Hampi sites and history

Hampi, sites and history of the Vijayanagara Empire.

Hampi, the 14th century capital of one of the greatest empires of the world, lies in the Deccan heartland in the state of Karnataka or Karu’nadu (meaning 'elevated land'). The ruins of Hampi are scattered throughout an area of 26 sq. km area, amidst giant boulders and vegetation. Protected by the tempestuous river Tungabhadra in the north and rocky granite ridges on the other three sides, the ruins narrate silenty the story of grandeur splendor and fabulous wealth. The splendid remains of palaces and gateways of the broken city tells a tale of man's infinite talent and power of creativity together with his capacity for senseless destruction.
The genesis of the place, known today as Hampi, dates back to the age of the Hindu epic 'Ramayana' when it was the site of Kishkinda, a monkey kingdom. Between the 9th and 10th century, this area was known as Vijaypur and later in 1150 AD as Vijaynagar under the king Vijayadhawaja. Vijayanagara, the capital of the mighty Vijayanagara, was founded in 1336 AD by two Hindu brothers Hakka and Bukka under the able guidance of a Brahmin priest Madhva Vidyaranya. The empire that lasted for over twenty years despite to dizzy heights culminating into the golden era of South Indian history. The Empire, that extended from river Krishna to Cape Comorin, included the modern state of Orrisa and was ruled from a capital stretched over 165 sq. miles, the central portion of which is called Hampi today. The Vijayanagara Empire also annexed the state of Goa as early as 1380 under Madhavacharya, a minister of king Harihara. The most well-known and powerful ruler of this empire was Krishna Deva Raya (1423-May 1446 AD)
This fairy tale city was devoid of all its strength and splendor in 1565 AD when the then ruler Rama Raya was defeated and killed by a confederation of Muslim kings. The capital was ransacked and reduced to Shambles within 6 months by the victorious Mohamedans who left it desolate, resembling more a ghost city than a former captital. The state of Goa lost its prominence after the fall of this empire as the then rulers, the Portuguese, lost interest in this territory because of the fall in spice and horse trade.
Today a world heritage site, archeologist try to reveil the unknown secrets and they are working patiently at this remote (yet beautiful place) and treasure, when they excavate to unearth, beautifully preserved monuments.
There are many amazing temples and sites to see in and around Hampi.

The great boulders that surround this lovely little place are breathtaking!

Temples to see in the north side of the river ( Virupapuragadda) :

Hanuman Temple (Monkey Temple)
Laxmi Temple

Durga Temple

Links:
http://ww.hampi.in/sites.htm
http://www.vijayanagara.org/