HAMPI STONE CHARIOT

Subject: Culture

Context: Tourists can no longer get too close to the iconic stone chariot in front of the VijayaVittala Temple at Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Concept:

• The architectural marvel, one of the most photographed monuments, has been cordoned off by a chain barricade by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
• The ASI put up the barricade to prevent people from touching or climbing the monument and causing damage to it in any way.

Hampi Chariot

• The chariot inside the temple complex is a shrine dedicated to Garuda, but the sculpture of Garuda is now missing.
• The Hampi chariot is one among the three famous stone chariots in India, the other two being in Konark, Odisha, and Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu.
• The delicately carved chariot at Hampi reflects skill of temple architecture under the patronage of Vijayanagararulers who reigned from 14th to 17th century CE.