Hampi Architecture

• 30 Apr 2019

Why is it in News?

Tourist footfall in Hampi is down by nearly a lakh between April 2018 and March 2019, despite the fact that group of monuments at Hampi was listed on number two in ‘Must see’ tourist spot by the New York Times.

About Hampi:

• Hampi, also referred to as the Group of Monuments at Hampi, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in state of Karnataka.
• It became the centre of the Hindu Vijayanagara Empire capital in the 14th century.
• Vijaynagara was the capital of Vijaynagara Empire which is present day Hampi.
• Hampi is situated on the bank of Tungbhadra (or Pampa), hence is also referred to as Pampakshetra.

How did we come to know about Vijaynagara Empire?

Various travelers came under the different rulers during this period and they have left the account of systems prevalent during this phase. For eg.,

• Nicolas Conti (Italian) came during Dev Raya 1
• Abdul Razzak (Arabian) came during Dev Raya II
• Domingo Paes (Portugese) came during Krishna Dev Raya I

These travellers have explained the prevalent administrative culture, traditions etc. during the period of Vijayanagara Empire.

Hampi Architecture:

• Mainly Dravidian in nature
• Indo Islamic influence can be seen in almost all the temples.
• Combinations of Cholas, Pandyas & Chalukya Style.
• Temples were built mainly from local granite along with the lime, mortar etc.
• Some temples during this period are - Vittala temple, Virupaksha temple (dedicated to Shiva etc.)

Source: TH, CCRT, NCERT