Top 15 Facts about the ancient city of Hampi, India

By Apadegal – Wikimedia

Originally published by Lilian  in April of 2021, Updated by Charity K on April 2023

Top 15 Facts about the ancient city of Hampi, India

The City of Hampi is found in Karnataka, India. It is made up of a group of historical monuments from the 14^th century. This city is a UNESCO Heritage site and was once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire.

Hampi was one of the most developed cities in the world. Several travelers from Europe and beyond traded in this city. The city was strategically located along the Tungabhadra River.

There were several farms, trading markets, and temples built around and in this city. At one point the city was the second-largest medieval city after Beijing.

It was the richest city in India and had traders from as far as Persia and Portugal. By the mid-16^th century, the Vijayanagara Empire was conquered by Muslim sultans who plundered it and left it for ruins.

Hampi City was ranked as the 2^nd best place to visit in the world. It is no doubt that the city is a rich historical and cultural center in India. The tourists that visit this ancient city not only love the history behind it but also the architecture.

Read more about other cities of the world here.

1. This ancient city has unique architecture

By Hawinprinto – Wikimedia

If there is one thing that stands out in the city of Hampi is its rich art and architecture. Vijayanagara kings loved religion and art, they, therefore, invested in the architecture of the temples and buildings in the city.

Krishna Deva Raya rules Hampi City between 1509 and 1529. During this time, the city had reached its prime in terms of trade and development.

International trade in the city had progressed significantly and there were several international trade agreements. The Vijayanagara Empire extended beyond the south of India.  

Unfortunately, the city was attacked by Muslim Sultans who left the city in ruins. The attack lasted for six months.

It marked the end of the Empire as well as the city’s golden era. Reconstruction and rebuilding of the city did not happen even after new kings ruled the city after the attacks.

2. Hampi was known as Pampa-Kshetra

Hampi City was originally known as Pampa-Kshetra after the Hindu god Pampa. She led a life of a yogi in Mt. Hemkunta and wanted to get married to Shiva.

The river flowing along the city was named after her too, while the land was known as Pampa Khestra. This region was later renamed Pampe and the river, Tungabhadra River.

These names were a result of the old name of the Tungabhadra River which was Pampa. Therefore, the name Hampi is the anglicized version of the Kannada name Hampe.

Today, tourists can enjoy a boat cruise. 

3. The City of Hampi is an archaeological museum

By Apadegal – Wikimedia

Having been an ancient famous and developed city, Hampi is rich in archaeological artifacts. It was therefore turned into an Archaeological Museum.

There are several ruins in this museum that tell the history of the Vijayanagara Empire. One will find several photos of Durga, the statue of Lakshmi, as well as that of Narasimha.

The historical museum had a model of the entire ancient city. There are also detailed photos of the ancient occupants of the city. You will also find gold and silver coins that were used for trade.

This museum is hidden in Hosapete, a town within the ruins of the Empire. Therefore, it is never crowded since many tourists are not aware of it.

4. This city is closely linked to Lord Ramayana

By Mohit Prasad – Wikimedia

Hampi City is not only historic but also religious. Its association with religion is not because of the several elaborate temples, but because of Lord Ramayana.

This city was believed to be the monkey kingdom Kiskinda. It is the place where Lord Ramayana met Hanuman, his loyal disciple.

The monkey army is said to have assisted Lord Ramayana build a bridge of stones across the sea to Lanka.

This story inspired the construction of several temples in the city as well as the stone carvings on the temples.

The temples date back to the 7^th century and the 14^th century. They were dedicated to Shiva and Parvati. One of the temples in the northern part of the city was dedicated to Hanuman.

5.  Vijaya Vittala temple in the City of Hampi is the most beautiful

By Sailesh Patnaik – Wikimedia

One of the most beautiful pieces of architecture in Hampi City is the Vijaya Vittala temple. This temple was dedicated to Lord Vittala.

If you love architecture, this is one building not to miss while visiting the city of Hampi. The temple has several hallways, gateways, towers, and pavilions.

It was built in the 15^th century and every ruler that took over the city, did their best to beautify it even further.

All the efforts of the kings of this empire to the temple resulted in the most beautiful piece of architecture.

