The Vijayanagara Empire (1336–1565 CE)

-

The Vijayanagara Empire (1336–1565 CE) was a powerful South Indian kingdom that played a crucial role in shaping the region's history, culture, and architecture. Founded by Harihara I and Bukka Raya I of the Sangama dynasty, the empire emerged as a stronghold against invasions from the Delhi Sultanate and later the Deccan Sultanates.


Key Aspects of the Vijayanagara Empire

  • Capital: Vijayanagara (modern-day Hampi), now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • Dynasties: Sangama, Saluva, Tuluva, and Aravidu.

  • Prominent Rulers:

    • Krishnadevaraya (1509–1529): Expanded the empire, strengthened administration, and promoted literature and art.

    • Deva Raya II (1423–1446): Encouraged military innovations and cultural advancements.

  • Battle of Talikota (1565): A decisive conflict where the empire suffered a major defeat against the combined forces of the Deccan Sultanates, leading to its decline.

Cultural and Architectural Contributions

  • Temple Architecture: The empire blended Dravidian and Indo-Islamic styles, leading to grand structures like the Virupaksha Temple and Vittala Temple.

  • Urban Planning: Advanced irrigation systems and well-organized cities.

  • Literature and Arts: Flourished in Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, and Sanskrit, with significant contributions to poetry, music, and drama.

The Vijayanagara Empire left an enduring legacy, influencing South Indian traditions and governance.

  ******************************************************************************

The Vijayanagara Empire had a profound impact on Indian architecture, blending earlier South Indian styles with unique innovations. Here’s how it shaped architectural traditions:

Key Influences

  1. Fusion of Styles: Vijayanagara architecture combined elements from the Chalukya, Hoysala, Rashtrakuta, Pandya, and Chola styles, creating a distinct aesthetic.

  2. Temple Architecture:

    • Gopurams (Entrance Towers): Tall, ornate gateways became a defining feature, particularly Rayagopurams, named after the ruling Rayas.

    • Mandapas (Halls): Large, intricately carved pillared halls were introduced, often used for religious and social gatherings.

    • Monolithic Sculptures: Gigantic statues, such as the Sasivekalu Ganesha and Kadalekalu Ganesha in Hampi, showcased the empire’s artistic grandeur.

  3. Courtly and Civic Architecture:

    • Lotus Mahal: A blend of Hindu and Indo-Islamic styles, featuring arches, domes, and vaulted ceilings.

    • Elephant Stables: Massive structures with domed chambers, reflecting Indo-Islamic influences.

    • Queen’s Bath House: Elaborate water features and intricate designs demonstrated advanced engineering.

  4. Use of Granite: Unlike earlier empires that favored soapstone, Vijayanagara architects preferred granite, making their structures more durable.

  5. Urban Planning: The capital city, Vijayanagara (modern-day Hampi), was well-organized, featuring fortifications, marketplaces, and irrigation systems.

The empire’s architectural legacy remains visible in Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where its temples, palaces, and sculptures continue to inspire admiration. 

                                                     ******************************************************************************

Important news context related to Lepakshi Temple 

The Lepakshi Temple has been making headlines recently due to its potential inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage list. Historians and cultural experts have urged the government to take steps to secure this recognition, highlighting the temple’s Dravidian-style architecture, intricate sculptures, and the world’s largest monolithic Nandi statue.

Additionally, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has submitted a proposal for international recognition, and the temple has already reached UNESCO’s tentative list of heritage sites. However, challenges such as encroachments around the temple have slowed down the process, with experts calling for better preservation efforts.


More about this temple:-

The Lepakshi Temple, also known as the Veerabhadra Temple, is a stunning architectural marvel located in Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh, India. Built in the 16th century during the Vijayanagara Empire, it is dedicated to Veerabhadra, a fierce form of Lord Shiva.

Key Features of Lepakshi Temple

  • Vijayanagara Architecture: The temple is adorned with intricate carvings and fresco paintings depicting scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas.

  • Hanging Pillar Mystery: One of the temple’s 70 pillars is suspended in the air, defying gravity. Visitors often pass a cloth underneath it to test its uniqueness.

  • Monolithic Nandi: About 200 meters from the temple, there is a massive Nandi (bull) carved from a single block of stone, considered one of the largest of its kind.

  • Nagalinga: The temple houses India’s largest monolithic Nagalinga, sculpted in just an hour by artisans while their lunch was being prepared.

  • Durga Padam: A footprint believed to be of Maa Sita, adding to the temple’s spiritual significance.

The temple is not just an architectural wonder but also a divyakshetra, an important pilgrimage site for Lord Shiva.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Is the Sanctity of Parliamentary Debate, Which Lies at the Core of Democratic Decision-Making, Being Compromised?

-
From the historical view where the core of parliamentary debates was based on public welfare, the utilitarianism principle where every individual was very much aware of being responsible for his/her words towards the public, their actions and reactions were under the basic rule. The decorum of parliament was maintained and the politicians were public servants thinking of a collective decision where the core value was to take a step in the public welfare way. Thinking of that era when like-minded people were making decisions for a common vision that was devoted to a well-developed nation as a whole. But if we talk about today's debates they sound to be senseless.   Fighting with the elders, breaking public property, unethical slogans, and quotations to put-down the individual's public and private image is not at all the act of the responsible member of parliament. The core value is dying with the baseless debates where logical thinking and analytical norms are missing. There wa...
Read more

‘India had parliamentary institutions when people of Europe were mere nomads’

-
Image
The quote by  Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, "India had parliamentary institutions when people of Europe were mere nomads,"  is a powerful testament to the ancient civilization's early advancements in governance and societal structures. It speaks volumes about the historical context of India's political systems, which were far more developed than often recognized in the common Eurocentric narrative of history. This essay will delve into the implications of Ambedkar's statement, exploring its historical accuracy, its significance in the context of Indian pride and identity, and its relevance in contemporary discussions about the origins and evolution of democratic institutions. Firstly, various historical records and scholarly research support the assertion that India had parliamentary institutions in ancient times. The 'sabha' and 'samiti' of the Vedic period, for instance, are indicative of consultative assemblies that played a role in governance. These bodie...
Read more

Dr. D.C. Wadhwa & Ors. vs. State of Bihar & Ors. case of 1986

-
 The Dr. D.C. Wadhwa & Ors. vs. State of Bihar & Ors. case of 1986 is a cornerstone in the Indian judicial history, highlighting the delicate balance of power between the executive and legislative branches of government . The case stemmed from a practice that had become routine for the Bihar government: the re-promulgation of ordinances without legislative approval, a process that Dr. D.C. Wadhwa, an economics professor, found to be a subversion of democratic principles . The Supreme Court's decision in this case was a resounding affirmation of constitutional law and its supremacy over executive convenience. By declaring the practice of re-promulgating ordinances without legislative consent as unconstitutional, the court reinforced the necessity of legislative scrutiny and the impermanence of ordinances, which are meant to be emergency measures, not a backdoor for enacting laws. This landmark judgment serves as a reminder of the importance of checks and balances within ...
Read more