Architectural ensemble at Hampi - India

Unesco's Scientific, Educational and Cultural Organization has recognized the Architectural Complex at Hampi as a World Cultural Heritage in 1986.

Known as the capital of the Vijayanagara empire , an empire in southern India, Hampi is the ancient capital of this regime. Hampi is located in the Indian state of Karnataka, although it has been devastated, but what remains at Hampi today is enough to imagine a former golden age and splendor of this architectural complex. .

The Vijayanagara Empire was built in the 1336s during the reign of King Harihara I and his younger brother Bukka Raya I. This empire existed for more than 300 years from 1336 to 1646. In fact, this empire was in decline It dates back to the year 1565, but it survived until 1646. The ruins of the present Vijayanagara empire at Hampi are located near Bellary village.

The overview of the architectural complex at Hampi is beautiful and is a testament to a glorious period of the Vijayanagara empire.

In the period of splendor, this complex of monuments was governed by the royal aristocracy. Later, when fighting between Indians and Muslims, the relics of the Vijayanagara empire were regarded as a strong stronghold of Indians. The Vijayanagara empire was very wealthy at the time of its prosperity, thanks to its spice trade and the production of cotton textiles. During the first period of the Vijayanagara Empire, under the reign of King Sangama, this empire began to study Sanskrit. In 1485, the Sulava dynasty took over, after which the reign was overthrown and replaced by the Tulava dynasty in 1505. By 1565, the Vijayanagara Empire was overthrown entirely by the Muslim kingdoms.

As the last capital of Hindu dynasties, Hampi is a beautiful and prosperous city in the middle ages. This is also a busy trading and trading city in India at that time. The city has many exchanges and trade with Goa city. Not only is the city famous in India, it is also regarded by historians as one of the most beautiful cities in the medieval world.

Typical architectural works in Hampi architectural complex

There are many outstanding monuments in Hampi, such as Ramachandra Temple and Haazara Rama. Ramachandra Temple was built in 1513 and Haazara Rama was built in 1520. Both temples are beautiful buildings and sculptures, leaving many impressions. In the two temples, there are many sophisticated sculptures and sculptures that show exquisite beauty in the architectural style of that period. In addition to these two temples, there is also the Vitthala temple, which impresses by the statue of two large elephants outside the door. In addition to the complex temples, there are simpler constructions such as the statue of the Queen, the Market, the Statue of the gods - lions .

In addition to some intact works, most of the works at Hampi are partially or completely damaged.

Scattered around the hills, the former valley belonged to the Vijayanagara empire, more than 500 large and small works. All of these buildings are collectively referred to as immigrant populations in Hampi. These 500 buildings include temples, palaces, old markets, fortresses, warehouses, etc. Although there are many such works, most of these works were destroyed by time and war. The number of buildings is still relatively small, mostly damaged in whole or in part.

To be able to restore these constructions requires a huge amount of funding as well as experienced and skilled professionals. Therefore, despite the awareness of the importance of preserving and preserving this cultural heritage, the Indian government has yet to have a plan for restoration.

Until now, although heritage has been destroyed and tourism facilities have not really developed, the architectural complex at Hampi still attracts many tourists. However, the main source of visitors here is dust tourists and pilgrims.