HAMPI: THE ENIGMATIC MARVEL OF INDIA

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By Neeyati Rometra

  • Outdoor
  • Mythology
  • India
  • Travel

    • Table of Content

    PREFACE

    Hampi, today a renowned historical site, was once the majestic capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, a powerful kingdom aptly named the "city of Victory." It was brought to light in the 1800s by Colonel Colin Mackenzie, an engineer and antiquarian who produced the first survey map of the site. Early insights into Hampi's past were gleaned from the recollections of priests at the revered Virupaksha Temple and the Pampadevi Shrine. This oral history, combined with dozens of inscriptions collected from Virupaksha and other temples starting in 1836, and accounts from both foreign and local writers, formed a comprehensive understanding of this significant historical location.

    Since 1976, when Hampi was recognized as a site of national importance, its preservation has been a continuous effort by the Archaeological Survey of India and the Karnataka Department of Archaeology and Museums. A detailed history of this ancient city was pieced together through the dedicated, multi-year work of John M. Fritz, George Michell, and M.S. Nagaraja Rao, who utilized various recording methods in their extensive surveys. While time has claimed its wooden structures, traveler accounts offer a crucial lens into the vibrant life of this medieval empire. Hampi remains an enigmatic testament to a glorious imperial past that spanned three centuries, leaving a profound and lasting impression on history.

    ABOUT HAMPI

    Top: The majestic East Gopuram, showcasing its detailed carved stories; it once rose to five tiers. Bottom: A compelling side view of the iconic Garuda Chariot.

    Hampi, a renowned site, is celebrated for its architectural splendor and rich history. This significant Indian location offers a wealth of knowledge about one of the grandest and austere empires of the medieval era. It's situated in the Vijayanagara district of Karnataka, a district recently carved out of the Bellary district in 2020. Hampi, located approximately a few kilometers from Hospete, the district headquarters, was once home to extravagant Dravidian temples and palaces. These architectural marvels were highly sought after by travelers visiting India between the 14th and 16th centuries, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of the Vijayanagara Empire.

    Hampi, as it is known today, is the modern name for the once-magnificent city of Vijayanagara. This name, translating to "City of Victory," referred to both the sprawling capital and the dominant kingdom itself, which rose to prominence as one of India's largest and wealthiest empires during the medieval era. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hampi has become a crucial destination for international travelers seeking to explore its profound historical and architectural legacy.

    Geographically, the imperial city of Vijayanagara was strategically located on the Tungabhadra River in central Karnataka, near its border with Andhra Pradesh. This advantageous position offered not only a natural defense but also a captivating landscape, characterized by a blend of rugged hill ranges and expansive open plains, creating a truly delightful scenery for visitors.

    Crucially, the site of Hampi showcases sophisticated urban planning, with distinct royal, urban, and sacred systems. This meticulous design is still evident in the sixteen hundred surviving architectural specimens, which include imposing forts, grand royal and sacred shrines, intricately carved temples, majestic pillared halls, Mandapas, elaborate gateways, and extensive stables, among many other structures.

    In this blog, we will delve into a glimpse of some of the most important structures of Vijayanagara, or Hampi, transporting you back in time to what was once a true marvel of medieval India.

    Dynasties of Vijayanagara: A Legacy of Resilience

    The Vijayanagara Empire was ruled by four successive dynasties: the Sangama, Saluva, Tuluva, and Aravidu. These rulers constantly faced threats from the north, primarily from the Delhi Sultanate, and later, the Bahmani Sultanate.

    The Sangama Dynasty (1336-1485 CE)

    The Vijayanagara Kingdom was founded in 1336 CE by the Sangama brothers, Harihara I (r. 1336-1357 CE) and Bukka I (r. 1337-1377 CE). As local chieftains, they had witnessed the decline of their previous ruler, Kampila. Harihara I and Bukka I embarked on a mission to recover lost territories, successfully reclaiming the area up to the tip of Tamil Nadu in the south. However, the northern Deccan region largely remained under the control of the Delhi Sultanate.

    Under Bukka I's patronage, numerous residential and ceremonial structures were constructed in Vijayanagara (Hampi), which served as the new capital. He was succeeded by Harihara II (r. 1377-1404 CE), who is credited with the construction of extensive, heavily fortified residential structures, alongside temple shrines dedicated to Hindu deities and Jain Tirthankaras.