The highlight of the temple is the stone chariot, which is quite iconic.

6. There are singing columns in the city of Hampi

By Maheshwaran S – Wikimedia

The savegame pillars of Hampi at Vittala Temple are known for their melody. These pillars are made of stones and produce a musical tune when tapped softly.

They are the most glorious architectural pieces of architecture at the monumental Temple. Each pillar represents a musical instrument. They also provide support for the entire structure.

When struck the pillars produce 7 notes from each instrument it represents.

7. This city was once an international trading center

At one point, the city of Hampi was one of the major trading centers of the world. Vijayanagar Empire contributed a lot to creating wealth, fame, and splendor in the city.

There were several markets in the city and they were all busy and crowded. Traders and buyers came from Europe and Persia.

The traders at the markets used to exchange goods for spices, precious stones, and cotton. They would also use silver and gold currencies to trade.   

Hampi occupied about 4000 hectares. This was the 2^nd largest city after Beijing in China. 

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8. It is known as the lost city

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After the city was attacked by Muslim sultans, it was deserted since it had been ruined. With time, it lost its economic and religious importance.

The entire city almost disappeared and was forgotten. It was rediscovered by European archaeologists when the British colonized India.

The first archaeologist who took pictures of the ruined city was Alexander Greenlaw. He created an archive of photos of temples and other royal structures.   

One archaeologist had a television show explaining the series of events that took place in that ancient city.

An Italian trader and traveler, Cesare Federici, described the city as different. This was after it was invaded. Federici used to trade at the market in Hampi.   

9. There are Muslim monuments in the ancient city of Hampi

When the Muslims invaded the city of Hampi, they built a Muslim quarter. In there are; Islamic tombs, two mosques, and a cemetery.

The quarter is not close to any of the religious centers or close to the royal court. There are other Muslim monuments in the urban areas of the ancient city.

These monuments were located where the residents of the Vijayanagara Empire.

One of the Muslim monuments was built by Ahmad Khan in 1439. He was an army officer for King Devaraya II.  

10. The ancient city of Hampi was the second largest in the world

By Apadegal – Wikimedia

This was the second-largest city in the world during the Medieval Period. Although all that is left today are ruins, the city occupied about 4000 hectares of land.

It gained popularity back then and even today. This site is the most visited in Karnataka. Hampi is one of the oldest regions in India and has remained to be a favorite place for historians.

One popular street in the ancient city is Hampi Bazaar. It is decorated with old pavilions and stretches for a kilometer.

Read more about other cities of the world here.

11. The City is Recognized as a Religious Centre for Hinduism

Hindus have treated Hampi City as a sacred land with various mythical events being associated with the city. It houses very important temples and other monuments culturally valued since way back during the Vijayanagara Empire. One very important place that it houses is the Virupaksha Temple. According to the Hindu Religion, this city is their origin. Today, the city is important to Hinduism because of its active Adi Shankara-linked monastery. In addition, it has various monuments that have a history of its development.

12. The City is Known for its Unique Celebrations

It is customarily known that the religious festivals normally hold their religious festivals in this city yearly. The celebrations include Vijaya Utsav, Virupaksha Car Festival, and Purandara Festivals not to mention the usual Indian festivals celebrated every year.

13. There is a Fascinating Fact why the City is called Hampi

The name Hampi is derived from Pampa, the customary name Kishkinda-Kshetra, Bhaskara-Kshetra, or Pampa-Kshetra, and hence obtained from Pampa. This is the original name for River Tungabhadra and because its city is located on the southern bank of the river, the name fitted in well. 

14. The Interesting Fact About the City Dates Back to the 1st Century

Hampi City had a historical fact that there was a settlement that dates back to the first century. History has a record of the Hampi district governed by the Ashokan Kingdom in the third century BC.

15. The City had a Watch Tower for Security Purposes

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Hampi City was well guarded. This watch tower is a sign that it was difficult for any outsider to invade it because they could be seen from afar. The watch tower is accessed through a staircase right behind the sanctum of the temple. The staircase leads to the back exit where there is a dark chamber with a small opening in the wall. There is an exit to the right side. In addition, the watch tower is high in that it is visible and it’s the first point that the set rises.

Read more about other cities of the world here.