History of hampi.. Vijayanagara Empire's Capital

Hampi: Vijayanagara Empire's Capital

Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Indian state of Karnataka. It was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, which flourished in southern India from the 14th to the 16th century. The empire was founded by Harihara I and Bukka Raya I, who were brothers and military commanders in the service of the Kakatiya dynasty of Warangal. They rebelled against the Kakatiyas and established the Vijayanagara Empire with Hampi as its capital in 1336.

Hampi was a prosperous city during the reign of the Vijayanagara kings, with a population of over 500,000 people. It was known for its architectural and artistic achievements, as well as its economic prosperity. The city was also an important center of trade and a hub of cultural exchange between the south and north of India.

The city's architectural monuments include the Virupaksha Temple, the Vittala Temple, the Hazara Rama Temple, the Elephant Stables, the Queen's Bath, and the Lotus Mahal. The Virupaksha Temple is the oldest temple in Hampi and is dedicated to the god Shiva. The Vittala Temple is known for its stone chariot and the musical pillars. The Hazara Rama Temple has intricate carvings on its walls and is dedicated to the god Rama. The Elephant Stables were used to house the royal elephants and the Queen's Bath was used by the queen and her entourage for bathing. The Lotus Mahal is a palace that is known for its unique architectural style and intricate carvings.

The fall of the Vijayanagara Empire came in 1565, when it was defeated by a coalition of Deccan Sultanates at the Battle of Talikota. The city was subsequently plundered and destroyed, and it fell into ruin. The monuments and temples of Hampi were left in disrepair for centuries, and it wasn't until the 20th century that they began to be systematically studied and restored.

Today, Hampi is a popular tourist destination and attracts visitors from all over the world. It is also an important site of pilgrimage for Hindus. The government and the Archeological Survey of India have taken many steps to preserve and protect the monuments and temples of Hampi, and the site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.

In summary, Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire that flourished in Southern India from 14th to 16th century. It was known for its architectural and artistic achievements, as well as its economic prosperity. The city fall in 1565, when it was defeated by a coalition of Deccan Sultanates, and subsequently plundered and destroyed. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination.