Thursday, September 17, 2009

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)

From far this balance looks like an arch way. Once near the balance on close observation on can see three loops at the top from which balance was actually hung. Also at the base of one of the pillars one can see image of the King carved with his concerts.

Loops in the balance



57 comments:

Anya said...

You say very simple structure,
its looks special for me so thin and very beautiful :)
Wonderful shots !!

Barbara Martin said...

A very interesting piece of history.

Sylvia K said...

Always lovely and interesting posts, Rajesh! Thanks!

Sylvia

Zuzana said...

Interesting structure.
And what a generous King that would distribute his weight in gold among his people.
:)

Reader Wil said...

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!
Have a great weekend, Rajesh

Diane AZ said...

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.

Samson said...

Good one... your last 2 post's on Hampi is very informative.. would love to visti this place...

Thanks for your comments on my blog buddy

3c said...

This would be an incentive not to over-eat nowadays!

Carver said...

That's a beautiful and interesting structure.

EG CameraGirl said...

The palace must have been stunning in its heyday!

Daryl said...

Nice shots

Photo Cache said...

fascinating history and interesting architecture. is this closer to town?

Unknown said...

Nice that it remains today. Thank you for the story.

Steffi said...

Very interesting post and nice photo!Thank you for sharing!Have a nice weekend!

amatamari© said...

Beautiful and precious: Very interesting!
Thanks.

Jim said...

Great structure.
Sydney - City and Suburbs

Regina said...

Beautiful pillars. Covered with history. Thanks for sharing.

SandyCarlson said...

I like that story!

Urmi said...

Very beautifully described about the place. Nice pictures.

betty-NZ said...

Great photos! I love seeing cultural architecture.

Hildred said...

Interesting info and lovely structures.

Joseph Pulikotil said...

Hi Rajesh:)

Greetings:)

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

Glennis said...

Must cost him plenty if he was a big man. This is a different tradition that I had not heard of before.

magiceye said...

like the idea that the king's wealth was distributed amongst his subjects! he sure was one who was worth his weight in gold!!

Unseen India Tours said...

Beautiful shot !! I always like traveling and visiting heritage places.This is a fantastic place to visit..Unseen Rajasthan

chrome3d said...

The king should still do the same thing there!

aspiritofsimplicity said...

It'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.

penny said...

You always show such beautiful architecture. Thanks for sharing this great history...

syel said...

great information. fascinating architecture with intricate designs.

Lowell said...

It'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.

Thanks for sharing this!

Louise said...

I'll bet people loved it when the kind was fat!

B SQUARED said...

Very interesting. He must have been very wealthy.

Tammie Lee said...

I am having a hard time looking at the sky with these amazing structures!

LV said...

Very 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.

Carol said...

Beautiful structure and interesting history...

Unknown said...

Really nice arch!

Pearl Maple said...

Beautiful peice of history on show there, appreciate your taking the time to explain the story behind this lovely structure.

Gennasus said...

What an interesting place Hampi is. Thanks for showing me!

Danton said...

Always interesting info comes with the photos which are a gem in itself.

Phivos Nicolaides said...

The king died long live the king!!

myonlyphoto said...

Excellent post, you have so much good stuff here, and so much of history we are learning too. Thanks again for sharing, Anna :)

Linda said...

The things kings do! At least this had a charitable purpose. Very interesting explanation of the architecture.

My Unfinished Life said...

quite interesting...and reminds me that i must visit hampi once

radha said...

Isn'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.

Bengbeng said...

an interesting piece of history u have shared with us

Wolynski said...

I wonder if the people brought the King lots of fattening food? Interesting story and wonderful photos.

Viji said...

Thanks for taking us on virtual Hampi trip:-). B'ful architecture.

I too plan to visit the place soon:-).

Sahildeki Ev said...

Very nice and interesting pictures..As always :))

Bradley Hsi said...

I 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.

Jeevan said...

First I too wonder how come this balance! Nice detail on this balance.

biologion said...

Wonderful photos!!
And beautiful story!

http://graceolsson.com/blog said...

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.

Very good shot
graceolsson.com/blog

distresseddamsel said...

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.

Rajesh said...

Thanks to all for the appreciation. These structure really showed how generous were the kings in those days.

Vacation Deals said...

it reminds me of the stone age..
prehistoric times...
great post!

Bhavesh Chhatbar said...

Quite different, but beautiful!

Peacocks [Mor, मोर] of Morachi Chincholi [मोराची चिंचोली]

Rajesh said...

Thanks for the appreciation of this historic marvel.