{"id":11349,"date":"2025-11-01T08:26:24","date_gmt":"2025-11-01T02:56:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/?p=11349"},"modified":"2025-11-03T17:13:01","modified_gmt":"2025-11-03T11:43:01","slug":"vijayanagara-architecture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/vijayanagara-architecture\/","title":{"rendered":"Vijayanagara Architecture, Architectural Features, Examples"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><b>Vijayanagara Empire<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> (1336\u201317th century) is celebrated for its architectural brilliance, merging South Indian styles such as Chalukya, Hoysala, and Chola with Indo-Islamic elements. Its iconic temples, including Virupaksha, Hazara Rama, and Vittala, feature soaring gopurams, intricate carvings, and grand monolithic sculptures, showcasing the empire's artistic excellence.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The empire\u2019s palaces and court architecture, such as the Lotus Mahal, Elephant Stables, and Queen's Bath House, exemplify imperial grandeur. These structures incorporate arches, domes, vaulted ceilings, and elaborate water features, reflecting the sophisticated fusion of architectural traditions and demonstrating the empire's cultural and engineering mastery.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-11390 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/d35xcwcl37xo08.cloudfront.net\/upsc-exam-wp-uploads\/2025\/05\/Gopura-Virupaksha-Temple.webp\" alt=\"Gopura, Virupaksha Temple\" width=\"408\" height=\"612\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d35xcwcl37xo08.cloudfront.net\/upsc-exam-wp-uploads\/2025\/05\/Gopura-Virupaksha-Temple.webp 800w, https:\/\/d35xcwcl37xo08.cloudfront.net\/upsc-exam-wp-uploads\/2025\/05\/Gopura-Virupaksha-Temple-768x1152.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 408px) 100vw, 408px\" \/><\/p>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Vijayanagara Empire Overview\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Vijayanagara Empire, founded by Harihara I and Bukka Raya I in 1336, was a dominant Southern India empire until the late 17th century. Vijayanagara Empire was ruled by four dynasties: Sangama, Saluva, Tuluva, and Aravidu. Known for its administrative structure, the empire had a well-organized polity with governors overseeing provinces, and its economy thrived on agriculture, trade, and industry.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The empire flourished in art, literature, and architecture, with Kannada, Telugu, Sanskrit, and Tamil literature gaining prominence. The internal conflicts, succession disputes, and the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/battle-of-talikota\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Battle of Talikota<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> in 1565 led to its decline.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Vijayanagara Architectural Features<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><b>Vijayanagara <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">architecture is a vibrant combination of the Chalukyas, Hoysalas, Pandya and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/imperial-cholas\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Imperial Cholas<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> styles. It evolved from these earlier traditions, characterized by a return to the serene and simplified art of ancient times. The fusion resulted in a unique architectural identity during the Vijayanagara period.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Classification:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Vijayanagara architecture can be broadly classified into three categories:<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Religious Architecture:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Includes temples, monolithic statues, and ritual spaces.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Courtly Architecture:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Palaces, royal enclosures, and audience halls.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Civic Architecture:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Fortifications, marketplaces, and pavilions used for public purposes.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li><b>Use of Materials:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Earlier empires favored soft soapstone (chloritic schist) for temple construction and sculpture due to its easy carving properties. However, Vijayanagara architects preferred harder, more durable granite, especially in temple structures.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Monolithic Statues:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> A distinct feature of Vijayanagara architecture is the construction of large monolithic statues, such as the Sasivekalu Ganesha and Kadalekalu Ganesha in Hampi, and the Nandi bull in Lepakshi.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">These sculptures symbolize the grandeur of the empire.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Religious Iconography:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Larger temples dedicated to male deities often included a separate shrine for the deity\u2019s consort. This tradition continued from earlier architectural styles and became prominent in the Vijayanagara period.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Court and Palace Architecture:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Palaces and royal structures typically utilized a mix of mortar and stone rubble, showcasing secular styles. The architecture displayed Indo-Islamic influences, incorporating arches, domes, and vaulted ceilings in court buildings.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Regional Spread:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Vijayanagara architecture is visible in various temples across Karnataka (Kolar, Shringeri), Andhra Pradesh (Tirumala Venkateswara, Lepakshi), and Tamil Nadu (Srirangam, Kanchi), illustrating its widespread influence across South India.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Vijayanagara Temple Architecture Features<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Vijayanagara temple architecture represents a distinctive fusion of artistic styles and robust construction techniques that flourished during the Vijayanagara Empire, highlighting its cultural and religious significance in South India. The following are the key features of Vijayanagara <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/temple-architecture\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Temple Architecture<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">:<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><b>Shrine Structures:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Vijayanagara temples are typically surrounded by strong enclosures. Small shrines consist simply of a garbhagriha (sanctum) and a porch.