Royal Enclosure

Royal Enclosure Overview 

There are many ruins in Hampi but Royal Enclosure definitely takes away the crown. The massive, stunning Royal Enclosure was formally the center of the Vijayanagar Empire. The huge fortified area spreads proudly over 59,000 square meters. As the name suggests, Royal Enclosure used to be the shelter of the King and his Queens during the reign of the Vijayanagar Era. The fort was made it ulterior protection to the royal families. The whole stretch of land was safeguarded with double-layered walls. The interesting fact, Royal Enclosure had three gates, one in the western quadrant and two in the northern quadrant.

The huge, sturdy Enclosure used to shelter 43 buildings, and as the report of archeologists say, all of them were entitled to royal families only. It is quite evident that the big complex is the house of many significant, famous artifacts of the Vijayanagar Era. As the complex solely belonged to the royal families, the works and crafts of the architecture is royally alluring. The exquisite carvings and sculptures are perfect resonating fact on how rich the cultural taste of Vijayanagar Empire had during their era. Although, the complex suffered severe damage still the ruins of Royal Enclosure resonate vividly their standard of lives. Royal Enclosure is one of the most interesting place in the list of Hampi tourism.

Architectural Story of Royal Enclosure

As mentioned earlier, Royal Enclosure was the seat of significant power in the Vijayanagar Empire. During the high rise of its bell curve, the ground held strong with multiple buildings. Among the famous constructions were the platform tanks, temples, durbar halls, and underground chambers. The ancient builders skillfully built three doorways for protection and easy flow of commuting routes. 

The architectural designs of the massive Royal Enclosure fort have significant traces of Vijayanagar Era’s style of architecture. The archaeologists suggest, there is a blend of designs with Mughal style as well. As following the trend of Vijayanagar structures built by other Kings, this fort also constructed with ample of soapstone and granite. There are multiple scenes and images carved in several platforms made of granite. The renowned decorated forms are geese, human figures, demon faces, flowers, and elephants. The exquisite Lotus Mahal, watchtowers, and elephant stables are impressive examples of Islamic architecture. The domed structure and other eminent features are worthy inclusion in your Hampi tour package.

Things to do in Royal Enclosure

The Royal Enclosure is synonymous to open-air museum. The Royal Enclosure is an apt disclosure of how the city had suffered during the declining power of the mighty Vijayanagar Empire. There are the must places to visit in Hampi to relive the life under Vijayanagar Reign. 

THE AQUEDUCT 

Within the premises of Royal Enclosure, the interconnectivity of the stone pipes to more than 20 wells and ponds were built efficiently. The special mention is to Bukka’s aqueduct which connects to the northern part of the river is still significant amongst all other pipes. Although, the pipes were also damaged before, but a larger portion has been restored and they are able to connect water bodies even in 2020. 

HAZARA RAMA TEMPLE

In the large fort complex of Royal Enclosure, only one temple was built. It was the Hazara Rama Temple. As evident by the name, the temple is solely dedicated to Lord Rama. The walls of the Hazara Rama Temple tell the story of the Ramayana. Bas relics are expertly carved within the interior walls of the temple. The Ramayana Relics in this temple is considered as the most extensive in the whole nation. 

THE MAHANAVAMI DIBBA

This is the only structure in the Royal Enclosure which still stands tall as it did during the Vijayanagar Era. The Mahanavami Dibba is a 3-tiered platform which stands 8 meters tall. As evident by the name, the structure was used to celebrate the Navami days every year. Every single tier of the platform has sculpted moldings that resemblance the stages of lives during that era. The ruins of the pillar bases are evident to the fact that the structure stood as the center of the complex. This is must places to visit in Hampi to relive the life under Vijayanagar Reign. 

THE UNDERGROUND CHAMBER

Within this chamber, as the archeologists suggest, that the Vijayanagar rules used to hold secret, significant meetings with their trusted advisors. The underground chamber is positioned between the Stepped Tank and the Durbar Hall. The chamber has independent gates for entrance and exit to this premise. 

STEPPED TANK

Stepped Tank or the Pushkaranis was excavated in 1985. This structure is one of the most conserved feature in Royal Enclosure. The Stepped Tank is spread over 22 square meters. It is built with 5 platforms and goes below as low as 7 meters. Other than Stepped Tank, more two exclusive bathing chambers in Royal Enclosure are the Queen’s Bath and Octagonal Bath.

DURBAR HALL

The 100 pillared halls in the Royal Enclosure is one of the interesting features in the whole massive complex. The alternative name of Durbar Hall is known as King’s Audience Hall. After the study of the ruins of Durbar Hall, the archaeologists claim that it had been two storied building. The floors were connected with stone stairways. The whole structure was built with wood. Therefore, the hall was succumbed to fire in 1565 AD. 

Best Time to Visit in Royal Enclosure

The tourists should choose the winter months (from November to March) to enjoy soothing weather during sightseeing.