    The kingdom truly flourished under Devaraya I (r. 1406-1422 CE) and Devaraya II (r. 1424-1446 CE), transforming into a formidable empire. Its territory expanded significantly, stretching from the Bay of Bengal in the east to the Arabian Sea in the west, and from the Krishna River in the north to the southern tip of Tamil Nadu.

    However, the later rulers of the Sangama dynasty proved less effective, leading to the dynasty's decline in the latter part of the 15th century, paving the way for the rise of the Saluva dynasty.

    The Saluva Dynasty (1485-1505 CE)

    The Saluva dynasty was founded by Narasimha Saluva, who seized power and revitalized the Vijayanagara Empire. During the decline of the Sangama dynasty, the empire had suffered losses to the Bahmanis, and Narasimha Saluva successfully restored its prestige and fortune. He reigned until 1491 CE. However, his successors proved to be incompetent, leading to the Tuluva family assuming the role of regents. This eventually culminated in Vira Narasimha Tuluva usurping power in 1505 CE, thereby establishing the third dynasty of the empire.

    The Tuluva Dynasty (1505-1570 CE)

    The Tuluva dynasty oversaw the Vijayanagara Empire's zenith, marked by a succession of capable rulers. The empire reached its peak under the reign of Krishnadevaraya (1509-1529 CE) and his successor, his half-brother Achyutaraya (1529-1542 CE). Both rulers significantly contributed to the capital's development, expanding urban quarters and constructing new religious complexes. This growth extended beyond the capital, influencing suburban settlements as well.

    During this period, the Empire was frequently embroiled in conflicts with the Adil Shahis of Bijapur and conducted successful raids into the territories of the Gajapati Kings of Odisha. Under Achyutaraya's rule, the empire maintained its prosperity and wealth. However, a significant shift occurred during the reign of the last Tuluva emperor, Sadashiva Raya (1542-1570 CE), a nephew of Achyutaraya. Sadashiva Raya's regent, Rama Raya—Krishnadevaraya's son-in-law—assumed all effective authority, becoming the de facto ruler.

    It was Rama Raya who led the Vijayanagara forces into the fateful Battle of Talikota in 1565 CE against the combined Deccan Sultanates. This catastrophic defeat resulted in Rama Raya's death and irrevocably shattered the empire's glory. Although severely weakened, the empire managed to sustain itself for a period under the subsequent and final dynasty, the Aravidu

    The Aravidu Dynasty (1570-1670 CE)

    The Aravidu dynasty, founded by Rama Raya's brother, sustained the Vijayanagara Empire for approximately a century, from 1570 to 1670 CE. During this period, the once-glorious capital of Vijayanagara continued its decline into ruins.

    Hampi: A Testament to Dravidian Grandeur

    Hampi, a site of paramount importance, is celebrated for its artistic splendor, particularly its architectural marvels. Once the austere capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, it now stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hampi's significance lies in its exceptional display of Dravidian architecture, characterized by:

    • Cloistered enclosures
    • Lofty towers (Gopurams) adorned with decorated pillars over the entrances
    • Structures of massive dimensions

    Beyond its impressive edifices, Hampi also boasts tanks featuring unique hydraulic technologies, hinting at a prosperous past where human ingenuity harmoniously merged with the surrounding landscape.

    Virupaksha Temple

    From Top Left to Bottom: The wooden chariot outside Virupaksha Temple; the intricately carved nine-tiered Gopuram (entrance gateway); a pillared hallway leading to the Virupaksha shrine, featuring relief carvings of Vamana, lotus medallions, apsaras, and elephants; a temple column with a Shiva Linga in relief; and finally, a ceiling and wall adorned with mural paintings and high-relief sculptural panels depicting scenes from the Puranas, Ramayana, and Mahabharata.

    The Virupaksha Temple, an enduring symbol of Hampi's grandeur, stands as a remarkable example of Dravidian architecture and a testament to centuries of continuous worship. Dedicated to Lord Shiva in his form as Virupaksha (Pampapathi), it is the only temple in Hampi that has remained fully active since its origins, dating back to the 7th century CE.

