Vijayanagar Empire and Its Most Fascinating Architecture
The mesmerizing constructions in the Vijayanagar Empire tell the story of its glorious past. Let’s make a go-through in history.
Hampi, the architectural beauty of Karnataka:
Hampi is indeed an architectural splendor. Moreover, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is an awesome compilation of architecture with historical art of the time. It annually draws innumerable visitors, to witness the grandeur of its ancient structures and intricate craftsmanship.
The Vijayanagar architecture is, in fact, a collection of various prominent arts of those days. There was extensive use of clay bricks, and locally available granites. However, lime remained an important binding material. The Dravidian-style structures with Gopurams and large mandir complexes have made it Hampi for hundreds of years.
The dynasts constructed well-planned orchards and gardens. Above all, fantastic stonework is the real identity of that era and its structures. The classic wheel and chariot displayed the class beyond imagination and the profound construction techniques acquired by the Hampians. Moreover, the motifs and corbels in granite create a different story of its renowned architecture.
The wall encircling the mandir complex provides a reasonable idea of entrances in the form of Gopurams. Outstanding sculptures and floral shapes on the temple walls make it alive to a certain degree. Various segments like mandapa, vimana, garbhagriha, and pillars paint the campus in a single divine tone.
Historical Context
The Vijayanagar Empire flourished from 14th to 16th century CE. Rulers of the Empire also contributed with zeal to the development of commerce, culture, and religion of the state. As a result, Vijayanagar produced the gorgeous monuments of its golden era. Hampi, which served as the capital, is thus, an interesting one for historians.
Virupaksha Temple
This is the most important temple in Hampi. The temple incorporates a marvelous convergence of vivid architectural styles over centuries. For instance, the gigantic gateway tower, or Gopuram, is filled with variety of intricate designs. The stone idols of Hindu Gods, Goddesses, and celestial objects make those Gopuram walls irresistibly lucrative for the visitors.
Vijaya Vittala Temple
The iconic stone chariot of this renowned temple is the crown jewel of Hampi Architecture. Besides, the chariot is carved out of a single stone block and represents the divine vehicle of Lord Vishnu. The Vittala temple has a wonderful hall. Notably, the intricate pillars of the hall produce musical sounds when struck with, addressing architectural qualities with devotion.
Lotus Mahal
It is a palace for the royal women in converging arts of Hindu and Islamic styles. Precisely, it consists of the domed roofs along the doorways. More importantly, the plan of the temple resembles the shape of a lotus, and as such, derived the name, Lotus Mahal. Elegant stone carvings and, stucco work reflect communal harmony between Hinduism and Islamism in the Vijayanagar Empire.
Royal Enclosure
Hampi housed several notable structures of the kingdom. For example, there were Mahanavami Dibba and Stepped Tanks.
Mahanavami Dibba provided a platform for hilarious Navaratri celebrations, whereas the tanks were adorned with skillfully carved elephants and horses. Additionally, it offered great pleasure for the royal family during the scorching heat.
Architectural Influences
Cultural and religious diversity greatly helped shape the architectural figures in Hampi. Not only the Hoysalas, or Chalukyas; Sultanate of Bahmani also left marks on the architectural landscape of Hampi. The construction type of the Lotus Mahal is a perfect example of religious brotherhood. Another one, the Elephant Stables, also puts the same vibrations of the harmonious nature. The Vijayanagar Empire truly embraced Islam and prospered altogether.
Krishnadeva Raya, the great dynast
Madhavacharya is regarded as the founder of the Tattvavada school of Hindu philosophy. And, he was utmost venerable for the kings of the Vijayanagar Empire. There is a reason to recall Jagadguru (Saint of the universe, in Hinduism) Madhavacharya here. Kings of Vijayanagar built the Hampe Temple showing their gratitude for the Jagadguru.
Subsequently, dynast Krishna Deva during his reign added a new towering entrance to this temple. He was an admirer of the decent architecture. Additionally, he built other temples in the kingdom like Krishnaswami Temple, and, Hazara Rama Temple at Hampi in the early 16th century CE. Krishna Deva also initiated some irrigation projects in 1521 CE. And, those water channels are functional in the region to date. They are the Korangal dam and Basavanna water channels.
Reasons for the rise and fall of the empire
Harihara I and Bukka Raya I were the great persona of the Vijayanagar Empire. Additionally, the state had a strategic location on the map of Deccan territory. Its fertile land connected with powerful commercial routes promoted its economic position to stand out in its time. So, several outsiders permanently settled there and contributed to the overall progress of the state.
Vijayanagar established a strong military division to defend its borders. Moreover, the brave soldiers and their commanders took to expand the kingdom on every possible front. Besides, the smart leadership developed healthy relationships with other regional powers. The local alliances always benefited the state in consolidating its position over territories.
Nonetheless, the defeat in Talikota battle shook the Vijayanagar Empire badly and it never recovered of it. The fall of the capital Hampi, incited various groups for separate lobbying and power struggle. Consequently, the pivotal position of the rulers sharply deteriorated in the state.
Apart from that, the heavy loss of territories led to the closure of commercial connections. Subsequently, Vijayanagar faced a tremendous loss in revenue and resources of income. Above all, the strong alliance of the Deccan sultanates caused a forceful retreat of the Hampi rulers.
Finally, the sultanates fiercely invaded the kingdom to hammer the final nail. The Muslim soldiers looted and eradicated the local population. Not only that, they mercilessly destroyed Hindu temples and ruined most of them to rumble on grounds. Eventually, the great Vijayanagar Empire weakened and dissolved.
Preservation Efforts and Challenges
Preservation of marvelous structures is a big challenge at Hampi. Likewise, developing tourism and encroachments of the sites directly impact its conditions. In addition, natural erosion or severe weathering are inevitable forces that gradually damage these historic monuments. Some agencies including a few NGOs work with dedication to safeguard these structures. UNESCO’s efforts to protect these ancient structures will be a game changer.
The historical importance dipped into the cultural heritage and Hindu traditions will be helpful to future generations.
Reference Book: A Forgotten Empire: Vijayanagar, A Contribution to the History of India – By Robert Sewell