King's Balance, Hampi
In Hampi this is a located near Vittala Temple. This 16th century balance also known as "Tula Bara" is 5 meter tall and is a very simple structure. It is believed that on special days like Solar or Lunar eclipse King used to weigh himself in gold, silver, gems and precious stones. Then this used to be distributed among the people of the State.
Balance (click on the image for bigger view)
Loops in the balance
Balance (click on the image for bigger view)
Loops in the balance
You say very simple structure,
ReplyDeleteits looks special for me so thin and very beautiful :)
Wonderful shots !!
A very interesting piece of history.
ReplyDeleteAlways lovely and interesting posts, Rajesh! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
Interesting structure.
ReplyDeleteAnd what a generous King that would distribute his weight in gold among his people.
:)
What a wonderful idea to weigh yourself and give the same amount of kilos in money to the poor. This King must have been a very good person!
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend, Rajesh
The people of the State must have looked forward to eclipses. I like the figures you found that are carved at the base of the pillar.
ReplyDeleteGood one... your last 2 post's on Hampi is very informative.. would love to visti this place...
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments on my blog buddy
This would be an incentive not to over-eat nowadays!
ReplyDeleteThat's a beautiful and interesting structure.
ReplyDeleteThe palace must have been stunning in its heyday!
ReplyDeleteNice shots
ReplyDeletefascinating history and interesting architecture. is this closer to town?
ReplyDeleteNice that it remains today. Thank you for the story.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting post and nice photo!Thank you for sharing!Have a nice weekend!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and precious: Very interesting!
ReplyDeleteThanks.
Great structure.
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Beautiful pillars. Covered with history. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI like that story!
ReplyDeleteVery beautifully described about the place. Nice pictures.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos! I love seeing cultural architecture.
ReplyDeleteInteresting info and lovely structures.
ReplyDeleteHi Rajesh:)
ReplyDeleteGreetings:)
It is wonderful to see this magnificent balance and the idea behind it. The rulers of olden days were kind and generous and had special interest in helping the poor and needy.
I hope all the politicians and others in power will visit this place and take a lesson from it. They are more interested in fleecing the public and amassing wealth than helping the poor.
Have a nice day Rajesh:)
Joseph
Must cost him plenty if he was a big man. This is a different tradition that I had not heard of before.
ReplyDeletelike the idea that the king's wealth was distributed amongst his subjects! he sure was one who was worth his weight in gold!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shot !! I always like traveling and visiting heritage places.This is a fantastic place to visit..Unseen Rajasthan
ReplyDeleteThe king should still do the same thing there!
ReplyDeleteIt's always so interesting at your blog. I love being able to learn a bit about India. It's so different from here in the USA.
ReplyDeleteYou always show such beautiful architecture. Thanks for sharing this great history...
ReplyDeletegreat information. fascinating architecture with intricate designs.
ReplyDeleteIt's always fun to learn something new and I had never heard of such a "balance beam." And it's so very old. Amazing that it is still standing and in such good shape.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this!
I'll bet people loved it when the kind was fat!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting. He must have been very wealthy.
ReplyDeleteI am having a hard time looking at the sky with these amazing structures!
ReplyDeleteVery nice shots of the structures. It is always so interesting to see and hear about other part of our world. Thanks for dropping by my place.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful structure and interesting history...
ReplyDeleteReally nice arch!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful peice of history on show there, appreciate your taking the time to explain the story behind this lovely structure.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting place Hampi is. Thanks for showing me!
ReplyDeleteAlways interesting info comes with the photos which are a gem in itself.
ReplyDeleteThe king died long live the king!!
ReplyDeleteExcellent post, you have so much good stuff here, and so much of history we are learning too. Thanks again for sharing, Anna :)
ReplyDeleteThe things kings do! At least this had a charitable purpose. Very interesting explanation of the architecture.
ReplyDeletequite interesting...and reminds me that i must visit hampi once
ReplyDeleteIsn't this the site on the Karnataka Govt. Dasara programme ad? Glad they are waking up to the fact that this is a site to be promoted.
ReplyDeletean interesting piece of history u have shared with us
ReplyDeleteI wonder if the people brought the King lots of fattening food? Interesting story and wonderful photos.
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking us on virtual Hampi trip:-). B'ful architecture.
ReplyDeleteI too plan to visit the place soon:-).
Very nice and interesting pictures..As always :))
ReplyDeleteI have followed your blog of Hampi and really surprise what an marvelous ancient city and so many amazing monuments. I shall like to visit it one day. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteFirst I too wonder how come this balance! Nice detail on this balance.
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos!!
ReplyDeleteAnd beautiful story!
AT THE LAST SHOT i DONT SEE THE SKY....HE IS VERY VERY BRIGHT. But the contrast with the piece of history created a frame.
ReplyDeleteVery good shot
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These temples or relics of old castles from centuries past are so pretty. Despite the wear and tear they have had due to the natural elements, they still retained their old grandeur.
ReplyDeleteThanks to all for the appreciation. These structure really showed how generous were the kings in those days.
ReplyDeleteit reminds me of the stone age..
ReplyDeleteprehistoric times...
great post!
Quite different, but beautiful!
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Thanks for the appreciation of this historic marvel.
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