Hampi

Hampi is the historic capital of the Vijayanagar kingdom which ruled over South India between the 14th and 16th century. It is also believed to be the mythological site of Kishkindha, the kingdom of the monkeys as mentioned in the Ramayana. Now a World Heritage site, Hampi carries immense historical and architectural significance. Excavation is still being conducted by the Archeological Society of India at the site for more relics.

The ruins of Hampi are spread over 25 sq. km approximately 14 km from Hospet, and 350 km from Bangalore. A short bus ride from Hospet, the nearest rail head will take you into this medieval city, where hundreds of monuments offer a glimpse of life in medieval South India. The Hampi ruins are set against a picturesque backdrop of rocky outcrops and the lush green valley of the Tungabhadra River which flows through it.

The Vijayanagar Empire was founded by the Sangama brothers, Hukka and Bukka and further expanded and strengthened by Harihara I. The 200 years of rule was marked by an administration that cared for its people. It was also a golden period for art, literature and music. The Vijayanagar Kingdom extended over parts of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra.

Krishna Deva Raya who ruled between 1509 and 1529 AD was its most illustrious king. The reign of this dynasty was fraught by conflict with the Deccan Sultanates, who finally siezed Vijayanagar in 1565 through savage and macabre means. This was the beginning of the end of Hampi, and the city was soon reduced to ruins.

Monuments of Hampi
The palaces and temples built by the rulers have drawn praise from travelers from Europe who waxed eloquent on the city and its architecture. The area around Hampi was a centre of worship before the Vijayanagar Empire was established and was known as Pampa Tirtha.

Hundreds of monuments are spread over Hampi, of which 56 are protected by the UNESCO and 654 by the state government of Karnataka. The rulers of the Vijayanagar Empire not only built new monuments, but also restored or built upon older monuments built by their predecessors, samples of which can be seen in Hampi. Therefore, Vijayanagar architecture is a fusion of the Chalukya, Hoysala, Pandya and Chola styles.

Locally available granite was used to construct the palaces and monuments, and soapstone was used to carve out some sculptures. The granite sculptures were given a smooth finish with a coat of plaster and paint, which survives in some monuments till date.

At the archeological site of Hampi, the monuments are grouped location-wise. Anegondi the ancient capital lies on the northern banks of the river. The Sacred Center and the Riverside Ruins are on the southern bank. Beyond these are the Royal Center and Kamalapura village.