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By: Amitha Shetty
Hampi, the imperial capital of The Great Vijayanagar Empire. The city of victory carved in stone, that once flourished and rivaled Rome in terms of beauty, magnitude and population. Till today, each rock in the ruins speak volumes of the grandeur, and majesticity it experienced 5 centuries ago. HAMPI, the "Pompeii of India", is a dream come true for archaeologists, historians, art-lovers or tourists. Forts, Palaces, temples, sculptures, baths, Irrigation canals, bazaar ruins of a civilization belonging to the medieval era, Preserved in stone.
To bring back vivid memories of a vanished past. Hampi's existence goes back to an unrecorded past. It is said to be the location of the monkey kingdom, the Kishkinda associated with the great Hindu epic, The Ramayana. It was also an important centre under the Chalukyan dynasty. In 1336 A.D., the two brothers, Harihara and Bukka, founded the Vijayanagara Empire, for the protection of dharama under the spiritual guidance of sage Vidyaranya at Hampi on the banks of the river Tungabhadra. The spectacular setting of the rocky hills and valleys formed a natural seven-layered fortress. The capital was spread over more than 70 sq miles. By the year 1565 the empire stretched from the Arabian Sea to the Bay of Bengal, from the Deccan Plateau to the shores of Ceylon. It reached its zenith during the reign of Emperor Krishnadevaraya. It was a period of unprecedented prosperity and religious fervor. There was a revival of architecture, music and sculpture. Trade flourished especially in jewels and precious stones. Travellers and writers like Abdur Razak, Nicolo Conti, Domingo Paes who were a witness to this pomp and grandeur of Hampi described thus “what I saw seemed as large as Rome and very beautiful to the sight it is undoubtedly the best provided city in the world” - Domingo Peas. The emperors were great builders and they greatly encouraged art. The expansion of the Virupaksha temple with its Kalyana mantapa elaborately painted. Construction of temples like the Hazara Rama, the BalaKrishna , the Vithala and a host of other monuments like Mahanavani Dibba, Kamala Mahal, Lakshmi Narasimha statue, Queen's Bath and the Elephant stable. They all speak volumes of their patronage to religion, art and architecture. The empire grew in strength and splendor and resisted all onslaughts till 1565 before it fell under the armies of 5 united Bahamani invaders, who defeated the kingdom in the battle of Talikota (Rakkasa-tangadi). The Bahamani kings then ransacked the city for 6 months by which time it was turned into a pile of ruins.
Hampi is now recognized as a world heritage monument by UNESCO who has joined hands with the archaeological department of India for its conservation. As excavations have progressed among its ghastly ruins, Hampi unveils sector by sector a large number of palatial complexes and basements of several platforms. Interesting finds include a large number of stone images, both in round and relief, beautiful terracotta objects and stucco figures that once embellished the palaces, many gold and copper coins, household utensils and, a square stepped tank. Inscribed Buddhist sculptures of 2nd and 3rd Century.A.D have also been unearthed recently. This has added a new facet to its early history.
If your planning for a family vacation travel or a historic place visits in India then come to Hampi, the site of fabled Vijayanagar Empire, and the most powerful 13th century kingdom and feel the vibrance in its ruins. Though Hampi has in a sense survived death and desolation, even in its present ruins, continues to fascinate people from all walks of life. AT HAMPI STONES SPEAK IN SILENCE.
To bring back vivid memories of a vanished past. Hampi's existence goes back to an unrecorded past. It is said to be the location of the monkey kingdom, the Kishkinda associated with the great Hindu epic, The Ramayana. It was also an important centre under the Chalukyan dynasty. In 1336 A.D., the two brothers, Harihara and Bukka, founded the Vijayanagara Empire, for the protection of dharama under the spiritual guidance of sage Vidyaranya at Hampi on the banks of the river Tungabhadra. The spectacular setting of the rocky hills and valleys formed a natural seven-layered fortress. The capital was spread over more than 70 sq miles. By the year 1565 the empire stretched from the Arabian Sea to the Bay of Bengal, from the Deccan Plateau to the shores of Ceylon. It reached its zenith during the reign of Emperor Krishnadevaraya. It was a period of unprecedented prosperity and religious fervor. There was a revival of architecture, music and sculpture. Trade flourished especially in jewels and precious stones. Travellers and writers like Abdur Razak, Nicolo Conti, Domingo Paes who were a witness to this pomp and grandeur of Hampi described thus “what I saw seemed as large as Rome and very beautiful to the sight it is undoubtedly the best provided city in the world” - Domingo Peas. The emperors were great builders and they greatly encouraged art. The expansion of the Virupaksha temple with its Kalyana mantapa elaborately painted. Construction of temples like the Hazara Rama, the BalaKrishna , the Vithala and a host of other monuments like Mahanavani Dibba, Kamala Mahal, Lakshmi Narasimha statue, Queen's Bath and the Elephant stable. They all speak volumes of their patronage to religion, art and architecture. The empire grew in strength and splendor and resisted all onslaughts till 1565 before it fell under the armies of 5 united Bahamani invaders, who defeated the kingdom in the battle of Talikota (Rakkasa-tangadi). The Bahamani kings then ransacked the city for 6 months by which time it was turned into a pile of ruins.
Hampi is now recognized as a world heritage monument by UNESCO who has joined hands with the archaeological department of India for its conservation. As excavations have progressed among its ghastly ruins, Hampi unveils sector by sector a large number of palatial complexes and basements of several platforms. Interesting finds include a large number of stone images, both in round and relief, beautiful terracotta objects and stucco figures that once embellished the palaces, many gold and copper coins, household utensils and, a square stepped tank. Inscribed Buddhist sculptures of 2nd and 3rd Century.A.D have also been unearthed recently. This has added a new facet to its early history.
If your planning for a family vacation travel or a historic place visits in India then come to Hampi, the site of fabled Vijayanagar Empire, and the most powerful 13th century kingdom and feel the vibrance in its ruins. Though Hampi has in a sense survived death and desolation, even in its present ruins, continues to fascinate people from all walks of life. AT HAMPI STONES SPEAK IN SILENCE.
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