THE object of this little book is, not only to give clear THE a and brief description of the various styles of buildings produced during the Vijayanagar period, but also to consider those influences which have contributed to the formation of each special style. It is a mistake to isolate architecture from its surroundings, because the main points of the physical geography, social progress and historical development of any country require to be understood by those who would study and comprehend its particular style.
The leading influences that may be expected to shape the architecture of any country or people are (1) Locality with regard to its geographical, geological, and climatic conditions; (2) Religion; (3) Social and Political; (4) Historical. Import- ant as all four of these are, the strongest is undoubtedly the influence of religion. In almost all countries and in India in particular, we find that the chief buildings are the outcome of the nation's religious beliefs. Nothing reveals the character of the nation so clearly as its religion, and nothing has more permeating influence upon its architecture. Therefore, the influence of religion has been dealt with rather more fully than would at first sight perhaps appear necessary in a small work of this kind, but the necessity, however, for a brief knowledge of this important subject will become apparent when the visitor to Hampi finds himself confronted with the profusely sculptured walls and pillars adorning some of the larger temples. To him who knows not the legends of Rama and Krishna, the different incarnations of Vishnu of the characteristics and attributes of Eiva, these wonderful 'pictures in stone' will have no meaning.
Time spent in the study of the architecture and religion of the past will never be regretted, for every ruin tells of the history of other days, and enables the character and conditions of men of past periods to be conjured up.
thus opening wide to all students and lovers of old buildings the enjoyment of contemplating forms which will then have for them a meaning and a charm.
Part I deals with the main influences which have helped to form the different styles of architecture produced during the Vijayanagar period, and Part II describes the chief buildings existing at Hampi. Part I has been compiled mainly from the following works, and lays no claim to originality Mr. Robert Sewell's book "A Forgotten Empire "* (a work that every visitor to Hampi should read); "The Bellary District Gazetteer"; Mysore and Coorg, from the Inscriptions" by Mr. Lewis Rice; "Hinduism" by Dr. L. D. Barnett; and I am greatly indebted to Mr. Krishna Sastri, the Government Epigraphist, for assisting me with regard to the dates of the different rulers of Vijayanagar and much other valuable information.
In Part II, long descriptions which are necessarily technical and intolerably dry have been omitted. I have therefore provided the largest possible, number of illustrations instead, and have confined the text to brief, but it is hoped vivid notes on the special qualities and characteristics of the buildings referred to.
The illustrations are from full plate negatives in this office and as per the orders of the Government contained in G. O. No. 1418 Home (Edn.), dated 12th November 1917, bromide prints from any of these are available to the public at a cost of one Rupee each, postage paid, obtainable at the address mentioned below.
Vedas (1182)
Upanishads (493)
Puranas (624)
Ramayana (741)
Mahabharata (354)
Dharmasastras (165)
Goddess (496)
Bhakti (242)
Saints (1503)
Gods (1289)
Shiva (370)
Journal (187)
Fiction (60)
Vedanta (362)
Send as free online greeting card
Email a Friend
Manage Wishlist