Hampi, the capital city of Vijayanagara Empire, was founded by two brothers Harihara and Bukkaraya (more popularly known as Hakka and Bukka), under the guidance of their Guru Vidyaranya. It was not just the largest Hindu empire of its time, but was also one of the largest trading centres of the world. The markets in Hampi were always crowded with merchants from all over the world to barter their goods in exchange of spices and cotton, grown abundantly in the area. Rubies, diamonds and all precious stones were sold on the streets in the scale of seers (litre like measurement, commonly used even today in many parts of rural India). Gold and silver were the currencies.

Hampi, built in the year 1336 flourished and had a population of over half a million. The city was important not just for the traders but also for devotees and poets. There were temples built in hundreds, which stand as an evidence to the religious inclination of Hampi. Public ceremonies and festivals were celebrated in their true meaning. Names like Shri Purandhara Dasa and Tenali Rama can be linked with Hampi. Hampi is also the place where Lord Rama met Hanumantha and killed Vali in exchange for help from Sugreeva. Click here to learn more about the Ramayana episode of Hampi History.

As the saying goes, everything that goes up must come down. It was true in case of Hampi also. After seeing its golden reign during King Krishna Deva Raya (AD 1509 - 1529), Hampi fell down to the attacks of the five Sultans of Deccan - Bidar, Bijapur, Golconda, Ahmednagar and Berar in the year 1565. The city was looted for a period of 6 months. The temples were destroyed and the markets were plundered. The golden empire had come to an end.