24 Mahanavami Dibba, Hampi

Mahanavami Dibba is a prominent stone structure in Royal Enclosure in Hampi.  The monument is also known as “Dasara Dibba”, “Throne Platform” or “House of Victory”.  King Krishnadevaraya constructed this in commemoration on the victory over Udaygiri (now in Orissa). Archeologists believe that this platform had undergone systematic enhancements by successive kings came into power.  Originally this platform must have been a gorgeously painted and decorated pillared hall or pavilion of several storeys high but the the remains consist of a massive square granite base in three diminishing tiers.

From a distance this looks like an ordinary elevated square stage. As you go close, the details emerge. The walls of the tiers are covered with rows carved horizontal friezes, they depict anything from the royal ceremony to the city life, foreign envoys to the Vijayanagara kingdom, hunting scenes, Arab horse dealers, exotic animals, elephants, horsemen, warriors, dancers, musicians, clowns, foreign representatives etc.  Probably this was made as a photo gallery for the benefit of the foreign envoys who had been visiting the capital of Vijayanagara Empire.

There are mainly two stairways to reach the top. The front one is decorated on either sides with carvings and at the back of the platform is a twin staircase, probably this was used as a service staircase during the ceremonies.  The king used this platform to watch the army march-pasts, war games, aquatic sports, shows of the royal animals, musical performances, mock battles and also the most important Navarathri celebrations.  A possible close replication and continuation of this you can be witness to this day during the famous Dussera season at the Mysore palace in Mysore, Karnataka.

My World / ABC Wednesday / Better In Bulk / Photo Story / Blue Monday