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In contrast, <\/span><b>medium-sized temples<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> have a garbhagriha, shukanasi (antechamber), a navaranga (antrala) connecting the sanctum and outer mandapa (hall), and a rangamantapa (enclosed pillared hall).<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><b>Large temples<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> have a tall Rayagopuram built with wood, brick and stucco in Chola style. Large life-size figures of men, women, Gods and Goddesses adorn the gopuram.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Examples include, Rayagopuram of Chennakesava Temple in Belur and the temples at Srisailam and Srirangam.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li><b>Circumambulatory Passage:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Medium-sized Vijayanagara temples typically have a closed Pradakshinapatha<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">( circumambulatory passage) around the sanctum<\/span><b>.<\/b><\/li>\r\n\t<li><b>Halls for Ceremonies: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Vijayanagara temple architecture includes an open Mandapam (Open Pavilion) and a<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Kalyanamandapam\u00a0 (ceremonial hall), often accompanied by a temple tank for festivals and celebrations<\/span><b>.<\/b><\/li>\r\n\t<li><b>Pillar Design:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Pillars were often carved out of single blocks (Monolithic rock pillars) of stone and contained musical elements, producing musical notes when struck. Pillars had ornamental brackets and lotus bud pendants as part of their design.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><b>Example,<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Sculpted horses, often 7-8 feet tall, standing on hind legs with riders, Yali (hippogryph-like creatures) and carvings from Hindu mythology, 1,000-pillared Jain basadi at Mudabidri.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Garbhagriha (Sanctum): <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The central part of the temple was the garbhagriha, where the presiding deity was installed.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Amman Shrine:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Temples often had a separate shrine dedicated to the consort of the deity (Amman shrine), a tradition that traces back to the Chola period.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Water Storage Tanks<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The water storage tank within the royal centre, known as the \"Pushkarni,\" is a stepped tank made from finished chlorite schist slabs arranged symmetrically, with steps and landings leading down to the water on all sides.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This design reflects the Western Chalukya-Hoysala style.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Examples<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Vijayanagara architecture, known for its intricate details, significantly influenced the temple architecture of South India.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Andhra Pradesh<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Mallikarjuna Temple at Srisailam, Upper Narasimha Temple and Lower Narasimha Temples at Ahobilam are all revered for their devotion to Lord Narasimha.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Veerabhadra Temple at Lepakshi, with its exceptional frescoes and monolithic sculptures, and the iconic Venkateswara Temple at Tirupati.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Tamil Nadu<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Vijayanagara architecture is evident in the Vijayaraghava Permal Temple in Tamil Nadu, modelled after the famous temples at Tirupati. This temple features unique statues of Krishnadevaraya in the Thayar Sanithi pillars facing each other.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11392 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/d35xcwcl37xo08.cloudfront.net\/upsc-exam-wp-uploads\/2025\/05\/Hazara-Rama-Temple-Hampi.webp\" alt=\"Hazara Rama Temple, Hampi\" width=\"255\" height=\"382\" \/><\/p>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Vijayanagara Temple Architecture Examples<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/vijayanagara-empire\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Vijayanagara Empire<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> temple architecture is renowned for its grand scale, intricate designs, and fusion of cultural elements. The Virupaksha, Hazara Rama, and Vittala Temples in Hampi exemplify this architectural brilliance, with features such as elaborately carved pillars, unique shrines like the stone chariot, and the use of mathematical concepts in construction. These temples reflect both the spiritual and cultural heritage of the empire.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Virupaksha Temple, Hampi<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Virupaksha Temple in Hampi, situated on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, is a key architectural marvel of the Vijayanagara Empire and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hampi. Built in the 7th century by Lakkan Dandesha under Deva Raya II, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The temple is known for its <\/span><b>distinct triangular shape<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> and features a sanctum, three ante chambers, a pillared hall, and an open pillared hall.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Intricately carved pillars and the use of <\/span><b>mathematical concepts<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> in both construction and decoration are notable features of the temple.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/krishnadevaraya\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Krishnadevaraya,<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> a significant ruler of the empire, enhanced the temple by commissioning the central pillared hall and the eastern gopuram in 1510 AD.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-11398 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/d35xcwcl37xo08.cloudfront.net\/upsc-exam-wp-uploads\/2025\/05\/Virupaksha-Temple.webp\" alt=\"Virupaksha Temple\" width=\"571\" height=\"321\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d35xcwcl37xo08.cloudfront.net\/upsc-exam-wp-uploads\/2025\/05\/Virupaksha-Temple.webp 1920w, https:\/\/d35xcwcl37xo08.cloudfront.net\/upsc-exam-wp-uploads\/2025\/05\/Virupaksha-Temple-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/d35xcwcl37xo08.cloudfront.net\/upsc-exam-wp-uploads\/2025\/05\/Virupaksha-Temple-1536x864.webp 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 571px) 100vw, 571px\" \/><\/p>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Hazara Rama Temple, Hampi<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Hazara Rama Temple, also known as Ramachandra Temple, is located in the royal centre of Hampi. Built in the early 15th century during <\/span><b>Devaraya I<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2019s reign, it was constructed for the royal family and features intricate artwork on its outer walls, depicting festive processions.