Now a tiny village in Karnataka, Hampi was once the proud and prosperous capital of the Vijaynagara kingdom. Designated a World heritage Site by the UNESCO, it is a hill-town full of romantic ruins and incredible greenery. At its peak, it was a city full of magnificent temples and palaces. Its grandeur was finally lost when it was attacked by the Mughals in the latter half of the 16th century.
Two brothers from the Sangama family, Harihara and Bukka, gave it the status of their capital in the year 1336 A.D. Over a period of 300 years, 23 kings ruled over this city. Hampi’s most celebrated ruler, Krishnadeva Raya, finally lost the city in 1564. Legend has it that such was its wealth that it took six months and thousand of elephants to carry the loot out.
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+ more about HampiNow a tiny village in Karnataka, Hampi was once the proud and prosperous capital of the Vijaynagara kingdom. Designated a World heritage Site by the UNESCO, it is a hill-town full of romantic ruins and incredible greenery. At its peak, it was a city full of magnificent temples and palaces. Its grandeur was finally lost when it was attacked by the Mughals in the latter half of the 16th century.
Two brothers from the Sangama family, Harihara and Bukka, gave it the status of their capital in the year 1336 A.D. Over a period of 300 years, 23 kings ruled over this city. Hampi’s most celebrated ruler, Krishnadeva Raya, finally lost the city in 1564. Legend has it that such was its wealth that it took six months and thousand of elephants to carry the loot out.
Hampi is the perfect getaway from the city bustle and even now it attracts thousands of visitors, both Indians and foreign nationals. Settled on the banks of the Tungabadhra river and set amongst verdant paddy fields, it is our gateway to a bygone era.
Hampi signifies the golden era of Hindu reign in India, with Vijaynagara rulers establishing their capital. The peak of development took place under the reign of Krishndevaraya, who laid the foundation to most of the edifices. Barren rocky hillocks were converted with great ingenuity by artisans of the era. They gave life to the rocks and carved a niche for themselves and the architects.
The world's best diamonds were mined in the Deccan plateau over which Vijaynagara rulers had supremacy. Hampi was the only diamond trading bazaar, which attracted traders from all over the world. In fact, Brazilian diamonds were imported to India and then passed of as Indian Diamonds in the International markets. Along with the decline of Vijaynagara Empire, diamond trading vanished from India. In fact Hampi is known as Pompei of the east because of the town planning with neat roads, drainage, sanitation, ventilation and water supply. The bazaars were well laid out with all the goodies. In fact there was a SULE bazaar, meaning Harlot Street to cater to the labourers who toiled day in and day out away from the families. No wonder Prostitution is considered to be the oldest profession.
Nowadays Rock climbing has picked up with foreigners looking at crevices and other odd areas if they can find any hidden treasures of the rulers. It is well known facts that in case of a surprise attack by the enemies all wealth was stored away in safety by royalty. They would claim back the hidden wealth if they survived, otherwise it is left to the mercy of luck for the discoverers. Maybe one day we will hear about the discovery of the hidden wealth of the Vijaynagara rulers.
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