Context:
Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Vijayanagara district of Karnataka, has been experiencing stone quarrying activities in its vicinity.
Hampi:
- Located in – Karnataka
- Consist of the remnants of the Vijayanagara Empire‘s capital city (14th-16th century CE).
- Famous places – Krishna temple complex, Narasimha, Ganesa, Hemakuta group of temples, Achyutaraya temple complex, Vitthala temple complex, Virupaksha Temple, Lotus Mahal complex, etc.
- Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986.
Vittala Temple:
- Built in the – 15th century
- During the rule of – Devaraya II, one of the rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire.
- Dedicated to – Vittala (Lord Vishnu)
- Notable attractions include stone chariot and musical pillars
- Stone chariot of Vittala temple is depicted on the Rs 50 currency note.
Hampi Chariot:
- One among the 3 famous stone chariots in India
- Other two being in Konark (Odisha) and Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu).
- Built during – 16th century by the orders of King Krishnadevaraya, a Vijayanagara ruler.
- Dedicated to Garuda, the official vehicle of Lord Vishnu.
Vijayanagar Architecture:
- Style- Dravidian architecture plus some unique features
- Materials – Wood, Brick, Stucco
- Uniqueness –
- Pillared Kalyana mandapa (Marriage Halls)
- Tall Rayagopurams (Entrances of the temple) with life-sized figures of gods and goddesses
- Temple pillars have a mythical creature Yali (Horse) engraved in them
- Introduced the concept of secular buildings inside the temple premises
- Examples – Mahanavami Dibba, Hazara Rama Temple
Vijayanagara Empire:
- Established by – Harihara and Bukka
- Location – Karnataka, along the banks of Thungabhadra
- 4 dynasties– Sangama, Saluva, Tuluva and Aravidu
- Important Rulers – Deva Raya I, Deva Raya II, Krishna Devaraya, Achyuta Devaraya
- Declined with – Battle of Thalikkotta, 1565 in which Vijayanagara Empire was defeated by a coalition of Deccan sultanates
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
Regarding the taxation system of Krishnadeva, the ruler of Vijayanagara, consider the following statements:
1. The tax rate on land was fixed depending on the quality of the land.
2. Private owners of workshops paid an industries tax.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2016 Prelims]
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c)
