Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, the Group of Monuments at Hampi in Karnataka represents the magnificent capital of the Vijayanagar Empire, which flourished between the 14th and 16th centuries. Known for its grand Dravidian temples, royal palaces, and bazaars, Hampi exemplifies the artistic and architectural excellence of the last great Hindu kingdom. Despite its destruction and abandonment after the 1565 conquest by the Deccan Muslim confederacy, the ruins remain a testament to the city’s historical, cultural, and spiritual significance, drawing scholars and visitors from around the world.
