Hampi, a village in northern Karnataka
is situated on the southern bank of the river Tungabhadra river. Once it was
the seat of the mighty Vijainagara empire. The village continues to be an
important religious centre because it is the home to many temples. The
village has several monuments of belonging to the old city of Vijainagara.
In fact the Vijainagar ruins have been termed as the Group Of Monuments at
Hampi.
A large number of royal buildings were raised by Krishnadeva Raya (AD
1509-30), the greatest ruler of the dynasty. The period witnessed resurgence
of Hindu religion, art, architecture in an unprecedented scale. The
contemporary chroniclers who came from far off countries - such as Arabia,
Italy, Portugal and Russia visited the empire, have left graphic and glowing
accounts of the city. One can finf the excessive remains of the palaces of
yore here.The various religious and secular structures which include Hindu
and Jain temples, audience hall of the king, the magnificent throne platform
to witness the festivals and other events, the king's balance
(tulabhara)
are awe-inspiring.
Temple architecture of this place is awe inspiring.They are famous because
of their large dimensions, florid ornamentation, bold and delicate carvings,
stately pillars, magnificent pavilions and great traditional depictions from
the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. The
Vitthala temple is
an excellent example of Vijayanagara style.
The Krishna
temple, Pattabhirama temple, Hazara Ramachandra and Chandrasekhara temple
as also the Jaina temples, are other examples. The ancient Virupaksha Temple
is an important sacred centre. One can witness the Vijainagara style of
building lay in the construction of mandapas and huge gopurams called
rayagopurams.
Year Of Kudos
The Group Of Monuments At Hampi were listed as a
UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 1986. It was also inscribed as a
World Heritage Site in danger in the year 1999. The inclusion of the Groups
of Monuments at Hampi has been prompted by the construction of two
suspension bridges which dominate the natural environment and threaten the
World Heritage site's integrity.
Peppery Bulletin
- Traditionally known as Pampakshetra of Kishkindha
- Once it was the seat of the mighty Vijayanagara empire.
- Hampi is also known as City Of Ruins.
- Hampi is identified with the mythological Kishkindha, the monkey
kingdom which finds mention in the Ramayana.
- The first historical settlements in Hampi date back to 1 CE.
- Air Deccan would operate an ATR 42-500 (48-seater aircraft) daily
from Bangalore and Goa to Hampi from November 15.
- Krishna Deva Rai was the greatest ruler of the dynasty.
- The monuments of Vijainagara are also known as Vidyanagara.
- Recent excavations at the site have brought to light a large number
of palatial complexes and basements of several platforms.