    The sprawling complex of Virupaksha had significantly expanded and embellished under the patronage of the Vijayanagara rulers, particularly Krishnadevaraya, boasting an impressive array of features. Its most striking element is the nine-tiered eastern gopuram, a towering gateway approximately 50 meters high, richly adorned with intricate carvings of Hindu deities and mythological narratives. This monumental entrance leads into a series of courtyards, pillared halls, smaller shrines, and cloisters, all showcasing exquisite craftsmanship.

    Beyond its artistic beauty, the Virupaksha Temple is also an architectural and mathematical marvel. Its design incorporates sophisticated concepts like fractals and even exhibits a fascinating pinhole camera effect, projecting an inverted image of the main gopuram onto an inner wall.

    The temple of Virupaksha is not merely a historical monument but a vibrant pilgrimage center, continuing to draw devotees and tourists alike for its daily rituals and lively festivals, such as the annual chariot festival and the marriage celebrations of Virupaksha and Pampa. 

    Hemakuta Hill & the Ganesha Monoliths: Guardians of Hampi's History

    Moving past the Virupaksha Temple, the Hills of Hemakuta offer a glimpse into Hampi's ancient past. This serene ascent leads to a cluster of well-preserved shrines, dating back to the pre- and early-Vijayanagara, seamlessly integrated into the granite landscape. Amongst these structures is a significant one dating to the reign of King Kampila in the early 14th century, showcasing the typical 13th-14th century Deccan architecture with its square mandapas and pyramid-like towers.

    Beyond the hill, Hampi is also home to two colossal monolithic Ganesha sculptures. The Sasivekalu Ganesha, a 2.4-meter seated figure, is sheltered by a mandapa having columns. Higher up, the Kadalekalu Ganesha stands at a massive 4.5 meters within a grand pavilion-like gateway, offering panoramic views. Carved from a natural boulder, this deity features a trunk touching a rice cake.

    Together, Hemakuta Hill's ancient shrines and these awe-inspiring Ganesha monoliths provide a profound connection to Hampi's earliest spiritual and architectural roots, revealing foundations that predate the Vijayanagara Empire's full grandeur, becoming essential historical stops in Hampi.

    HAZARA RAMA TEMPLE

    The Hazara Rama Temple, or 'thousand Ramas' temple, stands at the heart of Hampi's royal center, originally serving as a private royal chapel for the Vijayanagara kings. Consecrated to Lord Ramachandra, its construction dates to the early 15th century under Devaraya I.

    This temple is renowned for its exceptional quality carvings, particularly the extensive reliefs adorning the outer walls of the compound. These depict vivid processions of elephants, horses with Muslim attendants, and diverse military contingents, alongside scenes of women dancing and water sports from the Vasantotsava festival.

    The temple compound is entered from the east through a pavilion-like gateway, which, unusually, lacks a towering structure but features fine images of Bhairava and Mahishasuramardini carved into its columns. Inside, the walls of the compound's passage display further Ramayana episodes from top to bottom.

    At the core of the compound lies the main temple, entered through a 16th-century open mandapa. Its brick parapet is adorned with finely modeled plaster sculptures of gods and royal devotees. Below this lies the original closed mandapa with square columns topped by prominent double capitals, typical of 15th-century style. A Sanskrit inscription within the main doorway proclaims that Devaraya was protected by the Goddess Pampa.

    The temple's principal deity is evident from the triple tiers of carvings on the mandapa walls, illustrating 108 scenes from the Ramayana in a clockwise direction. These narratives, beginning with Valmiki narrating the story to a seated king, include the fire sacrifice of Dasharatha and culminate in Rama's triumphant coronation at Ayodhya. Crucial scenes like Ravana transforming into a mendicant before Sita and Hanuman leaping to Lanka are strategically placed near doorways and corners.

    Adjacent to the main complex is a smaller, satellite temple dedicated to Narasimha and Lakshmi, also featuring Ramayana episodes and a depiction of Hiranyakashipu disemboweled. The Hazara Rama temple's alignment with the surrounding landscape underscores its pivotal role in the city's mythical imagery. Its strategic position, along with the nearby Malyavanta Hill, highlights a deliberate planning that linked the temple to key ceremonial routes and the royal center. 

