Art & architecture of hampi

The Vijaynagar Empire was founded by Harihara and Bukka in AD 1336 and made Hastinavati (Hampi) as the capital city. They ruled over Andhra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and parts of Kerala in southern India. Here, we are giving the gist of cultural history of Vijaynagar Empire that will refine the knowledge about how architecture, art, music and literature developed under this kingdom.

Architecture under vijaynagar empire

1. The temple building activity of the Vijayanagar rulers produced a new style, called the Vijayanagar style. Though often characterized as Dravida Style, it had its own distinct features.

2. The distinct features of the architecture were the pillars and the complicated manner in which they were sculptured.

3. The horse was the most common animal to be depicted on the pillars.

4. The temples had a Mandapam or open pavilion with a raised platform, generally meant for seating the deity on special occasions. It also had a Kalyana Mandapam with elaborately carved pillars. The most magnificent of the temples in this style are in Hampi (Vijayanagar). Vitthalaswamy and the Hazara Ramaswamy temples are the best examples.

5. The Raya Gopurams, towers in commemoration of the visit of emperors in different corners of the empire, are also important examples of architecture of the period.

6. In the Vijayanagar temples the central part was occupied by the Garbhagriha—the sanctum cell where the presiding deity was installed.

7. Amman shrine was meant for the consort of the God

Art under Vijaynagar Empire

1. Music: Vijayanagar period is known for origin of Carnatic music under Purandhar Das period known for origin of Rudraveens.

2. Dance: Bharatanatyam was promoted. Drama Yakshagana was a popular dance drama closely associated with temple walls.
3. Paintings: Themes of Ramayana and Tlahabharta on temple walls.

4. Sculpture: Largest number of portrait sculptures in this period. Portrait sculpture of Krishnadeva Raya and his queens is seen at Tirumala.

In the above ‘Cultural History of Vijayanagar’ deals with the cultural glorious epoch of Vjaynagar Empire. The kings of this empire were great patrons of music, literature and architecture which can see even today also. For example- Someshwar, Vidyashankara, Narasimhaswamy etc.

Vijayanagara empire

Vijayanagara Empire

1336–1646

Extent of Vijayanagara Empire, 1446, 1520 CE this century is considered to be ‘**a golden century’**

Capital Vijayanagara, Penukonda, Chandragiri^[1]

Common language Kannada, Sanskrit, Telugu[2]

Religion —–Hinduism
Government—-Monarchy king

• 1336–1356—–Harihara I
• 1642–1646—–Sriranga III

History

• Established 1336
• Earliest records 1343
• Disestablished 1646 Currency —-Varaha

Sangama dynasty Harihara I1336–1356

Bukka Raya I1356–1377
Harihara Raya II1377–1404
Virupaksha Raya1404–1405

Bukka Raya II1405–1406 Deva Raya I1406–1422

Ramachandra Raya1422

Vira Vijaya Bukka Raya1422–1424
Deva Raya II1424–1446 Mallikarjuna Raya1446–1465
Virupaksha Raya II1465–1485
Praudha Raya1485

Saluva dynasty SaluvaNarasimhaDevaRaya1485-1491 Thimma Bhupala1491 Narasimha Raya II1491–1505

Tuluva dynasty Tuluva Narasa Nayaka1491–1503 Vira Narasimha Raya1503–1509 Krishna Deva Raya1509–1529 Achyuta Deva Raya1529–1542 Venkata I1542 Sadasiva Raya1542–1570

Aravidu dynasty Aliya Rama Raya1542–1565 Tirumala Deva Raya1565–1572 Sriranga I1572–1586 Venkata II1586–1614 Sriranga II1614 Rama Deva Raya1617–1632 Venkata III1632–1642 Sriranga III1642–164

**Sri krishnadevaraya(1509-1529)-the famous king of vijayanagara empire**

Hampi-the world Heritage site

Hampi is an ancient village in the south Indian state of Karnataka. It’s dotted with numerous ruined temple complexes from the Vijayanagara Empire. On the south bank of the River Tungabhadra is the 7th-century Hindu Virupaksha Temple, near the revived Hampi Bazaar. A carved stone chariot stands in front of the huge Vittala Temple site. Southeast of Hampi, Daroji Bear Sanctuary is home to the Indian sloth bear. This belongs to world Heritage Site.

Virupaksha temple.

The above image is gopura is the one that casts shadow inside north west corner of the temple.but surprisingly the shadow is inverted.

Vijaya vittala temple,hampi

The renowned Vittala Temple dates back to the 15th century. It was built during the reign of King Devaraya II (1422 – 1446 A.D.), one of the rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire. Several portions of the temple were expanded and enhanced during the reign of Krishnadevaraya (1509 – 1529 A.D.), the most famous ruler of the Vijayanagara dynasty. He played a significant role in giving the monument its present look.

The Vittala Temple is also known as Shri Vijaya Vitthala Temple. It is dedicated to Lord Vitthala, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. An idol of Vitthala-Vishnu was enshrined in the temple. Legend has it that the temple was built as an abode for Lord Vishnu in his Vitthala form. However, the Lord had found the temple to be too grand for his use and had returned to live in his own humble home

The large Ranga Mantapa is well-known for its 56 **musical pillars**, also known as SaReGaMa **pillars**. These have been attributed to the **musical** notes rising out of them. … Each note emitting from these **pillars** produce different sounds, which also change as the string, percussion and wind instrument being played.

This Stone chariot is of great fame in Vittala Temple, Hampi . Its stone wheels, each shaped in the form of a lotus, are capable of revolving. It represents the sprakling creativity of the artistes of the fifteenth century. We can this picture of architecture on 50rupee note.

Other places to visit in hampi