HAMPI - Lessons

There existed a SULE BAZAAR @ Hampi, which means a market of prostitutes. Everything is up for sale, of course for a price. The civilization flourished at Hampi during the reign of Krishnadevaraya, wherein Pearls and Gems were traded quite openly at the market place. Traces of imported pottery, being sold at Hampi bazaar has been unearthed. The signs of prosperity among the legions, is clearly evident.

Since the river tungabhadra was located in the vicinity dearth of water was never felt, no wonder such beautiful edifices and sculptures were carved out because of the well fed artisans. Maybe the kings felt that artisans deserved the earthly pleasure for sacrificing their family life, a SULE bazaar was devised to take care of the carnal pleasures after work.

The Konkan roots of the word RAYA, which means in TULU ruler is quite evident. No wonder they were able to manage a secular army with muslim soldiers for some time. Once the Vijaynagar empire was invaded from all sides by Sultans and enemies within emerged, in the form of muslim soldiers, the vijaynagar empire crumbled.

Looting and plundering of work of art at Hampi went on for months by the invading armies and sultans, one wonders how the edifice of art still gives a glimpse of the great civilization. Probably, the Sultans after erasing fifty per cent of the Hindu architecture wanted to rebuild the city as their Sultanate.

It is obvious, Sultans were looked down upon as messengers of death and destruction by the people who fled the city. They in turn invoked wrath of majority of the public who revolted. The Sultans stopped in their tracks of destruction midway sensing public opinion and started planning to build their own edifice.

The outcome of the muslim architecture is exposed @ Elephants stable, Noblemens Quarters, Queen’s Resting place LOTUS MAHAL, bathing place and the darbar. If only the Muslim rulers had the foresight of preservation, they could have built a much better monument than the TAJ MAHAL @ Hampi.

What a contrast in emancipation of Women ? Vijaynagar rulers gave their women the freedom of expression and profession. Whereas they were enslaved by the Sultans in Pardah (curtain) and Burka ( veiled clothing). Thus began, the age of conflict between the Bikni and Burkha. Hampi now stands a testimony to this conflict. The creators Hukka & Bukka will be literally rolling in their graves. The Indian Muslims, maybe realizing this fact and trying to make amends by visiting Hampi. Better late than never, the show must go on !