:Senua Yadavas flag.jpg|22px|border]] Vanadevarasa {{KIA}}<br>[[File:Senua Yadavas flag.jpg|22px|border]] Yebaranayaka<br>[[File:Senua Yadavas flag.jpg|22px|border]] Kapiladeva <br>{{Flagicon image|Delhi Sultanate Flag.svg}} Malik Kafur
| commander2  = [[File:Hoysala emblem.jpg|22px|border]] [[Hoysala Empire#Kings|Veera Ballala II]]<br>[[File:Hoysala emblem.jpg|22px|border]] [[Hoysala Empire#Kings|Narshima II]]<br>[[File:Hoysala emblem.jpg|22px|border]] [[Hoysala Empire#Kings|Vira Someshwara]]<br>[[File:Hoysala emblem.jpg|22px|border]] [[Hoysala Empire#Kings|Narasimha III]]<br>[[File:Hoysala emblem.jpg|22px|border]] [[Hoysala Empire#Kings|Ramanatha]]<br>[[File:Hoysala emblem.jpg|22px|border]] [[Hoysala Empire#Kings|Veera Ballala III]]{{Surrender}}<br>[[File:Hoysala emblem.jpg|22px|border]] Anka<br>[[File:Hoysala emblem.jpg|22px|border]] Maideva<br>[[File:Hoysala emblem.jpg|22px|border]] Nanjeya{{KIA}}<br>[[File:Hoysala emblem.jpg|22px|border]] Gullaya{{KIA}}<br>[[File:Hoysala emblem.jpg|22px|border]] Ketanayaka<br>[[File:Hoysala emblem.jpg|22px|border]] Someya{{KIA}}<br>{{Flagicon image|Delhi Sultanate Flag.svg}} [[Ala-ud-din Khalji]]<br>{{Flagicon image|Delhi Sultanate Flag.svg}} Nusrat Khan
| result      = [[Yadavs of Devagiri|Seuna]] victory
| conflict    = Seuna–Hoysala War
| strength1   = 
| strength2   = 
| casualties1 = 
| casualties2 = 
| territory   = Tungabhadra River becomes the final border between [[Seuna (Yadava) Dynasty|Seuna Yadavas]] and [[Hoysala Empire|Hoysalas]].
}}
'''The Seuna–Hoysala War''' was a prolonged conflict between the [[Seuna (Yadava) Dynasty|Seuna Yadava Kingdom]] and the [[Hoysala Empire|Hoysala Kingdom]] in southern India, lasting for 124 years from the late 12th century to the early 14th century. The war began during the reign of Bhillama V of the [[Seuna (Yadava) Dynasty|Seuna Yadavas]] and Veera Ballala II of the [[Hoysala Empire|Hoysalas]], as both kingdoms sought to expand their territories and assert dominance over the Deccan region. The conflict saw numerous battles and shifting alliances as the two kingdoms vied for control over key areas, including the rich lands of present-day [[Karnataka]] and [[Maharashtra]].

The [[Delhi Sultanate]] played a decisive role in influencing the course of the war. In 1296, the Sultanate supported the [[Hoysala Empire|Hoysalas]], bolstering their position against the Seunas. However, by 1311, the Sultanate switched its allegiance to the Seuna Yadavas, reflecting the political complexities of the era. The prolonged struggle weakened both kingdoms, eventually paving the way for their subjugation by the [[Delhi Sultanate]]. This war marked a significant chapter in the history of South India, highlighting the intense rivalries and external pressures faced by regional powers during the medieval period.

