Unveiling the architectural marvels of the Vijayanagar empire : a comprehensive study of Vijayanagar architecture
- Vol.21(3), Jul-Sep
- New Delhi Institute of Town Planners 2024
- 91-100p.
One of the peculiarities of modern Indian historiography is that the Deccan remains relatively unstudied: little significant work has been done on any of the Dravidian art and architecture, particularly that of the Vijayanagar Empire. This large gap is all the more astounding at an age when every minute shape of history looked to be meticulously plotted out. Few historians, Indian or foreign, have written substantially on the Deccan, which remains infrequently visited and unexpectedly unexplored. The Vijayanagar Empire, which flourished in South India from the 14th to the 17th century, left a lasting impression on the area’s architectural landscape. The empire’s architectural wonders, especially in its capital city of Hampi, demonstrate an amazing fusion of creative genius and cutting-edge technological prowess. The highly advanced and inventive architectural technology used during the Vijayanagar era allowed for the construction of numerous temples and secular buildings that still stand as reminders of the majesty of the empire. The Vijayanagar Empire may not have used the word “sustainability” explicitly, but many of their architectural practises are in line with current sustainability ideals. The architects and builders of the empire exhibited a profound understanding of local resources, climate, and community needs, which unintentionally resulted in the construction of buildings that were well-suited to their surroundings and that have withstood the test of time. Some features like Passive cooling and ventilation, water management, durable constructions are evidently seen in the architecture of this period.