About Hampi 

• The architecture of Hampi, the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, blends indigenous Provida style with Indo-Islamic influences.  
• Descriptions from travellers like Nicolo de Conti and Domingo Paes highlight the grandeur of the city, which featured advanced urban planning, fortifications, and water management systems. 
• The city was divided into two zones, the Sacred Centre and the Royal Centre. Key buildings in the Royal Centre included Mahanavami Dibba, Lotus Mahal, and Hazara Rama Temple.

Architectural Marvels of Vijayanagara 

• Sources of Information: Travelers such as Nicolo de Conti, Abdur Razzaq, Afanasii Nikitin, Duarte Barbosa, Domingo Paes, and Fernao Nuniz provided detailed descriptions of Hampi and its architecture. 
• Fortification of Hampi: Abdur Razzaq described seven lines of forts encircling the city and its agricultural areas, integrating both defence and agriculture. 
• Construction Techniques: No mortar or cementing agents were used, highlighting unique construction methods. 
• Indo-Islamic Features: The arch and dome on gateways reflect Indo-Islamic architecture, while Provida style, characterised by numerous pillars and piers, was a distinct feature, often compared to Dravida style.

Mahanavami Dibba 

• Location: Situated at the highest point of the city, it is thought to have supported a wooden structure. 
• Ritual Significance: Likely used for rituals related to Mahanavami, a major Hindu festival during Dussehra. 
• Description: Known as the "house of victory" by Domingo Paes.  

Mahanavami Dibba

Hazara Rama Temple 

• Themes: The inner walls of the shrine depict scenes from the Ramayana. 
• Distribution: While most temples were in the Sacred Centre, several, including Hazara Rama, were located in the Royal Centre. 
• Sacred Centre: Included Gopurams (royal gateways) and Kalyan Mandapas, which were used for divine weddings. 

Hazara Rama Temple

Virupaksha Temple (Shiva Temple) 

• Guardian Deity: Virupaksha was the guardian deity of the Vijayanagara kingdom. 
• Significance: Built by Krishnadeva Raya to mark his accession. 

Virupaksha Temple

• Vitthala Temple (Vishnu Temple) 
• Features: Known for its Musical Pillars and chariot-shaped shrine. 
• Historical Importance: Built in the 15th century, it represents the culmination of Vijayanagara temple architecture and reflects the influence of multiple sacred traditions, including Jaina temples. 

Vitthala Temple