==Seuna–Hoysala Struggle==
===Seuna–Hoysala War of 1187===
After Bhillama’s northern raids, the [[Hoysala Empire|Hoysala]] ruler Ballala attacked Chalukya king Someshvara IV, forcing him to flee to Banavasi.<ref name=":2">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.co.in/books?id=g0D5RAAACAAJ&redir_esc=y|title=The Early History Of The Deccan, 2 Vols|last=Yazdani|first=Ghulam|date=1982-01-01|publisher=Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers Pvt. Limited|isbn=978-81-7069-125-9|language=en}}</ref> Bhillama then defeated Ballala, captured Kalyani around 1187 CE, and established Devagiri as the Yadava capital.<ref name=":3">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.co.in/books?id=g0D5RAAACAAJ&redir_esc=y|title=The Early History Of The Deccan, 2 Vols|last=Yazdani|first=Ghulam|date=1982-01-01|publisher=Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers Pvt. Limited|isbn=978-81-7069-125-9|language=en}}</ref>

Ballala later regrouped and, by 1189, captured Banavasi and Nolambavadi.<ref name=":4">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.co.in/books?id=ahFuAAAAMAAJ&redir_esc=y|title=A Comprehensive History of India: A.D. 985-1206|last=Sharma|first=R. S.|date=1992|publisher=People's Publishing House|isbn=978-81-7007-121-1|language=en}}</ref> Bhillama’s large army faced Ballala at Soratur but was decisively defeated. Ballala killed the Yadava general Jaitrapala and seized key forts, pushing the [[Seuna (Yadava) Dynasty|Yadavas]] north of the Malaprabha and [[Krishna River|Krishna river]]<nowiki/>s, which marked the Hoysala-Yadava border for 20 years.<ref name=":5">{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/yadavas-of-the-deccan-and-their-times-a-cultural-history|title=Yadavas Of The Deccan And Their Times A Cultural History|last=Y. A. Raikar}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/the-seunas-the-yadavas-of-devagiri|title=The Seunas (The Yadavas Of Devagiri)|last=S. Ritti}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/the-yadavas-and-their-times|title=The Yadavas And Their Times|last=H. V. Trivedi}}</ref>

[[File:Yadavas of Devagiri. Bhillama V. 1185-1193.jpg|thumb|Coinage of [[Seuna (Yadava) Dynasty|Yadavas of Devagiri]], king Bhillama V (1185–1193). Central lotus blossom, two shri signs, elephant, conch, and "[Bhilla]/madeva" in Devanagari above arrow right.]]

===Seuna–Hoysala War of 1194===
After the Battle of Soratur, Bhillama failed to capture the fort of [[Lokkigundi]], but Jaitugi likely took control of it soon after. In response, Ballala launched an expedition and recaptured the fort in 1194 CE by defeating Jaitugi, as confirmed by inscriptions from Koligunda in 1198 CE. Despite his victory, Ballala remained cautious of Jaitugi’s threat, frequently camping at Lokkigundi and nearby areas. He was at Lokkigundi in 1199 CE, Huligere (modern Lakshmesvar) in 1200 CE, and again at Lakkundi in 1205 CE.<ref name=":0" />

Jaitugi did not attempt another invasion after his defeat. Instead, his son, Simhana II, later sought to expand his control over the region, including areas to the south. Ballala’s defensive actions helped secure his northern territories, but the threat from Simhana II would emerge later.<ref name=":1" />
=== Seuna–Hoysala War of 1202 ===
Simhana's grandfather, Bhillama V, had been badly defeated by the [[Hoysala Empire|Hoysala]] king Ballala II at Soratur. To take revenge, the Yadavas decided to invade Hoysala-controlled lands.<ref name=":2" /> Simhana's inscriptions, found in the region south of the Malaprabha River, date back to 1202, showing that the [[Seuna (Yadava) Dynasty|Yadavas]] had already started expanding into this area by then. By 1206, they had taken over parts of what is now the Bijapur district and placed it under their general, Keshavadeva.<ref name=":3" /> By 1212, the [[Seuna (Yadava) Dynasty|Yadavas]] had extended their control to areas that are now Anantapur, Bellary, Chitradurga, and Shimoga districts. By 1213, they had taken over most of the present-day Dharwad district, as shown by an inscription in Gadag. Other inscriptions at Gadag, Paithan, and Tiluvalli mention that Simhana defeated Ballala.<ref name=":4" />

