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HAMPI TOURISM INFORMATION & PHOTO GALLERY

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Hampi (Lat. 15020'00 N; Long 76036'00 E) medieval Vijayanagara metropolis, traditionally is also known as Pampakshetra the abode of Siva- Girija. The pace is identified with the kishkinda of Ramayana fame. Archeologically the site was inhabited from prehistoric times and has a continuous political history right from the Mauryan period to late medieval times.

Punctuated with picturesque landscape of swarm of dykes and meandering river Tungabhadra at north, the once popular Saivakshetra grew by leaps and bounds during the rule of Vijayanagara dynasty (1336-1565 AD) as an awe inspiring metropolis known for its economic affluence, architectural splendor hitherto unknown in the annals of Karnataka medieval history.

The rulers of the dynasty consisting of Sangama, Saluva, Tuluva and Aravidu lineages, with their concerted efforts built the city to such grandiose proportion that even a Arab traveller Abdur Razak exclaimed that "Neither the eyes have seen nor the ears of intelligence has heard anything that existed any where in the world of the existence of such a city".
Sri Krishnadevaraya (1509-1529 AD) of Tuluva dynasty is by far the most powerful and popular ruler.

Time, speed and spatial organization were the hallmark of their architectural ventures. This lead in the minutest creations of thumb nail size Ganesha on ivory to mega sculptural representations of Lakshmi Narasimha to large temple complexes such as Pattabhi Rama and Vitthala etc.The meticulous town planning conceived by the contemporary builders with unique architectural ingenuity of hydraulic systems revolving around secular complexes, well laid long car streets lined by bazaar mandapas in the various localities all enclosed by a strong defence system not only attest to the zeal and devotion of the people involved but also speak of resounding economic affluence of the time.

The monolith Ganeshas, Lakshmi Narasimha, Badavilinga, lofty Krishna temple, awe inspiring Royal and Zanana enclosure with its Lotus mahal, Stable of elephants, Musical pillars and Stone chariot of Vitthala temple, sculptural renderings at Hazara Ramachandra Swamy temple, Bhima, Talatighatta and Domed gates are some of the magnificent structures of the time not speak of the sacred Virupaksha temple with its painted Rangamanatapa. In recognition of the outstanding universal contribution to the mankind, the ruins and monuments of Hampi were rightly inscribed as World Heritage Site in 1986 by UNESCO.

Saint Vidyaranya established the seat of Vijayanagara Empire in 1336 A.D, with the help of his devotee disciples Hakka and Bukka . The empire later became famous for its support towards renovation/reconstruction of temples through out India. It also became renowned for re-establishment of Indian culture, its support for music, art and literature. With the prime purpose of caring for the people and their welfare, this empire stretched physically covering Karnataka, Andhra and Maharashtra and became a by-word for golden rule.

HAMPI, the seat of the famed VIJAYANAGARA empire was the capital of the largest empire in post-mogul India, covering several states. The empire reigned supreme under Krishnadevaraya, the Emperor. The Vijayanagara empire stretched over at least three states - Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh. The destruction of Vijayanagar by marauding Moghul invaders was sudden, shocking and absolute. They reduced the city to ruins amid scenes of savage massacre and horrors beggaring description.

Although in ruins today, this capital city once boasted riches known far beyond the shores of India. The ruins of Hampi of the 14th Century lies scattered in about 26 sq. km area, amidst giant boulders and vegetation. Protected by the tempestuous river Tungabhadra in the north and rocky granite ridges on the other three sides, the ruins silently narrate the story of grandeur splendor and fabulous wealth. The splendid remains of palaces and gateways of the broken city tells a tale of men infinite talent and power of creativity together with his capacity for senseless destruction.

Strewn over a large area (about nine square miles) the ruins at Hampi offers to the tourist a remainder of the greatest land in the whole world. Every rock, every path and every monument at Hampi speak the same language; a language of glory and beauty.

In March 2002, the Government of India has announced that Hampi would be developed as an international destination centre. The State Govt will constitute a Hampi World Heritage Area Management Authority for integrated development and conservation of Hampi.

