Between the 14th and 17th centuries, the Vijayanagara Empire dominated southern India and is known chiefly for its extreme strength and wealth, which were expressed magnificently in its distinctive, complex, highly symbolic art and architecture. The empire’s capital was the economically flourishing riverside ‘city of victory’ – Vijayanagara City itself – and people travelled from far and wide to admire it.

It once covered around 540 square kilometres of land but today it lies in ruins, only a fraction of its former size, next to the village of Hampi. As first glance, it seems that time has washed away its colour and glory and left it barren and empty, but closer inspection reveals a wealth of temples, burial grounds, rock carvings, monuments, water-courses, a palace and many houses, all enclosed within a huge city wall.

The Virupaksha temple dominates this field of archaeological treasures, its ten-level entrance tower still standing tall above the column-lined walkway that draws the visitors (which include local worshippers) from a massive Nandi bull sculpture towards the peaceful, shadowy centre.

Written by  larapiegeler.

Add comment

Comments, reviews and questions

There are no posts. Why not be the first to have your say?

Add a comment, review or question

Make a comment Ask a question Write a review

Review title

Your comment

Your rating

Choose rating... Don't go Go Must go

Your name

Your email address