In the Royal Enclosure zone of Hampi this is a giant 3 layer structure and is the tallest in this area. From a distance this looks very simple elevated square stage and may not generate any interest to go near it. But as one approaches the structure, more details emerge and one can appreciate the marvel in stone. The platform is known as the Mahanavami-dibba (House of Victory).
This dimension of the base of these structure is 40 meter square and the topmost area is 24 meter square. It is 12 meters in height. The top of the structure can be reached by the the stairs either in the front (east facing) or in the back. There is nothing at the top, but for the view if the surrounding area from the top. The front stairs are highly decorated on either sides with carvings of elephants, horses, camels, lions and a host of other things.
The walls of the tiers are covered with rows of boldly carved horizontal friezes of horses, elephants, warriors, dancers, musicians,royal ceremony, city life, hunting scenes.
This was constructed by King Krishnadevara in the 16th century. This platform was used by the king to watch the army march-pasts, war games, aquatic sports, shows of the royal animals, musical performances and also the most important Navarathri celebrations.
processions and hunting scenes
This was constructed by King Krishnadevara in the 16th century. This platform was used by the king to watch the army march-pasts, war games, aquatic sports, shows of the royal animals, musical performances and also the most important Navarathri celebrations.
It's good that they are still there to be visited and appreciated.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
WOW Rajesh! This is a very beautiful post!! Well done.
ReplyDeleteAnd oh yes, I wanted to inform you that I have started a new blog if you wish to check-out! It's Fresh Quotes…
I liked the carvings the most in this post.
ReplyDeleteParshuram Waterfall [परशुराम धबधबा]
Beautiful, the artworks are carved with incredible precision. They look so delicate and detailed. Stunning.;)
ReplyDeletewow!! im really amazed .. even after so many years the cravings are still clearly visible!
ReplyDeleteThe decorations are beautiful and definitely worth getting up close to view.
ReplyDeleteThat is so very fascinating.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful and fascinating place, Rajesh! Your photos are magnificent!
ReplyDeleteHave a great week!
Sylvia
Rajesh,
ReplyDeleteAlways fascinating to me to see your world. Love the friezes and different scenes. The artists were really something!
Great to know about this... I have not been to this place.
ReplyDeleteI will make it a point to visit Hampi once more in my life... well atleast once more!
the carvings are delightful. i bet you could spend hours and hours just browsing through all the carvings and enjoying their craftsmanship.
ReplyDeletei have my post up too.
I love the hand carvings. Thanks for sharing them with us.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this interesting structure with us. The artwork on the walls is amazing.
ReplyDeleteI wonder how long it took to create this marvel of carving? I think of the skill of the carvers and the type of tools they must have used in the 16th Century! Very interesting, Rajesh.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate for your beautiful post with wonderful pictures.
ReplyDeleteIts an interesting place and love the stone carvings.
ReplyDeletethat indeed was an informatively wonderful post
ReplyDeleteLove all the decorations. The whole structure looks like layers of puff pastry!
ReplyDeleteIncredible detail in the carvings - all this was done in the 16th century? Wonderful photos.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post
ReplyDeleteI love those hunting scenes in the wall its amazing :)
These are marvelous carvings. I love the way this structure tells so many stories.
ReplyDeleteYour world is so full of wonderful history, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!
ReplyDeleteFascinating, interesting and extremely beautiful! Thanks for showing these remnants of ancient buildings!
ReplyDeleteI love wall carvings. I always stare at them marvelling at the story they tell.
ReplyDeleteI love the pic of the platform.. The shallow reliefs somehow remind me of the ancient Egyptian civilization...
ReplyDeleteMy Travelogue
Beautiful carving and photos, thanks for sharing your part in the world.
ReplyDeleteRajesh: I can only wonder as to the hours spent carving all those stones. That made it a beautiful structure.
ReplyDeleteIt is really amazing would masterpieces people created at that time with the poor means they had to built ! and we are only able to do glass boxes and ugly skyscrapers with our sophisticated tools !
ReplyDeleteAren't those carvings breathtaking? These sites in Karnataka are really amazing.
ReplyDeleteFascinating carvings. Marvelous that it's so old yet still shows all those details.
ReplyDeleteWow, I have never been there. Now I am very interested! :)
ReplyDeleteIncredible!
ReplyDeleteThe carvings are so beautiful. And they still draw visitors over the years and will continue to do so. And to think sculpture in India has more or less dwindled down to making statues of leaders to appease the voters.
ReplyDeleteGood one buddy... would love to visit this place, thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteyou captured them very beautifully
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely interesting information & pictures! Thanks for sharing these. Pixellicious Photos
ReplyDeleteIndia's buildings have such beautiful carvings. It has all weathered really well.
ReplyDeleteHi Rajesh, I have only lately had the time to sit down and read you blog...it is fascinating. I love archeology and anthropology so you tours of the many ancient places in India is simply fascinating. It seems one could spend a life time exploring your amazing country and never see everything. Thank you so much for sharing it with us and I have put India on my Bucket List.
ReplyDeleteBlessings and smiles
Amazing carvings. The more I see your posts on Hampi, more tempted I become to visit the place.
ReplyDeleteThis platform is simply amazing! Beautiful carvings too!
ReplyDeleteSome really beautiful and fantastic shots !! Thanks for sharing the beauty !! This is amazing post..Unseen Rajasthan
ReplyDeleteKris: Thanks, this is a World Heritage Site, maintained well.
ReplyDeleteBhavesh, Asta, Babooshka, Sylvia, Carver, Babli: Thanks for the appreciation.
Protege, Swetha, Your EG, Snap, George: Thanks, they are carved with minimum tools that were available at that point of time.
Suman: Thanks, it is a place you can visit any number of times. Each time one will discover new things.
Ebie, magiceye, Anya, Pam, Kirigalpoththa, Reader: Thanks for the appreciation.
ewok1993: Thanks. Very true one never gets tired of watching these intricate carvings.
Barb, Wolynski, fishing: Thanks. Very true, these were done with very limited number of tools. It was their skill, dedication that has given these wonderful shape. It has taken them very long time.
LadyFi, SandyCarlson, Hazel, Mitr: Thanks, they are carved with minimum tools that were available at that point of time.
eileeninmd, bindu, Things Carried, Deepak, Kcalpesh, JM: Thanks for the appreciation.
Gattina: Thanks. Very true, these were done with very limited number of tools. With so much advancement we now construct glass cages.
Diane: Thanks, they are carved with minimum tools that were available at that point of time.
Sujata, Samson: Thanks, this is a must visit place.
Radha: Thanks. Very true now it is only statutes of leaders just to satisfy their ego.
Maggie: Thanks, it has withstood the test of time.
Carolyn, Aparna: Thanks, this is a must visit place.
The details are amazing around the stage! I wonder how unique they are being carved very small. Very nice post rajesh!
ReplyDeleteJeevan: Thanks, they are carved with minimum tools that were available at that point of time.
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