From boasting the rich cultural history to being the most searched places of Karnataka, Hampi has never failed to amaze backpackers. The fractured landscape of Hampi will force you to gaze at the still beauty of the architecture. It is located in the Bellary district of Karnataka, on the south bank of the Tungabhadra River. Once India’s richest medieval-era city of Vijayanagara kings, Southern India’s greatest empire fell in the 17th century, indicating the end of a golden era.
The name Hampi is derived from ‘Pampa’, a local folk goddess who is believed to have meditated on the hills here, wanted to marry Lord Shiva. It is said that she eventually got married to Shiva, locally known as Pampapati or the husband of the Pampa. As the Vijayanagara Empire prospered, its capital city grew with temples, forts, palaces, and markets. The city promoted international trade where goods were exchanged for spices and cotton, from Persia and Europe through the ports of Mangalore, Honavar, Barkur, and Bhatkal.
The art and architecture flourished and evolved into their unique style, with increase in wealth and prosperity of the empire. Its architectural structure is spread in 4,100 hectares and was built almost 200 years ago. The design of buildings shows a mixed cultural influence of Hindu, Islamic, Jain, and Buddhism, with division into civil, military, and religious structures. The city had reached its prime under the rule of Krishna Deva Raya between 1509 and 1529. It was the time when progressive trading practices started and several international trade agreements were carried out.
In 1565, the city surrendered in the decisive battle of Talikota to the attacks by five Deccan sultans – Ahmednagar, Golconda, Bijapur, Berar, and Bidar. It brought massive destruction to the city as the temples were badly damaged and markets were looted for a long period of six months. The loss and destruction is still visible in many parts of the city. Although different rulers have ruled the empire but never could bring back the glory. Hampi lost its strategic value after these numerous attacks.
Today, Hampi is listed under UNESCO World Heritage Site as ‘The Group of Monuments at Hampi’. It has many tourist attractions like the Krishna temple complex, Narasimha, Ganesa, Hemakuta group of temples, Achyutaraya temple complex, Vitthala temple complex, Pattabhirama temple complex, Lotus Mahal complex. It has more than 1600 surviving remains of forts, temples, shrines, memorial structures, pillared halls, etc. People visiting Hampi are mostly history and architectural enthusiasts. Although one can visit Hampi any time of the year, it is said that the best time is during the famous Hampi Festival from October to November every year.