Hampi Karnataka History and Interesting Facts

Hampi Karnataka Quick Facts

Hampi Karnataka Overview

Hampi is a religious city located in Karnataka, South India, which was also the capital of the ancient Vijayanagara Empire. A temple named Hampi is also established in it. This temple is situated on the southern bank of the Tungabhadra river. The city was one of the largest princely and largest cities of its time. The city was founded during the 13th century by the rulers of 'Vijayanagara'.

Hampi Karnataka History

It is Traditionally known as Pampa-kshetra, Kishkidha-kshetra or Bhaskara-kshetra, in which the name Pampa is derived from the name of Goddess Parvati according to Hindu theology. Hampi was founded between 1336 and 1570 by two brothers named Hariyar and Bukka, the famous rulers of Vijayanagara.

Initially Hampi was a place of religious and educational activities but after some time it was made the capital of Vijayanagara Empire. Vijayanagara Empire was attacked many times by Alauddin Khalji and Muhammad bin Tughlaq and neighboring states but every time victory was of Vijayanagara Empire but when the monstrous Tangadi war (Talikotta War) was fought in 1565, Vijayanagara Empire was defeated by Bijapur, Ahmednagar and Golconda. Gaya and Vijayanagara ceased to exist but Hampi did not suffer much.

Hampi Karnataka Interesting Facts

1. It was Founded in the year 1336 by two brothers named Hariyar and Bukka of Hoshiyal dynasty. This area is covered over 4,24 hectares.
2. Its ruins were discovered in the year 1800 by Sir Col Colin Mackenzie, an officer of the British Department.
3. This Ancient city is situated in a mountainous area formed by granite boulders, in which about 1,600 historical monuments are located within 41.5 square kilometers.
4. Its oldest Temple is the Virupaksha Temple which is the main destination for pilgrims and tourists. It is a collection of smaller temples which include a 50 meter high gopuram, a Hindu monastery, schools of Advaita Vedanta tradition and a community kitchen.
5. The town also has a historical temple with elaborate carvings and a huge statue of Lord Ganesha measuring 4.5 meters in height.
6. It also has a Vittala temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is the most artistically refined Hindu temple, and is part of the sacred center of Vijayanagara. It has a Garuda temple in the form of a chariot over which a large square axial sabha mandapa is situated.
7. The city of Hampi has been studied by scholars such as Burton Stein and Otherl in three broad areas, the first being the "Sacred centre", The second as the "Urban centre" or the "Royal centre", and the third as the metropolitan region. It is called Vijayanagara.
8. The Virupaksha temple located in it is one of the best structure of Dravidian architecture which is dedicated to the deity Virupaksha.
9. The City is home to several temples, including the Hazararama Temple, depicting animals, deities and people, which is an intricate carving.
10. The Virupaksha temple located in it is one of the best structure of Dravidian architecture which is dedicated to the deity Virupaksha.