The Rattas of Saundatti, who were earlier loyal to the [[Hoysala Empire|Hoysalas]], switched sides and supported Simhana. They helped him expand Yadava power further south.<ref name=":5" /> Before 1215, the Yadavas captured Banavasi, and Simhana appointed his trusted official, Mayideva, as governor. In 1222, Mayideva was replaced by another officer, Vanka Ravata, from Karad.<ref name=":1" /> By 1220, Simhana had completed his conquest of the land north of the Tungabhadra River. The Hoysalas, who were occupied with fighting the [[Pandya dynasty|Pandyas]] in the south, could not stop Simhana's advances. In 1226 and 1231 two more Battles took place between [[Hoysala Empire|Hoysalas]] and [[Seuna (Yadava) Dynasty|Seunas]] in which latter defeated the former.<ref name=":0" />

=== Seuna–Hoysala War of 1250===
The southern region faced instability as [[Hoysala Empire|Hoysala]] ruler Somesvara struggled to manage his affairs in [[Tamil Nadu]] while attempting to reclaim northern territories taken by the [[Seuna (Yadava) Dynasty|Seuna]] king. A 1257 A.D. inscription reveals that Somesvara had begun these efforts either upon becoming king or during his father’s reign. His titles, such as Säuparaya-diakpatta and Säuvaraya-dazon-dalana, highlight repeated battles against the [[Seuna (Yadava) Dynasty|Seuna]] king, Kannara/Krishna. However, these conflicts were largely unsuccessful, as an inscription by Kannara describes his minister as a rival to Somesvara, reflecting the [[Hoysala Empire|Hoysala]] king's inability to regain lost lands.<ref name=":2" />

Somesvara not only failed to recover his northern territories but also could not stop the Seunas from advancing further. Seuna king Singhana's influence extended into Hoysala regions, including Shimoga and Chitradurga districts, indicating the Hoysalas’ weakening control. Somesvara’s focus on Chola affairs in the south further undermined his ability to counter the Seunas in the north, allowing them to expand their power steadily.<ref name=":0" />
=== Seuna—Hoysala War of 1260===
By the 1260s, the southern [[Hoysala Empire|Hoysala]] kingdom was split into two parts. The northern part was ruled by Narasimha III.<ref name=":2" /> Around 1266, Mahadeva, a king from another kingdom, attacked Narasimha's territory. Some inscriptions in the [[Hoysala Empire|Hoysala]] area, like those in Chitradurga district, show that the Yadavas had some influence there.<ref name=":3" /> However, Mahadeva's invasion failed, and he had to retreat. Two Hoysala records say that Mahadeva underestimated Narasimha's strength.<ref name=":4" /> He entered the battlefield proudly on an [[War elephant|elephant]] but was defeated and had to escape on a horse at night. His general Balugideva Saluva was killed in this conflict.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />

[[File:Yadavas of Devagiri. Mahadeva. 1261-1270.jpg|thumb|Yadavas of Devagiri, coinage of king Mahadeva (1261-1270). Central lotus blossom, two sri, elephant, conch, and “Mahadeva” in Devanagari above sword right punchmarks.]]

===Seuna–Hoysala War (1275–1311)===
During the rule of Mahadeva, the [[Seuna (Yadava) Dynasty|Yadavas]] were defeated by the Hoysalas, prompting his nephew Ramachandra to plan a powerful military campaign for revenge.<ref name=":2" /> After 2–3 years of preparation, Ramachandra sent an army led by commanders like Saluva Tikkama, Joyideva, Harapala, and others. In 1275, Tikkama invaded Hoysala territory and camped at Belavadi near the [[Hoysala Empire|Hoysala]] capital, Dvarasamudra.<ref name=":3" /> He defeated a Hoysala force sent by King Narasimha III in early 1276.<ref name=":4" /> Meanwhile, another Yadava army led by Kannaradeva attacked Doravadi, winning the battle but losing Minister Vanadevarasa to the [[Hoysala Empire|Hoysala]] chief Singeya Nayaka.<ref name=":2" />

