Supreme Court: Demolish resorts, shops at Hampi Island

News: The Supreme Court has backed the move of Karnataka government to demolish 70 resorts and restaurants near Hampi.

Facts:

  • Hampi is situated on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, Bellary District, Karnataka
  •  It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Emperor Ashoka’s Rock Edicts in Nittur and Udegolan (Bellary district) suggest that the region was part of the Maurya Empire during the 3rd century BCE
  •  Hampi was the capital city during the four different dynasties altogether in the Vijayanagar city that came into existence in the year 1336 AD. The four dynasties which ruled over Vijayanagar were Sangama Dynasty, Saluva Dynasty, Tuluva Dynasty and Aravidu Dynasty.

Architecture:

  •  Dravidian architecture flourished ·       
  •   The Vitthla temple is the most ornate structure on the site and represents the culmination of Vijayanagara temple architecture.
  • Vijayanagara architecture is also known for its adoption of elements of Indo Islamic Architecture in secular buildings like the Queen’s Bath and the Elephant Stables.