Previous Year Question

The extensive archaeological remains of Hampi, situated on the Tungabhadra River in present-day Karnataka, represent the remains of the capital city of the medieval Vijayanagara Empire. UNESCO describes Hampi as comprising mainly the remnants of the capital city of the Vijayanagara Empire of the 14th–16th centuries.

The Vijayanagara Empire emerged in the fourteenth century, and Hampi developed approximately from the 14th to the 16th century as its principal political, religious and economic centre. It was not merely a royal capital but also an exceptionally prosperous commercial and cultural city of southern India.

The vast archaeological landscape of Hampi still contains more than 1,600 surviving remains, including fortifications, royal and sacred complexes, temples, mandapas, bazaars, water structures, stables and gateways. These remains demonstrate the sophisticated urban planning and architecture of the city.

Its important monuments include the Virupaksha Temple, Vitthala Temple complex, Krishna Temple, Achyutaraya Temple, Lotus Mahal and Elephant Stables. The famous stone chariot in the Vitthala Temple complex is among the most recognizable works of Vijayanagara architecture.

The Vijayanagara Empire reached a particularly high point under Krishnadevaraya (1509–1529/30 CE), when the prosperity of the capital and architectural activity expanded greatly. UNESCO identifies the reign of Krishnadevaraya as the period when Vijayanagara reached its apogee.

After the Battle of Talikota in 1565 CE, the capital suffered extensive destruction. Following the victory of the combined Deccan Sultanate forces, the city was plundered and gradually abandoned as the imperial capital.

Therefore, the extensive ruins visible at Hampi today are the remains of the old capital city of Vijayanagara.