AN IMPERIAL CAPITAL VIJAYANAGARA (C. FOURTEENTH TO SIXTEENTH CENTURY)
Vijayanagara, meaning “city of victory”, refers to both a city and an empire established in the 14th century. The empire expanded its reach from the Krishna River in the north to the southernmost part of the Indian peninsula. In 1565, the city faced a catastrophic sacking, leading to its eventual abandonment. Over the 17th and 18th centuries, it declined into ruins
However, the memory of Vijayanagara persisted among the people in the Krishna-Tungabhadra doab, who referred to it as Hampi. This name was derived from Pampadevi, the local mother goddess. The combination of oral traditions, archaeological discoveries, monuments, inscriptions, and other historical records enabled scholars to piece together the history and significance of the Vijayanagara Empire.
Hampi is an ancient city situated in the southern part of India. It was the imperial capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, which ruled a significant portion of southern India from the 14th to the 16th century. Today, it’s known for its stunning ruins, which are spread over 4,100 hectares and illustrate the rich history, architectural grandeur, and the exceptional artistry of the Vijayanagara period.
In 1800, the ruins at Hampi were brought to broader attention by Colonel Colin Mackenzie, an engineer and antiquarian. Working for the English East India Company, he prepared the first known survey map of the site. This was a significant step as, until then, much of the information about Hampi was passed down orally, without systematic documentation.
Much of Mackenzie’s initial knowledge came from local sources. The priests of the Virupaksha temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the shrine of Pampadevi (also known as Goddess Parvati) provided him with recollections about the place. This oral tradition was invaluable in giving context to the ruins and the stories they held.