Kishkindha of Ramayana : It was a known fact that, today's HAMPI area was once-upon-a-time the Capital of King Vali named KISHKINDHA. Researchers found similar scenes, caves & hills as explained in Valmiki Ramayana which is the Original Scripture of the Epic Ramayana. Even now, we see thousands of monkeys there at Hampi.

Hampi is a World Heritage Centre :
Hospet is the main town providing the getaway for Hampi. In April 2002, Karnataka officially set up the Hampi World Heritage Area Management Authority with wide-ranging powers, as well as a State Level Advisory Committee.

Local Sight Seeing Places :
Most of the ruins are along the road leading from Kamalapura to Hampi.Three kms down the road, on a commanding site, stands the temple of Malyavanta Raghunathaswamy .It is built in the Dravidian style. Strange-looking fishes and marine monsters carved along its outer walls are worth noticing.

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Details

Stone Mantap : One of the many hundred small constructions spreaded across the Hampi which are belongs to the Grand Vijayanagar Kingdom

The Vijaya Vitthala Temple Complex

Further north-eastwards, is the most magnificent Vitthala complex of ingenious architectural conception in terms of lay-out and disposition
of the architectural units such as Kalyana mandapa etc. and represents the highest
water-mark of the Vijayanagara art and architecture. Especially in the courtyard of this temple facing the garbhagriha is the famous
stone chariot in which is the image of Garuda
with folded hands, the vehicle of the god, Panduranga vitthala, one of the form of Vishnu the supreme god. The intricate carvings of ornate architectural turn: indeed a very rare architectural achievement!

The spacious rangamandapa is supported with as many as 56 exquisitely carved pillars each being relieved into many pillarets which, when tapped with a stick emit musical notes a feature really wonderful. A visitor here is wonder-struck at the grand vista of the interior of the mandapa. The same temple complex consists the world famous Stone Chariot, which is the famous landmark of Hampi across the world.

HAZARA RAMA TEMPLE

This temple for Lord Rama is popularly called "Hazara Rama Temple" (Hazar means Thousand)because of the large number of Ramayana panels on the walls.

Originally, the temple consisted of a sanctum, an ardha mantapa and a pillared hall to which an open porch with tall and elegant pillars was added subsequently. A high wall encloses the entire complex with the main entrances set on the east. To the south is a small doorway, which leads to the Durbar Area. The pillar hall is notable for its unique pillars in black-stone. They are set on a raised stone platform in the middle of the hall. The tall and elegant pillars of the open porch are also worth a second look. The other structures in this temple complex are a shrine for Devi and Utsava Mantapa. As the name indicates, this temple is famous for its many Ramayana panels. This is the only temple in Hampi where the exterior walls have boldly chiseled bas-reliefs. These bas-reliefs are narrative in nature. The Ramayana epic is carved in detail. Incidents in the story like Dasaratha performing a sacrifice to beget sons, the birth of Rama, his exile into the forest, the abduction of Sita and the ultimate fight between Rama and Ravana are all carved in a vivid manner. In these panels, the story of Rama and through it the triumph of good over evil is brought out.

Queen's Bath : With its arched corridors,
gallery verandahs, projecting balconies it is a
15m square bath "the lotus shaped" chute that once sprouted perfumed water like a small waterfall is on the eastern side, fed with water from the water channel on the out side, of the pavillion. Apparently it was for water sports by the members of royal family.

LOTUS MAHAL : The most important monument
in the Zenana enclosure is the Lotus Mahal, known as 'Chitrangi mahal' as well. A beautiful two storeyed pavilion with recessed and foliated archways from all the sides set in geometric regularity and opening to the sun and the wind like the petals of a lotus flower on plan, meant for the pleasure of the royal woman. It is one of the few buildings that stands intact as a fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture.