    The Zenana Enclosure: Hampi's Royal Mystery and Architectural Gems

    From Top to Bottom: The Lotus Mahal with its cusped, three-arched entrances adorned with floral medallions and intricate brackets, followed by the Watch Tower, and finally, the Elephant Stables.

    The Zenana Enclosure in Hampi is a large, high-walled compound that holds a bit of a mystery regarding its original purpose. While many believe it was where the royal women of the Vijayanagara court lived, its location close to the elephant stables and parade ground suggests it might have been used by the king or his military commanders instead.

    This quadrangular enclosure is characterized by its slender, tapering walls crafted from irregularly shaped, yet finely cut, granite blocks. It stretches about 200 meters from one end to the other, and within its confines, you'll discover various significant structures. Among these, the Lotus Mahal stands out as a prominent architectural gem, known for its unique lotus-like design and innovative cooling system.

    The enclosure houses a vaulted rectangular hall, now repurposed as an Exhibition Gallery, known as the Treasury Building.. Its simple walls, marked by small ventilation holes, invite speculation about its past functions—perhaps as a storage for weapons or treasures, or even as a training ground. Overhead, a decorative parapet with detailed cut-outs adorns a double-curved roof, supported by stone beams intricately carved with serpent-like designs. A raised walkway encircles the ground floor. Since 1976, this gallery has served as a vital display space for artifacts recovered from Hampi and surrounding regions, encompassing pre-Vijayanagara Buddhist panels alongside Shaiva, Jaina, Shakta, and Vaishnava sculptures from various historical epochs.

    Excavations within the enclosure have revealed two distinct palace buildings: one to the north, notable for its ornate triple basement moldings, and another to the south, situated within its walled section. Watchtowers, built in a similar mixed architectural style, are found in the southeast and northern parts of the enclosure. One tower in the northeast is partly ruined. Other features include a large water tank, the remains of a rectangular granary, and foundations that suggest smaller internal compounds once existed.

    This fascinating complex, with the exquisite Lotus Mahal nestled within its walls, offers valuable insights into the multifaceted planning and diverse functions of Hampi's royal heart.

    The Elephant Stables

    Nestled on the east side of the zenana enclosure, a modest opening leads visitors to Hampi's expansive parade ground, a site likely used for military displays and animal parades. Dominating this space is the magnificent Elephant Stables, the most imposing courtly structure within the royal center.

    This impressive complex comprises a long line of eleven arched chambers, each spacious enough to house two elephants. The architectural design is striking, featuring a harmonious alternation of domes and twelve-sided vaults over the arched doorways. A centrally raised chamber, once intended for musicians (though its towering structure is now lost), adds to the unique character of the stables.

    Lotus Mahal Complex

    Within the historic landscape of Hampi, the Lotus Mahal stands as a testament to advanced medieval engineering and refined taste. This unique edifice served as a luxurious, climate-controlled abode for one of the wives of the Vijayanagara emperor Krishnadevaraya. Its innovative design incorporated a sophisticated natural cooling system, utilizing a rooftop water tank and integrated pipes within its framework to circulate water, ensuring a comfortable interior even amidst the scorching summer heat.

    Also referred to as Chitrangi Mahal, its name perfectly captures its distinctive, multi-petaled architectural form, which has remarkably endured through the centuries. The structure features an airy, three-story layout characterized by expansive open corridors rather than solid walls, supported by 24 exquisitely carved pillars. The intricate detailing on its arches and columns highlights a fascinating fusion of indigenous Indian and Islamic architectural influences.

    A short distance from this remarkable feat of design, visitors can observe remnants of its royal context, including nearby watchtowers and the grand elephant stables.

    Vittala Temple 

    From Top Left to Bottom: The cloistered musical pillars of the Mahamandapa at Vitthala Temple; a high-relief miniature temple stone carving; the Kalyana Mandapa with its columned hallway enclosing the temple complex; the South Gopuram; and finally, pillars with relief carvings inside the temple leading to the main shrine.


    The Vitthala Temple stands as a pinnacle of Vijayanagara temple architecture, representing the zenith of Dravidian architectural style. Its construction is primarily attributed to the rulers of the Tuluva dynasty, who progressively added to its grandeur over time.

