JOIN USThe Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has undertaken the work to restore the ruins of the residential areas of Vijayanagar kings and ministers in this heritage town.
The palaces of Krishnadevaraya and Veera Harihara, the residential quarters of ministers, the royal treasury, the Hajara Rama temple and the exclusive temple meant for the royal family are among the structures set to be restored.
The ruins of these structures had been unearthed during excavation work undertaken here 15 years ago under the Hampi project. None of the structures are visible now, except the hillock meant for climbing atop and alighting from elephants. The objective behind the efforts to restore the ruins is to provide an opportunity for historians to undertake research.
The new structures, in place of those of yore, will come up on a two-metre deep foundation and they will be built using stones, limestone and mortar that are characteristic of the structures of the Vijayanagar era. The palace of Veera Harihara was spread over an area of 25x15 metres.
Researchers point out that had these structures of the past been in good condition, this portion of the heritage town would have been the most attractive. Carvings unearthed here are a testimony to what the place would have looked like, they aver.
Prakash Naikanda, the deputy superintendent of the Hampi circle of the ASI, says that the area where the restoration work is being undertaken is significant, in that it formed the private quarters of the kings and ministers.