Once
the majestic capital of the powerful Vijayanagara Empire, Hampi is now a
ruined city of ancient palaces and forts. Founded by Harihara and Bukka
in 1336, the landscape of Hampi was dotted with magnificent palaces,
sacred temples, massive fortifications, baths, markets, pavilions, and
stables for royal elephants. The Vijayanagara kings were great patrons
of art and Hampi became the epicenter of a flourishing indigenous
culture. All of these were gradually reduced to rubble as the Empire fell to the Muslim invaders of North India in 1565 after the disastrous Battle of Talikota. The victors mercilessly pillaged this capital city and the ruins were left to tell the tale of the bygone era. Now declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, tourists and enthusiastic backpackers travel to Hampi in large numbers.
The sprawling city was planned in such a way that the important structures are located in two areas, referred to as the Royal Centre and the Sacred Centre. The Royal Centre contains remnants of opulent palaces, baths, pavilions, royal stables, while the Sacred Centre locates holy temples. The Sacred Centre is situated on the northern edge of the city along the banks of the holy Tungabhadra River.