MATANGA HlLL Within a small distance from the Virupaksha temple complex eastwards, is the hill named after the sage, Matanga. In the environs of this area Vali, the Vanara chief of Kishkindha, could not enter because of the fatal curse by the sage to him sometime ago. Therefore Sugriva, his younger brother, and his trusted associates: Hanuman, Jambavanta, and a few others, persecuted by Vali owing to some deep-rooted misunderstanding, could take shelter there according to the Ramayana. There is a Veerabhadra temple in worship on the hill-top. And from here one can have an enchanting panoramic view of the whole surroundings dotted with numerous monuments amidst the greenery, especially in the mornings the top view of the entire extensive layout of the Achyutaraya temple bathing in the golden rays of the rising sun, a delightful unique experience, indeed.

Bird-eye view of Tungabhadra river in Hampi

Virupaksha Temple:
The Virupaksha temple is located at the south of the Ganesha images, at the foot of the hill called Hemakuta Hill. The temple, often called Pampapathi temple, is the most sacred of the temples of this place. Historically speaking, this temple has an uninterrupted history from about the 7th century. What was once a small shrine, in course of time, developed into a large complex under the Vijayanagara rulers.

At present, the main temple consists of a Sanctum, three ante chambers, a pillared hall and a Mukha Mantapa also called Ranga Mantapa or an open pillared hall. A pillared cloister, entrance gateways, courtyards, attendant shrines and other manttapas surround the temple.

In 1510 A.D. Krishnadevaraya added the above-mentioned Ranga Mantapa.

Underground Temple:
During recent excavations by Archaeological Survey of India, a Magnificient Temple has been discovered Under the ground near the Krishna Temple, which is well preserved.

Newly Excavated Water Tank (Pushkarani) is a magnificient ruin of Vijayanagara Empire at Hampi

Stone Chariot :
Just in front of this temple is the world famous stone Chariot which is like a work of art. Its reminiscent of the Sun Temple in Konark & you'll get amazed by seeing it. This is the famous Landmark of Hampi. It is situated in the Vijaya Vittala Temple Complex.

Lakshmi Narasimha - A 6.7m high huge monolith statue. A huge piece of architecture which is difficult to imagine that it has survived all the years to be a witness to all of the wacky specimens. People mistake it as Ugra Narasimha but it has been specifally mentioned that this is Lakshmi Narasimha.

Badavilinga : Next to the Narasimha.. there is this amazing 12 ft Shivalinga known as the Badavi Linga. This has always water around it since a canal passes through it

WATER CHANNELS
The Palace area is dotted with innumerable water tanks of various sizes. In fact, the whole of Hampi ruins has very many water tanks. All these tanks were supplied with water by a well-planned water supply system.

Water from the Kamalapura tank feeds the main stone aqueduct running east to West in the royal enclosure. First it feeds the large public tank and then the stepped tank. Later the main stone aqueduct branches off to North and West, which in turn feed nineteen other small and big tanks all over the royal enclosure. At the point of branching off of the main stone aqueduct, a well was dug to enable water supply in case the water supply from Kamalapura tank ceased. The drain and waste water from the royal enclosure was taken out through underground stone slab-lime concrete drainage channels either directly or through a huge drain found on the southern side adjoining the walled garden.

YANTRODDARAKA ANJINEYA TEMPLE Going through the footsteps behind the Kodandarama Temple, just to the side of Suryanarayana temple, a flight of steps takes you to Yantroddaraka Anjineya Temple. Here is the idol of Anjineya sitting in a unique posture with special amulets established by Saint Vyasaraya in 1500 AD.

PURANDARA DASA MANTAP While coming back to Hampi Bazaar on the same path, one can see to the right a small Mantapa with a small Tower on the Bank of Tungabhadra River. That is Purandaradas Mantapa. Going further to the Hampi Bazaar through riverside path, one can see a big cave marked with red and white color. It is called Sugriva Cave where Sugriva was supposed to have kept Sita's jewels. A white mark on the rock is called Sita's Saree border (Siteya serugu).

