April 11, 2011

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.

28 comments:

  1. Another fascinating and beautiful place and another superb capture as always! Thanks, Sam, for all the beauty you share with us through your wonderful photos!! Such a great way to learn about places we may never be able to visit in person! Have a great week!

    Sylvia

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  2. The picture of the colourful people climbing the steps is paericularly lovely.

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  3. this is fantastic. it reminds me of the mayan pyramids.

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  4. Wonderful shots - I love the colours in the last one!

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  5. Busy day dear friend and I have unfortunately not been the most frequent to visit your blog. Has unfortunately also had some computer problems, some pictures just do not get up, and I do not know exactly why either :((
    Attempted to install Firefox again yesterday, but the problem is still there. Must be said to have some help, to my knowledge does not suffice.

    Rain rain rain here in the middle of Norway's land, gray and sad, but soon it'll probably be spring here, too. I have fortunately had a long weekend in Amsterdam, where Emerson and a then a little taste of green grass and beautiful flowers, especially tulips, lots of tulips. The memory chip on the camera is overloaded and will soon come good pictures on the blog.

    Last week I sent you a little package from Norway, hoping eventually it finds its way to you two, if now no one has eaten the chocolate on the way to India, ha ha Hope not!!

    Say hello to your beautiful wife, I also left a big hug to you both from me here now.

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  6. What an amazing structure Anthony!
    You have photographed it so beautifully.
    Thank you so much for sharing this today at The Creative Exchange.

    I wish you a beautiful day!

    lisa.

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  7. Great photos. The second one is spectacular.

    An Arkies Musings

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  8. even for such a magnificent structure, there is a season.
    ROG, ABC Wednesday team

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  9. What a fantastic structure this is, Anthony! I would love to be able to see the details in those carvings. Such beauty and history you share with us in your wonderful posts!

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  10. Nice pick for letter M! Beautiful captures too!

    My Letter M, hope you can come and see. Have a great Wednesday!

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  11. Wow. Amazing photos! It reminds me of visiting the pyramids in Egypt.

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  12. These photos are amazing, and so is the subject.

    So, so cool.

    =)

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  13. what a lovely place and photos

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  14. Lovely photos...

    makes me want to visit there!
    =((

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  15. Such an amazing sight. I look at it close the stones are intricately design. I am impressed!
    SWF

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  16. Fascinating topic, and the pictures are great!

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  17. I should love to see this one day. Fabulous work Samson.

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  18. this structure reminded me of movie Apocalypto
    :))
    Nice shots

    Bhupesh

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  19. I hope those foreign envoys enjoyed the workmanship that was done to impress!

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  20. Love your blue skies!

    Happy Blue Monday, Samson.

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  21. Very pretty!

    Would you mind peeking at my blues? Thanks!

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  22. What a fascinating stop for Alphabet Soup day. You can feel the mystical quality of the place just from the photos. Really interesting.

    Thanks for a wonderful stop this week.

    A+

    Okay, I'm going to try one of the smiley things. I want to do it every week...but today is the day...

    Here goes!

    :D

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  24. I am often to blogging and i really appreciate your content. You have done a great job. Musandam Dibba.

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  25. Musandam Dibba is one of the best attractions in Dubai. Great blog

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