Hampi was the magnificent capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, one of the largest and most powerful Hindu kingdoms of medieval India. Located on the southern bank of the Tungabhadra River in present-day Vijayanagara district, Karnataka, Hampi was a thriving city and one of the richest and most populous cities in the world during the 14th–16th centuries. The Vijayanagara Empire (1336–1565 CE) was founded by Harihara I and Bukka Raya I. Hampi was destroyed after the Battle of Talikota (1565 CE). Today, Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (declared in 1986).
Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire (1336–1565 CE).
Located on the Tungabhadra River, present-day Vijayanagara district, Karnataka.
Founded by Harihara I and Bukka Raya I (Sangama dynasty) in 1336 CE.
Greatest ruler: Krishnadevaraya (1509–1529 CE) — empire at its peak.
Destroyed after the Battle of Talikota (1565 CE) by the allied Deccan Sultanates.
UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986 — 'Group of Monuments at Hampi'.
Famous monuments: Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple, Stone Chariot, Lotus Mahal.
The stone chariot at Vittala Temple appears on the Indian 50-rupee note.
Foundation and rulers: • The Vijayanagara Empire was founded in 1336 CE by Harihara I and Bukka Raya I (sons of Sangama dynasty) • Hampi (then called Vijayanagara — 'City of Victory') was established as the capital • The city flourished under several dynasties: Sangama, Saluva, Tuluva, and Aravidu
Golden age under Krishnadevaraya (1509–1529 CE): • The greatest ruler of Vijayanagara — expanded the empire to its maximum extent • Patronised Telugu and Sanskrit literature; himself wrote the Telugu classic 'Amuktamalyada' • Built many temples and monuments in Hampi • Under his rule, Hampi was one of the largest cities in the world (population estimated at 500,000+) • Welcomed foreign traders and visitors — Portuguese traveller Duarte Barbosa described the city's markets
Location: • On the banks of the Tungabhadra River • Present-day Vijayanagara district (formerly Bellary district), Karnataka • The region was known as 'Pampa Kshetra' — sacred to the goddess Pampa (consort of Shiva)
Key monuments at Hampi:
Virupaksha Temple • The oldest and most important temple — dedicated to Lord Virupaksha (a form of Shiva) • Still an active place of worship • A major temple complex with a tall gopuram (tower)
Vittala Temple and Stone Chariot • The most celebrated monument of Hampi • Features 56 musical pillars that produce musical sounds when tapped (though tapping is now restricted) • The iconic Stone Chariot (Ratha) in the temple courtyard is one of India's most photographed monuments • The stone chariot is on the Indian 50-rupee note
Lotus Mahal (Zenana Enclosure) • A graceful pavilion combining Hindu and Islamic architectural styles • Used as a resting place for royal women
Elephant Stables • A long building with 11 chambers to house the royal elephants • Shows Islamic arch style — a blend of Hindu and Indo-Islamic architecture
Hazara Rama Temple • The 'royal chapel' of the Vijayanagara kings • Its walls are covered with friezes depicting scenes from the Ramayana
Hampi Bazaar • A long, straight street leading to the Virupaksha Temple • Once a thriving market — foreign accounts describe it selling silk, precious stones, and goods from around the world
Battle of Talikota (1565 CE): • The Deccan Sultanates (Bijapur, Ahmadnagar, Bidar, Golconda) allied to defeat Vijayanagara • The Vijayanagara army was defeated at the Battle of Talikota (also called Battle of Bannihatti) • The city of Hampi was sacked and burned for several months • The city was abandoned — never rebuilt to its former glory • The fall marked the end of the most powerful Hindu kingdom in medieval South India
Hampi today: • Area: ~4,100 hectares of ruins spread across a dramatic rocky landscape • UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986 (inscribed as 'Group of Monuments at Hampi') • Located in Karnataka — a major tourist destination • More than 1,600 surviving structures: temples, gateways, royal buildings, stables, water systems • The region is also important in Hindu tradition as Kishkindha (from the Ramayana — the kingdom of Sugriva and Hanuman)
Hampi was the glorious capital of the Vijayanagara Empire (1336–1565 CE), located on the Tungabhadra River in present-day Karnataka. Founded by Harihara I and Bukka Raya I, it flourished into one of the world's largest cities under King Krishnadevaraya (1509–1529). The city had magnificent temples, palaces, bazaars, and water systems. It was destroyed in the Battle of Talikota (1565 CE) by the Deccan Sultanates and abandoned. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1986) with over 1,600 surviving monuments.
The city of Hampi (Vijayanagara) was established by Harihara I and Bukka Raya I, founders of the Vijayanagara Empire, in 1336 CE. It was built up over centuries, reaching its peak under Krishnadevaraya (1509–1529 CE) who added many temples and structures to the city.
Hampi was destroyed after the Battle of Talikota (1565 CE), also called the Battle of Bannihatti. Five Deccan Sultanates (Bijapur, Ahmadnagar, Bidar, Golconda, and Bidar) allied together to defeat the Vijayanagara Empire. After their victory, they sacked and burned the city of Hampi for months. The city was never rebuilt and was abandoned.
Famous monuments at Hampi include: Virupaksha Temple (dedicated to Lord Shiva, still active), Vittala Temple with its iconic Stone Chariot and musical pillars, Lotus Mahal, Elephant Stables, Hazara Rama Temple, and the Hampi Bazaar. The Stone Chariot at Vittala Temple is depicted on the Indian 50-rupee note.
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