NEWS HIGHLIGHT
Theme : Art & Culture
Paper:GS-1
A British author has published a book telling of the fictionalized story of the Vijayanagara Kingdom. He took account of the poet Pampa Kampana, who witnessed Vijayanagara’s many victories and defeats.
TABLE OF CONTENT
- Context
- Pampa Kampana
- Vijaynagar Kingdom
- Contribution to Culture and Architecture
- Various Travelers
Context : A British author has published a book telling of the fictionalized story of the Vijayanagara Kingdom. He took account of the poet Pampa Kampana, who witnessed Vijayanagara’s many victories and defeats.
Pampa Kampana :
- Pampa Kampana was a 15th-century ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire, who reigned from 1484 to 1490.
- He is known for his military campaigns against the Bahmani Sultanate and the Gajapati kingdom of Orissa.
- He was a great patron of the arts and literature, and his court was home to illustrious poets and scholars such as Vyasatirtha.
Vijayanagara Kingdom :
- The Vijayanagara kingdom has long been a subject of historical and political interest.
- From their capital, now known as Hampi, on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, the kings of Vijayanagara at the peak of their power ruled over a territory of more than 360,000 sq. km.
- Founded in 1336, the kingdom of Vijayanagara lasted for more than three centuries, a period in which it withstood multiple political stresses, and saw significant advances in art and economy.
- It was one of the most powerful kingdoms in the sub-continent.
- Over the course of its existence from 1336 to 1646, the kingdom saw various ups and downs.
- Founded by Harihara I of the Sangama dynasty, Vijayanagara expanded from a strategic position on the banks of the Tungabhadra River.
Contribution to Culture and Architecture :
(1) Literary development
- The Vijayanagar Empire was also known for its flourishing culture and literature.
- The court was home to many poets and scholars, who wrote in both Sanskrit and Kannada.
- The emperor Krishnadevaraya was himself a noted poet, authoring works such as the Amuktamalyada and the Jambavati Kalyanam.
- The Vijayanagar Empire also patronized the arts, which led to a flourishing of music, dance, and painting.
(2) Architectural development
- Vijayanagara’s capital Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site today, known for its sophisticated fortifications as well as innumerable temples and other architectural marvels.
- From accounts of foreign travelers, by the beginning of the 16th century, Hampi-Vijayanagara was probably the second largest urban settlement on the planet (after Beijing) and among the most prosperous.
- The most impressive architectural feat of the Vijayanagar Empire was the iconic Vithala temple complex in Hampi.
- This complex consists of a temple dedicated to the god Vitthala, a large audience hall, and a stone chariot shrine.
- The Prasanna Virupaksha temple of Bukka I and the Hazara Rama temple of Krishna Deva Raya are striking examples of Vijayanagara’s characteristic style and intricate artistry.
Various Travelers :
- Vasco da Gama: The first encounter with the Vijayanagara Empire by a European traveler was by the Portuguese explorer, Vasco da Gama, who visited the kingdom in 1498, and was the first to recognize its wealth and power
- Nicolo Conti: The Italian traveler Nicolo Conti visited the kingdom in 1420 and documented his journey in a book titled “Viaggio in India”. He wrote about the grandeur of the cities and the wealth of the kingdom.
- Jan Huyghen van Linschoten: The Dutch traveler Jan Huyghen van Linschoten visited the kingdom in 1583 and wrote a book describing his journey titled “Itinerario”. He wrote about the impressive forts, the magnificent temples, the thriving markets and the grand palaces.
- Jean-Baptiste Tavernier: The French traveler Jean-Baptiste Tavernier visited the kingdom in 1665 and wrote a book about his journey titled “Les Six Voyages de Jean-Baptiste Tavernier”. He wrote about the fine architecture, the grandeur of the palaces, and the wealth and prosperity of the kingdom.
- Robert Orme: The English traveler Robert Orme visited the kingdom in 1770 and wrote a book about his journey titled “Military Transactions in India”. He wrote about the size and scope of the empire, the grandeur of its cities and the advanced military technology used by the kingdom.
FAQs :
-
Name the various Travelers who visited Vijayanagar.
ANS.
- Vasco da Gama: The first encounter with the Vijayanagara Empire by a European traveler was by the Portuguese explorer, Vasco da Gama, who visited the kingdom in 1498, and was the first to recognize its wealth and power
- Nicolo Conti: The Italian traveler Nicolo Conti visited the kingdom in 1420 and documented his journey in a book titled “Viaggio in India”. He wrote about the grandeur of the cities and the wealth of the kingdom.
- Jan Huyghen van Linschoten: The Dutch traveler Jan Huyghen van Linschoten visited the kingdom in 1583 and wrote a book describing his journey titled “Itinerario”. He wrote about the impressive forts, the magnificent temples, the thriving markets and the grand palaces.
- Jean-Baptiste Tavernier: The French traveler Jean-Baptiste Tavernier visited the kingdom in 1665 and wrote a book about his journey titled “Les Six Voyages de Jean-Baptiste Tavernier”. He wrote about the fine architecture, the grandeur of the palaces, and the wealth and prosperity of the kingdom.
- Robert Orme: The English traveler Robert Orme visited the kingdom in 1770 and wrote a book about his journey titled “Military Transactions in India”. He wrote about the size and scope of the empire, the grandeur of its cities and the advanced military technology used by the kingdom.
-
Who was Pampa Kampana?
ANS.
- Pampa Kampana was a 15th-century ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire, who reigned from 1484 to 1490.
- He is known for his military campaigns against the Bahmani Sultanate and the Gajapati kingdom of Orissa.
- He was a great patron of the arts and literature, and his court was home to illustrious poets and scholars such as Vyasatirtha.