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.
The largest extant temple is that of Pampapati with magnificent entrance tower caused by Krishnadeva Raya. The Vitthala temple is an exellent example of Vijayanagara style. The monolithic statues of Lakshmi, Narasimha and Ganesa are massive and graceful. The Krishna temple, Pattabhirama temple, Hazara Ramachandra, Chandrasekhara temple and the Jaina temples are noteworthy. Some temples are flanked on either side by storeyed mandapas.
The audience hall of the king, Zenana enclosure with a massive stone basement of the Queen’s palace and an ornate pavilion ‘Lotus Mahal’ are examples of secular architecture. The corner towers, Dhananayaka’s enclosure (treasury), Mahanavami Dibba with sculptured panels, a variety of ponds, tanks, mandapas, elephant stables, pillared mandapas are awe-inspiring.
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