Group of Monuments at Hampi – The World Heritage Sites of India
Hampi, on the southern bank of the Tungabhadra, once formed the seat of the mighty Vijayanagara empire. The contemporary chroniclers who came from far off countries like Arabia, Italy, Portugal and Russia visited the empire and have left graphic and glowing accounts of the city.
Monuments were built here between AD 1336 and 1570, from the time of Harihara I to that of Sadasiva Raya. Royal buildings were raised by Krishnadeva Raya (AD 1509-1530). Hampi covers an area of nearly 26 sq km and is enclosed by seven lines of fortifications. Within the innermost enclosure extensive remains of the palace are noticed. Temples of this city are noted for their large dimensions, florid ornamentation, bold and delicate carvings, stately pillars, magnificent pavilions and sculptural depictions from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.