SINGARADA HEBBAGILU Located behind the elephant stables at about Half Km away, this is one of the oldest and most massive of the gateways, in the capital city of Vijayanaga Kingdom. The gate, called Singarada Hebbagilu or the Beautiful Door according to an inscription that has been discovered near it, was the main entrance to the city. There are two temples within the gateway as well. Now in a state of dilapidation, the gateway is being restored to it former splendor, so that it can truly bear its ancient name.

STEPPED TANK (PUSHKARANI)
One of the beautiful remains in the Durbar area is tile Stepped Tank built in chlorite schist, used by the royals and for religious purposes. The small but neat tank is about 22 square meters and about 7 meters deep. It has five distinct tiers, each fitted with steps set in a pleasing pattern. The mason marks on the individual blocks indicating the direction, the row and the location of the steps reveal that the layout of this stepped tank was well thought out in advance and all the different block stones were prepared in accordance with the plan elsewhere and assembled on the site later. This tank was discovered during the recent excavations.

A bigger tank measuring roughly 73 meters by 27 meters is at the entrance into the Durbar area, and located to the Northwest of the Queen's bath. The common people probably used this tank.

DURBAR HALL : The Durbar Hall, often called King's Audience, facing north, is the largest of the structures in the Durbar Area. Built on a high platform, with a flight of steps to reach it, this once gorgeously decorated hall was burnt down by the enemies in 1565 A.D. All that now remains of this hall is the large basement of about 40 square meters. It was a 100-pillared hall, with 10 rows of wooden pillars, each row containing 10 pillars. This can be made out from the remains of the pillar sockets or peg holes. On the west end of the basement is seen a stone staircase which seems to be a later addition.

Outside this hall, to the east, can be seen a monolithic stone trough, about 12.5 meters long, in which water was stored. This was obviously meant for the use of the horses of the nobles who came to attend the Durbar.

ELEPHANT STABLES : Elephants' Stables is at a stone's throw from the Lotus Mahal. It is an oblong hall divided into a row of eleven chambers with lofty domes of variety of forms: circular, octagonal or vaulted, plain or fluted. The spectacular façade of the building with its arched entrances and many domes atop make the monument appear an imposing edifice. Following the account of Abdu'r Razzaq, the monument is taken to be elephant's stable. However, of late discarding the old view, it is argued to be a palace secretariat.

The superstructure of the central upper pavilion
is lost. It probably had a Hindu Sikhara in consonance with the Indo-Islamic architecture. The rooms were used as Elephant stables. The elephants were tied to the chairs hanging from the center of the ceiling as can be made out from the iron hooks embedded in some of the ceilings.

STATUES OF LORD GANESHA The first of the Ganesha statues is called "Sasive Kalu Ganesha" (Mustard Seed Ganesha). It is in an open Mantapa or Pavilion. The 2.5 meters tall, four armed image holds "Ankusha" or Goad and "Pasha" or Noose in the upper hands. The lower right hand holds a Tusk, while the lower left, which is damaged, once held a sweet ball or "Modaka". The belly is tied with a snake. This Ganesha is fashioned out of a boulder in sitting position.

The second of the Ganesha statues is almost twice the height of the Sasive Kalu Ganesha and is called "Kadale Kalu Ganesha" (Gramseed Ganesha). This idol is now damaged but is provided with a Sanctum and an open pillared mantapa. The tall, slender, basically square type of pillars are of pleasing proportions and have miniature relief carved on their four faces.

ACHYUTARAYA TEMPLE

This temple can be reached either from Kodanda Rama Temple through the Bazaar wrongly called "Soolai Bazaar" or "Courtesan Street", or from the Virupaksha Bazaar by climbing the steps next to the monolithic Nandi at the end of the bazaar. Achyutaraya Temple is a large complex built by an officer of the King Achyutaraya, Salakaraju Tirumaladeva. This temple is better known as Achyutaraya temple, in whose period it was built rather than the name of the deity "Tiruvengalanatha" or Lord Venkateshwara.