Tikkama then besieged the Hoysala capital, where fierce battles resulted in the deaths of several Hoysala generals. However, on 25 April 1276, Ankeya Nayaka, the son of the [[Hoysala Empire|Hoysala]] commander-in-chief, launched a decisive counterattack, forcing Tikkama to retreat to Dhummi. Despite initial victories, the Yadavas could not capture the Hoysala capital.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /> However Seuna Records states that Tikkama was able to capture the [[Hoysala Empire|Hoysala]] captial forcing them to pay tribute.<ref name=":1" />

In 1296 When the [[Delhi Sultanate|Muslim Sultanate of Delhi]] under [[Ala-ud-din Khalji|Alauddin Khalji]] and Nusrat Khan attacked Devagiri, Hoysalas supported them against Seunas and succeed inflicting a crushing defeat on them.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aHcfv6zkJgQC&pg=PA5|title=Architecture and Art of the Deccan Sultanates|last=Michell|first=George|last2=Zebrowski|first2=Mark|date=1999-06-10|publisher=Cambridge University Press|isbn=978-0-521-56321-5|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":7">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2XXqAQAACAAJ|title=History of the Khaljis, A.D. 1290-1320|last=Lal|first=Kishori Saran|date=1968|publisher=Asia Publishing House|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_9cmAQAAMAAJ|title=A Comprehensive History of India: The Delhi Sultanat (A.D. 1206-1526), ed. by Mohammad Habib and Khaliq Ahmad Nizami|date=1970|publisher=People's Publishing House|language=en}}</ref> As soon as Khalji returned the conflicts were renowned between the two.<ref name=":0" /> In 1311 Malik Kafur invaded the [[Hoysala Empire|Hoysala]] captial and this time Ramachandra showed his full support to Malik Kafur collectively defeating Hoysalas.<ref name=":6" />

