Nestled in the heart of Karnataka, India, amidst the remnants of an ancient empire lies the enchanting Hampi Bazaar. This bustling marketplace, steeped in history and culture, stands as a testament to the grandeur of the Vijayanagara Empire. As you wander through its lanes, you are transported back in time to an era of kings and kingdoms, where trade flourished and artisans thrived.
Whether you’re a history buff seeking remnants of a glorious past or a curious traveler seeking unique souvenirs, Hampi Bazaar offers an unforgettable experience.
History of the Bazaar
Hampi Bazaar, also known as Virupaksha Bazaar, derives its name from the majestic Virupaksha Temple, which stands sentinel at one end of the market. The other end of the Hampi Bazaar street stands Yeduru Basavanna – the giant, monolithic Nandi, the Silent Guardian of Hampi.
READ More about the Virupaksha Temple in Hampi.
READ More about Yeduru Basavanna – the Silent Guardian of Hampi.
Established in the 14th century, during the reign of the Vijayanagara Empire, this vibrant bazaar served as a hub for traders from across the globe. The remnants of ancient pavilions and arched gateways still echo the glory of its past, offering a glimpse into its illustrious history.
What famous had to travelers said about the Hampi Bazaar?
The Hampi Bazaar stood at the peak of the Vijayanagar Empire. Various travelers documented their observations in their works.
The Persian Ambassador, Abdur Razzaq, visited Hampi in the 15th century. He marveled at the grandeur of the empire and described the bazaar as a bustling center of trade and commerce, where merchants from distant lands congregated to buy and sell their wares.
Domingo Paes, a Portuguese traveler who visited Hampi in the 16th century, was captivated by the magnificence of the Virupaksha Temple and the vibrant atmosphere of the bazaar. He noted the presence of various goods, including precious stones, textiles, and spices, being traded in the market.
Niccolò de’ Conti, an Italian merchant and explorer visited Hampi in the 15th century. He praised the architectural splendor of the city and the bustling activity of its markets. He described Hampi Bazaar as a place where “everything was to be bought that the human heart could desire.”
Another Portuguese traveler who visited Hampi in the 16th century, Fernão Nunes, provided detailed accounts of the city’s markets, including Hampi Bazaar. He noted the presence of various goods from distant lands, highlighting the city’s importance as a center of trade and commerce.
Remnants of the ancient Hampi Bazaar
Nothing but ruins of the bazaar that the travelers spoke about in their works remain today. The road between the Virupaksha temple to the large monolithic Nandi is what was called the Hampi Bazaar. It is a stretch nearly 1 km long. As you walk through you observe granite structures lining both sides of the road that once was the market that housed scores of shops on both sides.
Today these structures are in ruins. These structures are maintained by the Archeological Survey of India.
In evenings, after 6 PM, the ASI conducts light and sound shows where these structures are beautifully lighted.
READ More for a weekend itinerary in Hampi.
Shopping in Hampi Bazaar today
While the Hampi Bazaar of Vijayanagar era is unfortunately in ruins today, a small diversion from the Hampi Bazaar street takes you to a street with many small shops with crafts, and souvenirs to carry back home.
Happy Traveling!
