Hampi is one of the UNESCO world heritage sites, but how many of us actually know what is the history behind the small place located in the city of Karnataka? There are a great many tales related to the town of Hampi with as many interesting facts about the city, which calls upon all history enthusiasts to pursue its intriguing ruins.

The city is filled with ancient temples, dating back to the Vijayanagara Empire. You will be amazed to know that this city is the seat of the empire which flourished in the 16th century. Hampi has been in existence since the Mauryan Empire and has seen a lot of changes ever since, making it instrumental to the course of India’s history.

A place of such great magnificence and opulence is sure to have a rich cultural heritage to it too. Hampi was a part of the Mauryan Empire back in the third century BC. There has been enough evidence of the fact that the rock edifices found in the Bellary district were a common form of recording relevant information in the times of Ashoka. Hampi was the capital city during the four different dynasties altogether in the Vijayanagar city that came into existence in the year 1336 AD. The Vijayanagara Empire reached unfathomable heights under the guidance of King Krishnadeva Raya of Tuluva Dynasty.

There is a legend associated with the place in relation to Ramayana. It is well known that the epic Ramayana is divided into seven ‘Kaands’ or episodes. One particular episode named ‘Kishkindha Kaand’ which has special significance concerning Hampi. According to the legend, the episode took place when Lord Rama and Lord Lakshman reach the Land of Monkeys. The place where they reach is said to be Hampi, and there are many geographical proofs in relation to that too.

Why is Hampi Famous?

There are a lot of beautiful temples, majestic ruins, aquatic structures and royal embellishments of the times of yore that illustrate the glorious past. The ruins of the olden times are an incredible sight to behold, for both the pilgrims and the tourists alike.