The recent collapse of the saalu mantapa at the Virupaksha temple of Hampi due to heavy rains raised questions about the alleged neglect of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Hampi, once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire is dotted with sculptures and structures in various states of disrepair.
Hampi, with its approximately 1,600 monuments spread across 250 square kilometres, is one of India’s largest heritage sites, involving complex conservation efforts by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and Karnataka’s Department of Archaeology.
The city was a marvel noted by foreign travellers like Niccolò de’ Conti, Fernão Nunes, Abdur Razzaq,
Domingo Paes compared Vijaynagara to Rome in its grandeur.
The site remained largely forgotten until the late 18th century when the British began exploring it, leading to early documentation and restoration efforts.
Recent discoveries include the paan-supari bazaar.
The 1986 UNESCO tag intensified conservation efforts.
The establishment of the Hampi World Heritage Area Management Authority (HWHAMA) in 1999 introduced strict regulations, leading to the displacement of local businesses and residents, which affected the cultural landscape of Hampi.
| Vijayanagara Empire • Harihara-I and Bukka Raya-I of the Sangama dynasty in 1336 established the Vijayanagara empire. • The beginning of the reign of Krishnadevaraya in 1509, under whom the empire reached its peak, spreading across almost all of southern India. His reign ended in 1529 CE. • The battle of Talikota in 1565, in which the Vijayanagara Empire was defeated by the alliance of the Deccan Sultanates, marks the beginning of the end of the empire. The city of Vijayanagara (now Hampi) was destroyed and looted; only the ruins remained. • The major monuments in Hampi include the Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple, Hazara Rama Temple, Hampi Bazaar, Lotus Mahal, Elephant Stables, Queen’s Bath, Mahanavami Dibba and Achyutaraya Temple each showcasing the architectural and cultural splendour of the Vijayanagara Empire |
Dig Deeper: Go through the Sculptures and Temple tradition of Hampi.