[[File:Seuna (Yadava). Ramachandra. 1270-1311 Central lotus blossom, two śri, conch, and “śri rama” in Devanagari above standard left, each in incuse.jpg|thumb|Coinage of Ramachandra (1270-1311). Central lotus blossom, two śri, conch, and “śri rama” in Devanagari above standard left, each in incuse.]]
==List of Conflicts==
{| class="wikitable"
! width="30%" |Conflict
! width="20%" |[[Seuna (Yadava) Dynasty|Seunas]]
! width="20%" |[[Hoysala Empire|Hoysalas]]
! width="20%" |Result
|-
|Battle of Kalyani (1187)
|Bhillama  
|Vera Balla 
| style="background:" |[[Seuna (Yadava) Dynasty|Seuna]] victory<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":5" />
|-
|Capture of Basavakalyana (1189)
|Bhillama
|Vera Balla
|[[Seuna (Yadava) Dynasty|Seuna]] victory<ref name=":2" />
|-
|Capture of Banavasi (1189)
|Bhillama 
|Vera Balla
|[[Hoysala Empire|Hoysala]] victory<ref name=":2" />
|-
|Capture of Nolambavadi (1189)
|Bhillama 
|Vera Balla 
|[[Hoysala Empire|Hoysala]] victory<ref name=":2" />
|-
|Battle of Soratur (1190)
|Bhillama
Jaitrasimha{{KIA}}
|Vera Balla 
|[[Hoysala Empire|Hoysala]] victory<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":4" />
|-
|Capture of Lokkigundi
|Jaitugi
|Vera Balla 
|[[Seuna (Yadava) Dynasty|Seuna]] victory<ref name=":0" />
|-
|Capture of Lokkigundi (1194)
|Jaitugi 
|Vera Balla 
|[[Hoysala Empire|Hoysala]] victory<ref name=":0" />
|-
|Capture of Bijapur district (1206)
|Simhana II
Kholesvara
|Vera balla
|[[Senary|Seuna]] victory<ref name=":2" />
|-
|Capture of Anantapur (1212)
|Simhana II
|Vera Balla
|[[Seuna (Yadava) Dynasty|Seuna]] victory<ref name=":2" />
|-
|Capture of Ballari (1212)
|Simhana II
|Vera Balla
|[[Seuna (Yadava) Dynasty|Seuna]] victory<ref name=":2" />
|-
|Capture of Chitradurga (1212)
|Simhana II
|Vera Balla
|[[Seuna (Yadava) Dynasty|Seuna]] victory<ref name=":2" />
|-
|Capture of Shimoga (1212)
|Simhana II
|Vera Balla
|[[Seuna (Yadava) Dynasty|Seuna]] victory<ref name=":2" />
|-
|Capture of Dharwad (1213)
|Simhana II
|Vera Balla
|[[Seuna (Yadava) Dynasty|Seuna]] victory<ref name=":2" />
|-
|Capture of Banavasi (1215)
|Simhana II
|Vera Balla
|[[Seuna (Yadava) Dynasty|Seuna]] victory<ref name=":2" />
|-
|Battle of Belagutti (1217)
|Simhana II
|Vera Balla
|[[Seuna (Yadava) Dynasty|Seuna]] victory<ref name=":0" />
|-
|Battle of Neralige (1224)
|Harihara
|Narsimha 
|[[Seuna (Yadava) Dynasty|Seuna]] victory<ref name=":0" />
|-
|Capture of Shimoga (1250)
|Krishna 
|Someshwara
|[[Seuna (Yadava) Dynasty|Seuna]] 
victory<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":0" />
|-
|Capture of Chitradurga (1250)
|Krishna 
|Someshwara
|[[Seuna (Yadava) Dynasty|Seuna]] victory<ref name=":0" />
|-
|Mahadeva Invasion of Hoysala (1266) 
|Mahadeva 
|Narsimha III
|[[Hoysala Empire|Hoysala]] victory<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":4" />
|-
|Battle of Belavadi (1275)
|Tikkama Saluva 
|Anka 
Maideva
|[[Seuna (Yadava) Dynasty|Seuna]] victory<ref name=":2" />
|-
|Battle of Doravadi (1276)
|Kanndadeva 
Vanadevarasa{{KIA}}
|Singeya Nayaka
|[[Seuna (Yadava) Dynasty|Seuna]] victory<ref name=":2" />
|-
|Skirmish at Dvarasamudra
|Tikkama Saluva 
|Nanjeya{{KIA}}<br>Gullaya {{KIA}}
|[[Seuna (Yadava) Dynasty|Seuna]] victory<ref name=":2" />
|-
|Siege of Dvarasamudra (1276)
|Tikkama Saluva
|Narshima III<br>Ankeya Nayaka
|Indecesive<ref name=":1" />
|-
|Khalji Raid of Devagiri (1296)
|Ramchandra 
Shakradeva
|[[Ala-ud-din Khalji|Allaudin Khalji]]<br>Nusrat Khan<br>Narshima III
|[[Delhi Sultanate|Delhi]]–[[Hoysala Empire|Hoysala]] victory<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":6" />
|-
|Battle of Nulgeri (1302)
|Yebaranayaka
|Kétanayaka
|Indecisive<ref name=":0" />
|-
|Battle of Holalakere (1303)
|Kapildeva
|Someya{{KIA}}
|[[Seuna (Yadava) Dynasty|Seuna]] victory<ref name=":0" />
|-
|Siege of Dvarasamudra (1311)
|Malik Kafur<br>Ramachandra
|Balla III{{Surrender}}
|[[Delhi]]–[[Seuna (Yadava) Dynasty|Seuna]] victory<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":0" />
|-
|}

== References ==
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