Unlike the other temple complexes, this temple complex has two enclosures, each marked by an entrance gopura. The main temple is situated within the second enclosure. Opposite to the temple is the shrine for Garuda, the celestial bird and the vehicle of Vishnu. To the south west of the temple is a shrine for Devi. Running around the inner courtyard is the pillared cloister. The Kalyana Mantapa is located in the northwestern corner of the outer enclosure. Like all major temple complexes, this temple complex was also provided with a Kalyana Mantapa where the annual marriage ceremony of the deity was conducted. The slender pillars of this Mantapa bear dexterously carved bas relief including a few erotic. The basement of the Kalyana Mantapa is richly decorated with the relief of elephants.

KODANDA RAMA TEMPLE

Almost at the east end of the Virupaksha Bazaar, a small pathway leading north along the riverbank takes you to the Kodanda Rama Temple. This temple faces Chakrathirtha, which is considered to be the most sacred bathing ghat in the river. (Because of the swift current, it is advisable not to go for a swim here.)

The rectangular "Garbha Griha" of the temple contains large standing figures of Sri Rama, Sita and Lakshmana each nearly 15 feet in height. These figures are carved out of a natural boulder.

Nearby is another temple for Sudarshana. The deity has sixteen hands. There is another temple for Hanuman, within a circular "Yantra", called as Yantrodharaka Anjaneya.

Compared to the other monuments at Hampi, these temples have more religious then architectural significance.

VIRUPAKSHA BAZAAR

Virupaksha Bazaar or market is the largest of the many bazaars of Vijayanagara. Each major Temple complex had its own bazaar around which a township developed. This is the only bazaar around which a township of a sort still exists. This bazaar is flanked by the main gopura of Virupaksha temple called Bishtappa's gopura on the one end and the monolithic Nandi at the other end. The 9 storied, 53 meters high gopura adds elegance to the 732 meters long and 28 meters wide Virupaksha Bazaar.

"You have a broad and beautiful street, full of rows of fine houses and mantapas, in this street live many merchants and there you will find all sorts of rubies, and diamonds, and emeralds, and pearls and seed pearls and clothes, and every other sort of thing there is on earth and that you wish to buy" exclaimed Domingo Paes, a Portuguese traveler who visited Hampi during the reign of Emperor Krishnadevaraya.

TEMPLES ON THE HEMAKUTA HILL According to mythology, Lord Shiva did penance on the Hemakuta Hill before he married Parvati. This was also the place where Lord Shiva burnt Kama, the God of lust. This sacred hill lies to the proper right of the Virupaksha temple. At present, Sree Gayathri Peetha Maha Samsthana, a religious organisation is located on this hill.

On the hill are a large group of temples built in pre- Vijayanagara and Vijayanagara periods. According to the inscription found on the second of these temples, the temple was built in 1309-1310 A.D. Two temples, facing north, have a compact three-celled plan with an antechamber, a pillared hall and an entrance porch. Their beauty is enhanced by the well balanced but simple Shikhara or spires above the sanctum. These shikaras are different from the other shikaras found in Hampi. They are stepped pyramidal in shape, resembling the Shikaras of Jain temples. Hence these temples are also mistakenly called as Jain temples.

The other temples facing north and east, on this hill belong to early Vijayanagara period.

Kings Balance:
Outside the Vijaya Vittala Temple complex to your right, a few yards away you will find the Kings Balance where the king used to weigh himself with golds and diamonds and that weight used to be distributed among the poor.

BALAKRISHNA TEMPLE

Krishnadevaraya built this temple in 1513 A.D. to commemorate his victory over Prataparudra Gajapati, the ruler of Orissa. During the battle he seized an image of child Krishna and brought it to Vijayanagara as war trophy. He then built this temple to consecrate the image. An inscription describing the conquest and the consecration of this temple on 16 February 1515 by Krishnadevaraya is found on a slab in front of this temple. Built in the center of a courtyard, the temple possesses a sanctum, an antechamber, an ardha mantapa, a circumambulatory passage, a pillared hall with three entrances and an open pillared mantapa, in addition to a number of other shrines for the attendant deities. The sanctum is at present empty. The image of Balakrishna showing him as a child holding butter in the right hand is now resting in the Government Museum at Madras.

