Pride of Karnataka

Pics by Dr. Suresh Kumar Srivastava, Historian and heritage photographer

Text by Nainika Satish

History has the most alluring presence within the human conscience, as it draws our attention to its existence with elements of curiosity, mysticism and mystery. Human expression in terms of tangible and intangible heritage is a direct reflection of our innate desire to be seen and remembered. Most monument structures help in reinforcing our collective social memory and sculpts our worldview thereof. The above notion can be better understood by paying close attention to the joy of Karnataka- Hampi.

Hampi was deemed a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999 and is frequented by large swathes of tourists every year. The area has been academically dissected and scrutinised thoroughly by experts, but its most attractive facets are lost in translation. Although Hampi is often recognised as a region under the Vijayanagara Empire, its architecture is inspired by the Chalukyas as researched by Richard Eaton. For instance, the stepwell in Hampi bares stark resemblance to the 12th century water storage systems built by Vikramaditya Chalukya. In the step well the submerging of Lord Ganeshas’s idol on Ganesh Chaturthi was practiced. Quite surprisingly, this is the only piece of architecture in Hampi that is devoid of any intricate carvings and sculptures.

In fact, there is reuse of column materials of Bagali Shiva Temple resembling the Chalukyan architecture by Ramaraya. The mandapa facing Virupaksha temple are Chalukyan Columns, being reused schist materials. The Vijayanagara kings wanted to be associated with the powerful Chalukyam period before theirs. The mahanavami dibba with a 100 columed hall is similar to the Persian audience hall, the concept borrowed by the Vijayanagara kings. The use of Persian style domes and cross vaulting techniques of the arches as seen in the elephants’ stables and the zenana are Persian influence. Thus, the kings looked backward in time for inspiration and imitation to the Chalukyas. They were looking for power and prestige. Rama Raya was a courtier with the Qutub Shahi and he adopted Adil Shah. Thus there was an effective kinship and great deal of contact between them and the Sultans of Bahamani.

Hampi also appeals to people who love puzzles and patterns. The roads encircling the main royal centre was built in such a way that each of its branches inevitably passes by the Hazara Ram Temple. Aside from being a symmetrical dream, Hampi is also an architectural marvel. The musical pillars in particular reveal the ingenious technology and technique employed by architects and sculptors. The pillars are made of granite stone and echo Hampi’s rich granite concentration. These rocks were naturally, very large and sturdy, this would by definition impair its utility. But the sculptors of Hampi baffled experts by making use of basic physics. Each of these boulders were first riddled with holes, after which the crevices were filled with dry pieces of wood. Once this was completed, the entire boulder was doused with water. As a result of mounting internal pressure, the rock would split along the holes making it easy to carve and handle. This approach reverberates Hampi’s ingenious arts and crafts community.

The region’s very existence is fascinating and each of its facets are compelling in their own way. For example, Hampi’s mythological significance is quite interesting and shares a very intimate relationship with Hindu mythology. According to local lore, Lord Ram, Lakshman, Hanuman and the two money brothers – Vali and Sugriva all stayed in the spectacular mountains of Hampi. Experts have also noticed that locals associate Hampi’s surplus presence of boulders to the two brothers. As a result of a misunderstanding, Vali and Sugriva got into a physical fight, which led to both of them flinging rocks at each other. The constant stream of boulders lining the entire region is even today associated to their altercation.

As a matter of fact, Hampi’s name also possess mythological connotations. It is believed that the region gained its name as a result of its proximity from the Tungabhadra River and “Hampi” is a variation of the river’s name. According to local adage, the region also derived its name from Goddess Parvathi’s many names- Pampa Devi. The holy union between Shiva and Parvathi also earned a golden shower from the heavens confirming their blessing. Many residents believe that the aforementioned shower resulted in the formation of the famous Hemakuta formation. Further analysis also revealed the that word “Hemakuta” literally translates to “heaps of gold”.

It is evident that the land of Hampi is both profound and compelling and throws light on the complex nature of human thought and expression. Each pillar and pathway in Hampi have some amount of historical value and is a direct link to our past. Hampi’s existence amazes both academicians and tourists.

The infamous fight between vali and Sugriva resulted in both the brothers flinging rocks at each other, locals believe this is why Hampi is surrounded by boulders.

The stepped well in Hampi is a reflection of Chalukyan architecture.

The granite rocks used here were broken down by using the idea of internal pressure, the techniques used by the sculptors was truly ahead of its time. Influence of Chalukyan architecture.