Hey Blog members,Namaste..It has been a long time.So today lets rejuvenate ourselves with Hampi.
As I live near Hampi( about an hour from my place),I have travelled so many time to Hampi.But as we say that some places always remain unexplored,such place is Hampi.In this blog we will come across the history of Hampi and the main historical places,its origin and many more facts.
Introduction:
Hampi/Hampe (Group of Monuments at Hampi) is the UNESCO World Heritage Site located in East -Central Karnataka .Its in Vijayanagar District.The Area is 4,187.24 ha.Hampi is the capital of Vijayanagar Empire.During 14th century it attracted Persian and European travellers. Hampi was the prosperous,wealthy grand city near the Tungabhadra River .It had numerous temples,farms and trading markets.During 1500 CE,it was world's second-largest medieval -era city after Beijing which attracted traders from Portugal.But as every good story has an end,Era of Hampi ended after the defeat of Vijayanagara Empire by coalition of Muslim sultanates,its capital was conquered and pillaged in 1565.
Now Hampi is the city of beautiful ruins which is its identity.Near Modern-era City [Hospete] is located.Now the ruins spread across 4,100 hectares(16 sq mi).
Hampi is declared by UNESCO as "Austere,Grandiose Site".Now Hampi is survived with remains like "Forts,Riverside Featured,Royal Shrines,Mandapas,Pillared Halls and Water Structures".
Benaglauru is around 376 kms and Hubli is 165 kms from Hampi.The closest railway station is
Hosapete and nearest airport is Jindal Vijayanagar Airport(Toranagallu).
The traditional name is Pampakshetra,Kishkindha Kshetra/Bhaskara Kshetra.Pampa is the name of Parvati.Goddess Parvati pursued her ascetic yogini lifestyle at Hemakuta Hill.Lord Shiva is known as Pampapati.The Hampi is derived from sanskrit word Pampa-Kannada word which transformed to Hampa and then to Hampe/Hampi.
The popular Kiskindhakand of Ramayana is from here when lord Rama and Lakshmana met Sugriva.
Hampi was brought to light by Engineer Colonel Colin Mackenzie in 1800s.
HISTORY:
The attacks were made by the Moghuls in 2nd and 3rd century in Neolithic/Chalcolithic era.
Folklore:
The 2 local chiefs Hakka and Bukka were on a hunting expedition and found a strange thing.They told their Guru about an unusual sighting where a hare who was chased by a hound,hare became more powerful and then suddenly chased the hound.After hearing this the Guru told that the place might be extraordinary.This was the start of the richest Empire which was for 200 years ruled by four dynasties.
Vijayanagar which is known as the city of victory.At that time most markets were crowded and swarmed with buyers.Good were exchanged with spices and cotton.Currencies were all silver and gold.
Hampi is rich in art and architecture and magnificient empires and architectural designs.Krishna Deva Raya ruled between 1509-1529.During this era,Vijayanagar mostly covered South India and also beyond.Vijayanagar was attacked by five deccan sultan from Bidar,Bijapur,Ahmednagar,Golconda andBerar.They attacked Hampi in 1565 and looted it for 6 months.
Those 6 months were long enough for massive destruction and forever to rise again,The temples of Hampi were damaged and markets were robbed.Hampi experienced biggest attacks and golden era of Hampi came to an end.
Many kings ruled Hampi but could not bring back the glory of Hampi.The City lost its strategic importance which was lost in time.During colonial period,many archaeologists visited Hampi.
"Robert Sewell " narrated the incidents in " A forgotten Empire:Vijayanagar" .
Vijayanagar was founded by Bukka and Harihara ( Sangama Brothers ).They both fled when Muslims attacked in 1323 and crossed River Tungabhadra to form a new city-"Vijayanagara".
1336-1565 four dynasties ruled Vijayanagar namely Sangama Dynasty,Saluva Dynasty,Tuluva dynasty and Aravidu dynasty.
Sangama Dynasty : Bukka Raya 1,Harihara 1
Saaluva Dynasty : Narasimha Deva,Immadi Narasimha
Tuluva Dynasty : Immadi Narasimha and Vira Narasimha
Aravidu Dynasty: This was the last dynasty ruled by Tirumala.
This dynasty was defeated by Bijapuri Muslims.
FAMOUS TEMPLES/MONUMENTS:
Virupaksha Temple:
Known for its history and religion it is a part of group of monuments in Hampi and also a part of UNESCO World Heritage .The temple is known for its beauty and charm which is eye-catching.
The inscriptions are of 9th and 10th centuries .The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.Its one of the most important and most visited pilgrim sites of Hampi and its beauty is worth watching.
The Virupaksha temple is famous for Pampavathi temple and Hampi Bazaar.Mainly famous for stunning 3 gopuras and hightower 160 ft which stands tall on main entrance.
Vijaya Vittala Temple:
Its one of the most breathtaking pieces of architecture,Vittala is a form of lord Vishnu.Mainly famous for stone chariot.You can fine the stone chariot on backside of 50 rs note.
Its one of the most iconic structure of Hampi.There are musical pillars .Each pillar has the musical instrument.When main pillar is struck it gives out 7 notes from each instrument.The British found it suspicious and they cut the pillar open to check whether any instrument is embedded in it but none was found and it was considered a miracle.Annualy a festival which is called Hampi festival is conducted which is called "Purandaradasa".
The King's Balance:
Another great attraction is the kings balance famously called as "Tula Purushandana" which is south west of Vittala Temple. There is an archway like structure which is 5 m tall.This is carved from a single stone.The images of King Krishnadevaraya and his wives are inscripted on the stone.The weighting procedure was called as " Tula Bhara" in those days and jewels were weighted on the balance.
Achyutaraya Temple:
Built in 1534 AD,it is classic example of Vijayanagar style.It is the last grand temple to be built before the empire fall into the hands of Sultan.This temple is dedicated to lord vishnu known as" Tiruvengalanatha".There are two hills Gandhana and Matanga . The temple courtyard has intricately carved pillars.Antarala Rangamantapa and Garbhagriha are the main areas of the temple.
Archeological Museum:
It is built and set up by archeological survey of India.It has ancient sculptures and many artifacts.Glimpses of history of Hampi are found here.There is a large collection of silver and gold coins.
So this was about the history of Hampi.In my next blog I will share my experience of visiting Hampi and will share one of the unexplored places of Hampi which I visited recently.
HAMPI is also ranked #2 out of the 52 places to go in 2019 by the NEW YORK TIMES.
Some lines on Hampi:
Upon the banks of Tungabhadra,
the ancient city of Hampi proudly stands,
Flaunting a landmark of rich heritage,
Sculptures and pillared halls adorn these lands.
Though only ruins now remain to see,
The world still recognizes it's beauty,
Nature still flourishes just as in it's prime,
Reminding us to preserve it,as our duty.
The Stone Chariot
Source : google
Meet you in next blog! Thank you !
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