The inner sides of the entrance exhibit beautifully sculptured Apsaras standing on mythical animals and holding scrolls filled with panels showing the ten incarnations of the lord. Like all major temple complexes, Krishnapura, a suburb, is developed around this temple. The bazaar in front is now a lush paddy field.

The Civilian Architecture :

Apart from the religious monuments, ther are quite a few monuments of varieties in materials, from and style meant for everyday use domestic and public meant for use by the Royalty: Palace complex, Audience hall, pleasure pavilion, Secretariat hall, tanks, water ponds, royal bath. Some of them are essentially of brick and lime mortar, of wooden beams and rafters with stone plinth and pillars. Freely and unhesitatingly, many architectural elements of the Indo-Islamic architecture vigorously developed in the neighbouring kingdoms of the Bidar and Bijapur Sultanates. Arch with keystone at the apex, ornamental kanguras for the parapet at the roof edge, the hollow dome over the central roof,minarets at the roof corners, etc. were harmoniously integrated into the Hindu civilian architecture. This is what strikingly is emphatic in Lotus Mahal, queen's bath, the so-called Elephants' and Horses' stables, octagonal water pavilions etc.

MAHANAVAMI DIBBA : This massive platform known as mahanavami dibba or Dasara dibba, or throne platform, about 12m. high, is the most prminent structure in the place complex area now and in fact a land mark as peas says, it was got erected by krishnadevaraya after his conquest of orissa for his witnessing the royal procession and military parade, martial sports, cultural entertainment such as music, dance during Navarathri festival. Beautiful sculpture panels mostly reflecting the contemporary life, in horizontal friezes decorate the sides of the plat form. In the recent escavations , a pushkarani with a hundred steps near the mahanavami dibba was exposed. This is an extremely functional structure 3m. in depth for the water which was brought from a great distance through a series of stone laid canals. The beauty of the monument lies in its very elegant steps. Excavations have revealed exquisite temples, marvelously preserved ; are also the ruins of many splendid palatical buildings in the so called mint area and porticos.

Introduction :

Hampi, a world heritage site is bestowed with the choicest landscape by the nature, which is more highlightended by the architectural manifestations of mankind from time immemorial, amply demonstrating that the rugged enchanting nature could be well harnessed for the betterment of mankind. Hampi is traditionally identified with Kishkinda of Ramayana and it is also known as Pampa kshetra due to its association with Siva-Girija.

The findings of palaeoliths at Malappanagudi and neo-lithic Artifacts at Masalaiahynagudda have dated the human Settlement in the valley to the pre-historic and neo-chalcolithic
times.The paintings found on the boulders of Masalaiahyana Gudda are the early works of art here.

History of the site :

The region being the part of Mauryan empire is very well evidenced by the presence of Asokan rock edicts at Nittur and Udeogolam not far from the site.

Early historic affinity of the place is evidenced by the finding of inscribed Buddhist panels of the class of Amaravati and Nagarjunakonda from the excavations here. The place was ruled by the Chalukyas of Badami(5th -6th century AD),the Rashtrakutas(7th-8th century AD),the Chalukyas of Kalyana 13th century AD),Hoysalas(12th-13th century AD), Yadavas of Devagiri(13th Century AD)and other rulers is evident from the epigraphs and architectural edifices. Sometimes, the place was ruled by the feudatories of these dynasties like the chiefs of kamapli and Kurgod.

Vijayanagara Empire & Rulers :

By the of 13th century, the Islamic invasion deep into southern India, changed the political scenery as a result of which to arrest further invasions, a new kingdom of Vijayanagar, with the capital at Hampi the holy "Pampakshetra" was established by the Sangama brothers Harihara and Bukka between 1336-1342 AD,which in its hey days extended up to river Krishna in the north and the Indian ocean in the south besides the eastern and western coasts. With the able succeeding rulers the dynasty developed into a formidable Hindu empire over a period of time.Numerous kings belonging to Sangama, Saluva, Tulva, and Aravidu dynasties ruled Vijayanagara for more than two and a quarter century till its dramatic fall and destruction in 1565 AD.

