Picture South India between the 14th and 16th centuries, when the Vijayanagara Empire flourished as one of its most powerful and prosperous kingdoms. Its most notable king, Krishnadevaraya, didn’t just dream of a fortified capital, but a meticulously planned metropolis. Hampi’s location was no accident, strategically placed along the Tungabhadra River and cradled by natural fortresses of hills and boulders. The architects were true visionaries, seamlessly blending the dramatic natural landscape into the city’s design, creating a harmonious fusion of defense and elegant living spaces. Wide royal roads, bustling markets, and well-organized homes paint a vivid picture of Hampi’s advanced urban life.

The true soul of Hampi is unveiled in its unique Vijayanagara architecture, a beautiful evolution of the Dravidian style. Stand before the Virupaksha Temple, still alive with devotion, its towering gateway (gopuram) adorned with intricate carvings that breathe life into ancient myths. But perhaps the sparkling jewel of Hampi is the Vittala Temple Complex, where artistry reached its peak. Its most famous feature, the Stone Chariot, seems poised to roll, a marvel carved from a single piece of stone. Even more astonishing are the temple’s legendary Musical Pillars, which, with a gentle tap, are said to sing melodic notes – a marvel of ancient acoustic engineering. And don’t miss the graceful Lotus Mahal, a breathtaking blend of Hindu and Islamic artistry, or the expansive Queen’s Bath, showcasing the empire’s refined taste and engineering brilliance.
In a land often thirsty for water, Hampi’s survival and prosperity hinged on remarkable water management. The Vijayanagara engineers were true masters of water. They wove an intricate web of canals and aqueducts, drawing water from the Tungabhadra River to fill vast reservoirs and elegant stepwells, known as Pushkarinis. These stepped tanks, like the one beside the Vittala Temple, were not only practical but also stunning examples of geometric design and masonry. This sophisticated water system allowed the city to thrive, supporting its enormous population and fertile fields.

What truly sets Hampi apart is how its creators didn’t just build on the land, but with it. The enormous granite boulders are everywhere, often becoming natural backdrops, or even integral parts of temples and fortifications. This seamless integration gives Hampi an almost otherworldly feel, a powerful reminder of the deep connection between ancient Indian civilization and its natural world. The sheer scale of the ruins, often requiring you to climb over these very boulders, only deepens the sense of discovery.

Hampi is more than just a historical site; it’s an enduring symbol of India’s rich heritage. It represents a golden age where art, engineering, spirituality, and city planning merged to create something truly extraordinary. For anyone yearning to grasp the genius and artistic soul of ancient India, Hampi offers an unparalleled journey into a lost empire that continues to inspire awe. Its stones truly whisper tales of a glorious past, urging us to protect and learn from these architectural wonders.

AUTHOR’S NOTE

Anurodh Das is an aspiring young historian and author. Despite being only 14, he has already written three books, including the non-fiction history work “VISHWAVIDYALAYA: The Lost Knowledge of INDIA,” which focuses on four major ancient Indian universities: Takshashila, Nalanda, Odantapuri, and Vikramshila.

His work on history and culture has been featured on platforms like LinkedIn, Voices Of Youth – UNICEF, and Youth Ki Awaaz. He currently serves as a Student Reporter for Peerbagh’s Bento Magazine and contributes historical narratives for the “SiteLens” project as the youngest member of the NarrAI team at India Lost & Found (ILF).

Anurodh also runs his YouTube channel “RODH’s ZONE” and received an “Honourable Mention” in the RobinAge Bright Sparks Awards 2024-25 for his literary and content contributions. He is dedicated to sparking wider interest in history and culture among youth.

Ramchandra Guha in his book, ‘India after Gandhi’ has mentioned the repercussions that India’s archaeological past had to face due to an account of the demographic flood and also the division of assets. After the partition, the museums were divided on the basis of territory. The Lahore museum was split between East and West Punjab. In 1949 the museum committee agreed on 50/50 divisions of the artefacts of the Mohenjodaro and Chanhu-daro collection. Mortimer Wheeler , director general of archaeology in India, suggested the collection of the Indus Valley civilization into two equal parts, which would compromise the integrity of the objects.

