Karnataka's Lost Capital: Decoding the Architectural Genius of Hampi
A magnificent visual journey through the architectural genius of Hampi. Explore the iconic Stone Chariot and Musical Pillars of the Vittala Temple, the towering Virupaksha Temple gopuram, the Indo-Islamic beauty of the Lotus Mahal, and the detailed narrative carvings of the Hazara Rama Temple. Discover how the Vijayanagara Empire cemented its legacy in stone.
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The Lotus Mahal (Chitrangini Mahal)
Located in the Royal Enclosure, the Lotus Mahal (or Chitrangini Mahal) is a striking representation of the empire’s secular architecture and its open embrace of external styles. It stands out from the religious temples by showcasing a perfect Indo-Islamic fusion. The pavilion features beautiful symmetry and is defined by its cusped (pointed) arches—a clear influence from Islamic design—while its multi-layered, pyramidal roofs are distinctly Hindu. This structure was likely a ceremonial or recreational hall for the royal women, and its elegant, airy design, reminiscent of a half-opened lotus flower, highlights the sophisticated and blended architectural aesthetic of the Vijayanagara court.
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