In 14th century India, two brothers, Harihara I and Bukka Raya, somewhere in middle India were captured by the Delhi Sultanate in an invasion of Southern India. The Sultanate in this time was under the reign of Muhammad bin Tughlaq. The two brothers were captured and forcefully converted to Islam.
The brothers escaped from captivity, reconverted to Hinduism under the guidance of Vidyaranya Swami, a celebrated philosopher and went on on to the found the Sangama Dynasty with its capital at Hampi. Hampi became the seat of subsequent dynasties. While political power changed hands between dynasties, Hampi remained a seat of political power.
Hampi reached its pinnacle during the Vijayanagar Empire under the reign of Krishnadeva Raya. At this time, Hampi was one of the most prosperous and richest cities in the world.
Bahamani Sultanate, Disintegration and Split
The Bahamani Sultanate had very strained relations with the Vijayanagar Empire. One of the primary reasons was the religious strain between the kingdoms. While Vijayanagar emerged as a powerful political force that Bahamani Sultanate could not survive and broke down into:
(a) Nizamshahi Sultanate of Ahmednagar
(b) Qutbshahi Sultanate of Golconda
(c) Baridshahi Sultanate of Bidar
(d) Imadshahi Sultanate of Berar
(e) Adilshahi Sultanate of Bijapur
These 5 sultanates are known as the Deccan sultanates. While the Bahamani Sultanate declined, these 5 kingdoms inherited their animosity with the Vijayanagar kingdom.
Battle of Talikota
This battle was a combined invasion of the Vijayanagar empire by the Deccan Sultanates together. The Vijayanagar empire was under the reign of King Rama Raya at the time of the battle. This was coupled with the internal betrayal of the Gilani brothers who held high positions in the Vijayanagar Kingdom.
This loss led to the persistent plunder and destruction of Hampi, reducing it to rubbles as you presently see in the vast expanses of the city.
Let us know if you would like to know more about the history of Hampi.
Important Places of Medieval Period to visit in Hampi
Virupaksha Temple: This is the most famous temple in Hampi and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the oldest temples in the complex, dating back to the 7th century. The temple has a magnificent gopuram (gateway tower) and a large complex with various shrines and halls.
You will meet the gentle temple elephant in the temple premises just before reaching the temple. It would a great idea to get some food for the elephant if you can.
Vithala Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is known for its exquisite carvings and architecture.
(Thankful to https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/04/Vittala_Temple_-_Hampi_-_Karnataka.jpg)
The most famous structure in the complex is the chariot-shaped stone mandapa (hall).
Hemakuta Hill: This hill offers panoramic views of Hampi and is home to several temples and ruins. The most notable temple on the hill is the Krishna Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna.
Hazara Rama Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and is known for its thousand pillars. Do refer to our post on the importance of Kishkindha, north of the Tungabhadra river.
Matanga Hill: This hill is associated with the legend of Matanga, a sage who is said to have helped Lord Rama cross the Tungabhadra River. The hill offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Elephant Stables: These stables were used to house the royal elephants of the Vijayanagara Empire. The stables are large and impressive, and they give an idea of the wealth and power of the empire.
Queen’s Bath: This complex was used by the royal women of the Vijayanagara Empire for bathing and leisure activities. The complex has a swimming pool, a pavilion, and other structures.
Lotus Mahal: This palace is named after the lotus-shaped flower that appears in its design. The palace is believed to have been used by the royal women of the Vijayanagara Empire.
Hampi Bazaar: This bazaar was once a bustling marketplace where people from all over India and beyond would come to trade. The bazaar is now in ruins, but it is still an interesting place to explore and imagine what it must have been like in its heyday.
Hampi is situated on the southern bank of Tungabhadra river. This was the capital of Vijayanagar Empire. North of Tungabhadra lies the ancient Kishkindha, the capital of the Vaanar empire in Ramayana.
You may read more about the the places to see in Hampi.