The battle of Rakkasa Tangadi (Talikota) spelt disaster to the city and empire. Never the less, it survived yet for another hundred years under the kings of Aravidu dynasty with the capital at Penukonda and Chandragiri. However the city of Vijayanagra never regained its past glory.

Art and Architecture :

Under the above rulers of this dynasty, the imperial capital city of Vijayanagara (Hampi and surrounding villages) since its inception witnessed great spurt in architecture of religious, secular and defence nature on a colossal proportion hitherto unknown in South India.Time,speed and space were the hallmark of their architectural manifestations. Their vivid architectural ingenuity of hydraulic system revolving around secular complexes in the central sector of the core zone within various enclosures is second to none.

World Heritage Site : This magnificient rich cultural heritage of Karnataka was declared a "World Heritage Site" by the UNESCO in 1988, for its exceptional interest and Universal value,

Excavation and Preservation :

Archeological Survey of India (ASI), befitting to the World Hertiage Site, initiated systematic scientific excavation under the Hampi National Project in the year 1976.Excavation conducted so far at various places of Vijayanagara city include the Royal enclosure (citadel area), Vitthala bazaar, Jain temple complex (pan supari bazaar) behind the Elephant's stable, Hazara Ramachandra temple bazaar, area to the west of rock-cut temple,the palace enclosure (Mint enclosure) and near the octagonal bath.

Excavation in the above places have laid bare the plan of Royal Residences, Basements of Several Platforms, Gateways, Tanks, Rock-cut well, Pathways and Stone paved Streets of the Bazaar besides throwing ample light on the well knit hydraulic system. A large number of stone sculptures, both in round and relief; beautiful terracotta objects and stucco figures, that once embellished the façade of these edifices; many a gold and copper coins; house-hold earthern ware utensils; arms and weapons of iron; beads of various materials; variety of ornaments of copper; silver and gold besides a large number of ceramics including the imported Chinese porcelain with Chinese characters, decorated with floral, human and animal motifs and other antiquities have been recovered. Couple of inscriptions dating from 2nd century AD on wards to the Vijayanagara period have also been unearthed.

The Stepped Tank (PUSHKARANI) to the south of Mahanavami Platform, the palace of Vira-Harihara (1377-1404AD) to the west of Hazara Ramachandra temple are some of the note worthy discoveries.

Museum and Sculpture Galleries of the site :

Befitting the above research work, the Survey has established a museum at Kamalapur(1972), Sculpture Galleries at Treasury Building, (Zanana Enclosure) and Guards quarters near Elephants stable. The later two are being commissioned.

Archaeological Museum, (Hampi) Kamalapur : The collection of sculptures, architectural members from various locations of the ruins were made by British Officers and housed earlier at elephant stables. Archeological survey of India established it's first Museum here. In 1972 the antiquities were shifted to a present modern building at Kamalapur. Presently this museum has four galleries enclosing a model of Hampi valley with a corridor all around.

The exhibits in this museum are manifold consisting of the elegant replicas of Krishnadevaraya - most famed ruler of the Vijayanagara dynasty and his queens greeting the visitors at the entrance.

The first Gallery has in its display sculptures of the Saiva faithconsisting of Virabhadra, Bhairava, Bhikshatanamurti, Mahishasuramardini, and Shakti Ganesha,Kartikeya with his consorts and Durga. The central hall has the composition of a look alike a temple with the display of Shivalinga, Nandi, Dwaramantapa with a royal couple at front

The second Gallery has its display assorted antiquities like arms and armoury, copper plate grants, metal objects of religious utility and brass plates. In the display are the coins of vijayanagara dynasty in various denominations of both gold and copper.