In Delhi, camps were set up in monuments like Purana Qila, Feroz Shah Kotla, Humayun’s Tomb and Safdarjung’s Tomb. ASI had to deal with all the pressures on the Islamic monuments in India. During a riot in September,1947 many monuments were attacked and several muslims were butchered. It was a anti- muslim riot so ancient mosques and masjids were attacked. Moti Masjid in Mehrauli had its marble minars torn off and smashed. At Wazirabad, the grave of saint Shahi Alam was wiped out, mimbar was pulled down, Sultan Ghari’s  tomb was destroyed and pillars were demolished. After destroying masjids, people tried to install hindu deity. This instilled the sense of hatred in muslim communities for Hindus too.

ASI made a request for police guarding the monument. There was a shortage of police guards so the Commissioner couldn’t help. For them, protecting monuments was not as important as protecting people as the whole country was suffering from displacements, riots and communal tensions.

In 1949, 3000 refugees took shelter in Humayun’s tomb, 1400 refugees were housed in Safdarjang’s tomb, 4500 people lived in the tents in Purana Qila and 1500 refugees took shelter at Feroz shah kotla. Nayanjot Lahiri by saying that exceptional times evidently required exceptional measures, justifies the ignorance of ASI. Because of humanitarian reasons, monuments protected by it could not be occupied. They permitted some of the monuments to be used as temporary refugee camps only with certain conditions; however these conditions could rarely be enforced.

According to the evidence, stones at Sher Shah’s mosque in Purana Qila were found broken when Mortimer Wheeler refused to accommodate a primary school in the mosque for the children of refugees living in Purana Qila. Several destructive acts were seen in Arab Sarai. The Indian army also inflicted some damage on Gol Gumbad monumental complex, when they entered without prior permission from ASI.

Finally in the 1950s when refugees moved out, ASI started repairing the destroyed monuments. V.K Gupta, Director general central public works department, Minister of Urban Development(2013) has truly said that the past is all around us. Our lives are surrounded by various historic buildings, landscapes and artefacts. Historic environment is the most important factor which defines our evolution as a human being. It is a physical record of what a country was and what it has become. The styles can define the regions, localities and communities. Our historic landscapes and iconic buildings are our community identity and pride.

The heritage buildings constructed in the past have high historical, architectural, spiritual, social, political and economical values. Similarly, heritage buildings are highly valuable and informative in terms of socio-cultural, socio-political, socio-economical and even technological activities of a specific society or group of individuals. However, since Independence hundreds of sites and monuments have been destroyed. Encroachments and destruction have been initiated in many cases by religious lobbies. Even where ASI officers have not been able to prevent unlawful encroachments.

Nayanjot Lahiri has suggested many ideas to conserve our Heritage. The most important is that the heritage laws need to be re-examined as the laws and legislations have clearly failed to protect and preserve our heritage. Antiquity laws need to be more realistic and transparent, The laws should also have to be people friendly. And as a responsible and proud citizen of India let’s take an oath on this 15th August to preserve our rich heritage, monuments and culture and value it’s integrity above all.

REFERENCE

1. https://theconversation.com/how-the-partition-of-india-happened-and-why-its-effects-are-still-felt-today-81766
2. https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/hope-and-grief-the-joy-of-15-august-1947-was-punctured-by-the-sufferings-of-partition/637215
3. https://caravanmagazine.in/vantage/partition-impacted-monuments-newly-formed-india
4. India After Gandhi-Nayanjot lahiri

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Hiya, I’m BHAVYA DEEP…

Final year History student at Hansraj college, fascinated by the dynamism of history. I am currently handling the Pinterest and LinkedIn page of ILF, It has given me the platform or an opportunity to explore my skills and knowledge so that I can choose my career prudently.