Namma Hampi - A Symbol of Lasting Beauty

In the 14th and 15th centuries, Hampi, the former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, was one of the most flourishing urban centers, with its architectural brilliance and vibrant economy. Even today it stands as a testament to the intersection of grandeur and destruction. Following the empire’s defeat in 1565, the city was left in ruins—a stark reminder of the fragile nature of power and prosperity.

This exhibition ‘Namma Hampi - The Epitome of Beauty’ by Lokesha R and Bhyrava B M seeks not only to celebrate Hampi’s artistic allure but to engage with its historical transformations, questioning the romanticized view of its remnants and reflecting on the forces that shaped its legacy.

The Virupaksha Temple, one of the few structures that survived the city’s downfall, remains an enduring religious landmark. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it continues to serve as a place of worship, defying the destruction that enveloped Vijayanagara. The temple’s towering entrance gateway and finely carved details exemplify the refined artistry of the Dravidian style. Yet, its significance goes beyond aesthetics—it embodies perseverance amid adversity. Beneath its surface lie subterranean chambers, enveloped in mythology and mystery, with traditions linking them to the exile of Lord Rama and Sita.

Deep within Hampi’s architectural wonders stands the Vijay Vittala Temple, a structure that symbolizes the lost magnificence of the empire. At its core lies the famed Stone Chariot, an icon of sculptural artistry. Designed to resemble ceremonial temple chariots, it forms a visual contradiction between movement and permanence. The temple complex, dedicated to Vishnu, once echoed with melodies from its ingenious musical pillars—columns so precisely carved that they emitted harmonic sounds when struck.

Hemakuta Hill offers an architectural contrast, rising above the Virupaksha Temple with its understated shrines and mandapas. Unlike the towering grandeur of other Vijayanagara temples, Hemakuta’s shrines are modestly scaled, harmonizing with the rocky terrain. Their surfaces, adorned with delicate carvings of lotus motifs, entwining foliage, and serene depictions of deities, reflect the spiritual essence of the era without excess. This exhibition, expressed through watercolor and textured techniques, does not merely present Hampi as a visual spectacle—it interrogates its historical narratives. It compels viewers to reevaluate the ruins beyond their aesthetic appeal, examining the cultural, political, and economic shifts that define them.

The featured artists, Bhyrava B M and Lokesha R, bring their distinctive perspectives to this exploration. Bhyrava, based in Mysore, captures the nuanced interplay between realism and emotion through his delicate yet intricate watercolors. Lokesha, with roots in Tumkur, approaches art as an evolving conversation, engaging in experimentation across mediums, with printmaking at its core. His work bridges artistic tradition with contemporary discourse, fostering engagement between creator and observer. Hampi’s stones embody both triumph and loss, and this collection does not merely admire them—it listens. It encourages viewers to reconsider what has been preserved, what has faded, and what echoes remain embedded in its legacy. Through each brushstroke, Hampi’s story is reinterpreted—not as a static monument but as a fluid, evolving testament to time.

The exhibition continues till Jun 8 at Karnataka Chiitrakala Parishath

References 

- Catalogue text
- Fritz, J., & Michell, G. (2003). Hampi: A Travel Guide
- Raja, T. (2016). Dravidian Architecture and Vijayanagara Temples
- Thapar, R. (2012). Early India: From the Origins to AD 1300
- UNESCO. (2023). Hampi: A World Heritage Site

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