The gallery 4 has antiquities pertaining to prehistoric and protohistoric period, medieval hero stones and sati stones. Stucco figurines, iron objects, sherds of porcelain ware retrieved from excavations are also on display. This gallery prominently has in its display selected dia-positives or archeological excavations conducted in the citadel by the Survey from 1998. To familiarize the visitors to the World Heritage site an information kiosk is also set up in the same gallery.

Sculpture Gallery in the treasury building :

To offer the glimpses of the antiquities retrieved exclusively from the excavations carried out since 1976 in the core zone of Royal enclosure, Dannaiayakas enclosure, Mint, Pan Supari bazar, Noblemen's palace in front of Rock cut temple and Octogonal bath area, the Survey has introduced a sculpture gallery in one the structures in the Zanana enclosure. This vault roofed rectangular structure, facing east, is located towards the north west corner of the Zanana enclosure, which might have served the purpose of a store house or a Magazine. Architecturally it has an austere exterior with a centrally located door way at east. Spaced at regular interval high up in the walls all around are small rectangular peforations for ventilation.Heavy deep eave is supported by plain offsetted corbels and has stone rafters, the free ends of which are treated with cobra hoods. The parapet above the roof consists of interlaced pointed arches on diagonal squares supported by slender octagonal guldastas. The interior of the rectangular day is surrounded by a raised pillared corridor with arches between the pillars The pillars divide the corridor into twenty eight sections with plain ceilings. The central bay of rectangle has vaulted ceiling supported by high arches.

Displayed in this museum are the pre and protohistoric antiquities, narrative lime stone Buddhist panes of circa 2nd century AD,exquisite schist stone sculptures of 12th century AD, austere Jaina Tirthankaras from Parshwanatha Chaityala, elegant Shaiva and Vaishnava sculptures of Vijayanagara period. The Sculpture of goddess Bhuvaneshvari from the vicinity of the palace of vira Harihara is one of the early Vijayanagara sculptures here. The pillar inscription referring to the palace, day to day utilitarian pottery with deluxe porcelain ware, metal objects, miniature figurines and a few selected stucco figures add to the display. However the photo documentation of this glorious World Heritage site done way back in 1856 by Alexander Green Law (1818-1873) in comparison with recent photographs gives an insight into the grandeur of the Vijayanagara monuments.

Sculpture Gallery in the Guards House :

This structure is built at right angle to the northern end of the elephant's stable and faces south. It is a rectangular structure with a high verandhah with a arched facade. A flight of steps on either side of the central open courtyard surrounded by a pillared corridor with arches. Two entrances at the extreme end of the front verandah leads into the inner corridor.

Displayed in this guards house against the back wall of the Verandah are the sculptures of Ganesha, Kalabhairava, Nandi-Vahana, saptamatrikas and Virabhadra as Shaiva specimens. Garuda, Hanuman, Lakshmi, Rangantha form the Vaishanava sculptural manifestations. In addition, sculptures of Naga, Nagini, Maha-Sati and hero stones also their due share amidst the depictions. While some of the sculptures form the examples for various stages of making, amongst the finished, the sculptures of Ranganatha and Kalabhairava attract the visitors for their detailed workmanship.Admist the Hero Stones and Maha-Sati Stones depicted, a hero attaining heavenly abode by Sula method of sacrifice draws our attention.

* The Museum remains open from 10-00 a.m. to 5-00 p.m. except on Friday

* Tourist facilities are available at Tungabhadra Dam Site, Hospet and Kamalapur

* The entrance fee to the Archaeological Museum, Kamalapur is Rs. 5/-per head

* Children below 15 years are allowed-free of Admission

* Information Kiosk available at Archeological Museum,Kamalapur.

Address of the Museum :

ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM
KAMALAPUR (HAMPI)
TALUK HOSPET, DISTRICT BELLERY
KAMALAPUR-583 201

Photos of Museum as seen below

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For any Additional Entry of Data, Contact
Shree Raghavendra Institution for Technical Education (SRITE), Hospet
Phone : 9341633979, 9886573536, 9886212168, 9480662119