    The temple embodies the quintessential features of Dravidian architecture, including towering gopurams (entrance towers), a robust prakara (boundary wall), and intricate mouldings like adhisthana and upapitha. Within its complex, visitors encounter elaborate mandapas (halls) and numerous subsidiary shrines. A hallmark of the temple is its exquisitely carved pillars, which showcase a variety of styles. Some are monolithic with vertically divided carvings, while others feature colonettes renowned for producing musical notes when struck.

    Although the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) is currently empty, the temple is dedicated to Lord Vitthala, a highly revered deity in Karnataka and Maharashtra. Lord Vitthala is considered a manifestation of Vishnu or an incarnation of Lord Krishna, and is also known by the names Panduranga and Vithoba.

    The Vitthala Temple, a prime example of Vijayanagara architecture, covers 152.5 x 94.5 meters. Its layout flows from the garbhagriha through an antarala to the Sabhamandapa (also called Navranga or Rangamandapa). The Sabhamandapa has three entrances (east, south, north), with the side entrances forming Mukhamandapas and the eastern entrance leading through the larger Mahamandapa (or Maharanga mandapa). The Mahamandapa also has three entrances (east, south, north) with stairs. These main sections are seamlessly connected.

    Beyond these, the complex houses independent structures like the Kalyanamandapa (south, with three entries), the Uyalamandapa (two entries on west and south), a Bhogamandapa, attendant shrines, and an Amman shrine, notably featuring a prominent stone chariot housing Garuda in front of the east gopuram.

         Front View: The Garuda Chariot with the Garuda Idol and two Elephants.

    The Garuda Chariot, a small stone shrine strategically aligned with the eastern gopuram, garbhagriha, rangamandapa, and Mahamandapa of the Vitthala Temple, originally functioned as a movable chariot, but its wheels are now cemented in place (Meister and Michell 2001, 125). While its circular brick and mortar shikhara (tower) is now missing (Suresh, Reddy, and Pande 2011, 785), its west-facing ground plan once housed an image, now replaced by a Garuda idol. The chariot's foundation features decorative mouldings, partially obscured by its intricately carved wheels, which boast detailed rings adorned with jewels, ornate creepers, and delicate lotus petals.

    Conclusion

    Hampi stands as an awe-inspiring testament to the grandeur of the Vijayanagara Empire, a "City of Victory" that once flourished as one of medieval India's wealthiest and largest capitals. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Karnataka's Vijayanagara district, Hampi's strategic location on the Tungabhadra River, amidst a captivating landscape of hills and plains, fostered sophisticated urban planning evident in its sixteen hundred surviving architectural marvels. From the enduring Virupaksha Temple, a living testament to Dravidian architecture and continuous worship, to the intricately carved Hazara Rama Temple serving as a royal chapel, and the enigmatic Zenana Enclosure with its architectural jewel, the Lotus Mahal, Hampi showcases the pinnacle of medieval Indian design and engineering. The Elephant Stables further exemplify the empire's regal infrastructure. The Vitthala Temple, a zenith of Dravidian artistry, with its musical pillars and iconic Garuda Chariot, epitomizes the architectural prowess achieved under dynasties like the Sangama, Saluva, and Tuluva, particularly during the golden age of Krishnadevaraya. Despite the empire's eventual decline after the Battle of Talikota, Hampi's ruins continue to echo a glorious past, offering invaluable insights into the resilience, artistic brilliance, and complex history of a medieval Indian powerhouse.

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    REFERENCES

    • Fritz, John M., and George Michell. Hampi Vijayanagara, 2017.
    • https://whc.unesco.org/. “Group of Monuments at Hampi.” Uploaded by UNESCO World Heritage Convention. Accessed June 30, 2025. https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/241/. 
    • Karnataka Tourism. “Lotus Mahal - Best Palaces in Karnataka - Karnataka Tourism,” September 7, 2021. https://karnatakatourism.org/tour-item/lotus-mahal/.
    • Meister, Michael W, and George Michell. Encyclopaedia of Indian Temple Architecture: South India,
    • Dravidesa, Later Phase c.A.D. 1289-1798 Vol.1 Part 4A-Text. New Delhi: American Institute of Indian Studies, 2001.
    • THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART-II TEXTBOOK CLASS XII., 2016.
    • “Vijayanagara District Website | the Historical  City | India,” n.d. https://vijayanagara.nic.in/. 

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