The toponym Hampi – Pampa-Kshetra is name of goddess Parvati (Pampa). The sanskrit word ‘Pampa‘ is morphed into Kannada as Hampa which later known as Hampi, as we know the the place.
A city which contains the history from Mauryan Empire to Chalukya Kingdom and then Hoysala Empire by 12th to 14th century. According to inscriptions , Hoysala Dynasty which gifted land for Shri Virupaksha Temple.
After fall of Hoysala Empire from invasion of Alauddin Khilji in early 14th century and again in 1326 CE by Muhammad bin Tughlaq.
The city rises from ashes in Vijyanagara Empire. By 1500CE Hampi-Vijaynagara become second largest city of world’s second-largest medieval-era city after Beijing. Which later ruled by notable kind Krishnadev Ray (1509-1530) . The kingdom was enriched with public infrastructure, religious and agriculture. As UNESCO sates –
“forts, riverside features, royal and sacred complexes, temples, shrines, pillared halls, mandapas (halls for people to sit), memorial structures, gateways, check posts, stables, water structures, and more”.
We still able to see how the city was so organised with market places, religious and public grounds.
Pushkarni – Sacred water tank
Stay tuned for more Hampi updates…