Ballari: One of the oft-repeated questions tourists visiting 15th century capital of Vijayanagar Empire – Hampi – ask is: Where is the king’s Palace? About half-a-dozen structures that remain in the royal area are designated as the basement of palaces.
A few of them are in the Danaik’s Enclosure which is opposite the Mahanavami Dibba, another one believed to be the queen’s palace is inside the Zenana Enclosure and a couple of smaller ones are near the Octagonal Bath.
What remains of the erstwhile palaces are at the best grand plinths and ornate foundations. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has undertaken the work to restore the ruins of the residential areas of Vijayanagar kings and ministers in this heritage town.
The palaces of Krishnadevaraya and Veera Harihara, the residential quarters of ministers, the royal treasury, the Hajara Rama temple and the exclusive temple meant for the royal family are among the structures set to be restored at Danaik’s Enclosure area.
The ruins of these structures had been unearthed during the excavation work undertaken 15 years ago under the Hampi Project. None of the structures are visible now, except the hillock meant for climbing onto and alighting from elephants.
