Hampi: The Capital of the Vijayanagara Empire
Hampi was the grand capital of the Vijayanagara Empire from 1336 to 1565. Today, its ruins in Karnataka are a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing extraordinary medieval architecture and urban planning.
Primary Reference: NCERT Class XII: Themes in Indian History - Part II
Archived:
Updated:
Exam Year
2008
Evidence Source
Link ↗Old capital of Vijayanagara:
[UPPCS Mains 2008]
Detailed Solution & Historical Context
Concept
The capital of Vijayanagara was one of the largest and wealthiest cities in the world during the 15th and 16th centuries. Its ruins today provide the most complete picture of medieval South Indian urban life.
Authentic Source Evidence
Hampi, located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. It was a massive fortified city famous for its temples like the Virupaksha Temple and its highly organized markets. It was largely destroyed after the Battle of Talikota in 1565.Analytical Breakdown
Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic
"Who conducted the first survey map of Hampi?"
Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip
"Hampi's location was chosen for its natural defenses—the rugged granite boulders and the river provided a natural fort for the empire."
Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)
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