VIJAYANAGARA - CITY OF VICTORY

INTRODUCTION 

1. Vijaynagar is also called “city of victory” from its name vijaya meaning “victory” and nagara meaning “city". Presently known as Hampi. 
2. Vijaynagar empire (1350-1565) was founded by Harihar and Bukka also called the Sangama brothers. It is situated on the bank of Tungabhadra river. 
3. Its power peaked under Krishnadevaraya (1509-29), when it controlled nearly the whole of the peninsula south of the Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers. 
4. A number of temples, monuments, palaces and other structures were built during this period.

ARCHITECTURE 

1. Vijaynagar style of art is a combination of the Cholas, Pandyas, Chalukya-Hoysala and the Indo-Islamic art of the Bijapur region.
2. Its stylistic hallmark is the ornate pillared Kalyanamantapa (marriage hall), Vasanthamantapa (open pillared halls) and the Rayagopura (tower).
3. Another element of the Vijayanagara style is the carving of large monolithic sculptures.
4. Vijayanagar architects concentrated on building enormous halls however many additions were made to existing temples in an effort to enlarge them rather than construct them. 

DEVELOPMENT OF TEMPLE COMPLEX

1. Concentric series of rectangular enclosure walls with the gopuras (towered gateways) in the middle of each side and main temple in the center.
2. Gopurams became taller with enhanced richness in the sculptural details.
3. Absence of mortar in their construction.
4. Distinct scheme of decoration in terms of architectural space.
5. Another major feature is the carved pillars - with the rearing simhas (lions), yalis (lions with elephant trunks.
6. The spacious mandapams became even larger .

1. Decorative friezes were utilized on the plinth moulding, caves, gopuras, pillars etc.
2. Separate shrines were also made like the Amman shrine ,usually north west to the temple to keep an image of the consort if deity.
3. The construction of several mandapas, the Kalyana mandapa being the most conspicuous among them, was a notable feature of the period.
4. It was usually north west to the main temple.
5. The pillars had been adorned with characters of Indian mythology.