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Friezes on the inner walls narrate the Ramayana, while the main mandapa includes four intricately carved pillars in the Hoysala style.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Temple has a goddess shrine, Kalyana mandapa, and subsidiary temples, all enclosed by a 24-foot-high wall. The entrance is a flat-roofed porch leading to the assembly hall.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Vimana has a lower stone storey and a decayed pyramidal superstructure made of brick, less than 50 feet tall. The inner walls are richly adorned with Ramayana scenes in relief.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-11396 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/d35xcwcl37xo08.cloudfront.net\/upsc-exam-wp-uploads\/2025\/05\/Pillars-of-Hazara-Rama-Temple.webp\" alt=\"Pillars of Hazara Rama Temple\" width=\"569\" height=\"379\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d35xcwcl37xo08.cloudfront.net\/upsc-exam-wp-uploads\/2025\/05\/Pillars-of-Hazara-Rama-Temple.webp 1920w, https:\/\/d35xcwcl37xo08.cloudfront.net\/upsc-exam-wp-uploads\/2025\/05\/Pillars-of-Hazara-Rama-Temple-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/d35xcwcl37xo08.cloudfront.net\/upsc-exam-wp-uploads\/2025\/05\/Pillars-of-Hazara-Rama-Temple-1536x1024.webp 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 569px) 100vw, 569px\" \/><\/p>\r\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-9227 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/d35xcwcl37xo08.cloudfront.net\/upsc-exam-wp-uploads\/2025\/03\/Hazara-Rama-Temple.webp\" alt=\"Hazara Rama Temple\" width=\"570\" height=\"285\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d35xcwcl37xo08.cloudfront.net\/upsc-exam-wp-uploads\/2025\/03\/Hazara-Rama-Temple.webp 1280w, https:\/\/d35xcwcl37xo08.cloudfront.net\/upsc-exam-wp-uploads\/2025\/03\/Hazara-Rama-Temple-768x384.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 570px) 100vw, 570px\" \/><\/p>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Vittala Temple, Hampi<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Vittala Temple in Hampi is a prominent example of Vijayanagara architecture, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and holds an important place in the religious and architectural heritage of the empire. \u00a0 The temple consists of the garbhagriha (sanctum), ardhamandapa (entrance hall), and mahamandapa (assembly hall), with a large sabha mandapa in front of the courtyard.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The mandapa houses 56 intricately carved stone pillars that produce musical tones when tapped.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A unique Garuda shrine in the form of a stone chariot is a notable feature of the temple complex. The temple connects to chariot streets lined with pillared pavilions, once bustling with merchants, reflecting its economic and social significance.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-11399 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/d35xcwcl37xo08.cloudfront.net\/upsc-exam-wp-uploads\/2025\/05\/Vittala-Temple.webp\" alt=\"Vittala Temple\" width=\"560\" height=\"373\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d35xcwcl37xo08.cloudfront.net\/upsc-exam-wp-uploads\/2025\/05\/Vittala-Temple.webp 1920w, https:\/\/d35xcwcl37xo08.cloudfront.net\/upsc-exam-wp-uploads\/2025\/05\/Vittala-Temple-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/d35xcwcl37xo08.cloudfront.net\/upsc-exam-wp-uploads\/2025\/05\/Vittala-Temple-1536x1024.webp 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 560px) 100vw, 560px\" \/><\/p>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Wall Paintings<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Vijayanagara art includes wall paintings such as the <\/span><b>Dashavatara<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> (the Ten Avatars of Vishnu) and the <\/span><b>Girijakalyana<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> (the marriage of Parvati, Shiva\u2019s consort) in the Virupaksha Temple at Hampi; the Shivapurana murals (the Tales of Shiva) at the Virabhadra temple at Lepakshi; and those at the Kamaakshi and Varadaraja temples at Kanchi.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Vijayanagara\u00a0 Palaces and Court Architecture<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Vijayanagara palaces showcased a blend of local and Islamic architectural styles, incorporating features like arches, domes, and vaults, reflecting cultural exchanges with nearby Sultanates. The grand design and layout of these palaces, particularly at Hampi, highlight the sophistication and architectural excellence of the Vijayanagara Empire.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Orientation: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Palaces generally faced east or north, were surrounded by high, tapering stone and earth walls, and were built on raised granite platforms with multiple tiers of mouldings and carved friezes.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Water Tank:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Palaces featured decorative water tanks with intricately designed spouts, such as the carved torso of Nandi (bull). The Tungabhadra River was dammed to supply water to a 40-kilometer-long canal system.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Raised Platforms<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Constructed on <\/span><b>raised granite platforms<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, these palaces display multiple tiers of mouldings and ornate decorations, including floral patterns and animal motifs.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>City and Fortifications:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> The city of Vijayanagara was enclosed by seven layers of fortifications, with spaces used for gardens and agriculture. It spanned 64 square miles, boasting lakes, gardens, broad roads, and well-planned buildings.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Interior Design: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Grand halls for public and private audiences were decorated with painted artwork. Walls and pillars were richly adorned with <\/span><b>stone or wooden sculptures<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Vijayanagara\u00a0 Architecture Examples<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><b>Vijayanagara\u00a0 Architecture Examples<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> like Royal structures of Vijayanagara, including the Elephant Stables, Lotus Mahal, Kamala Mahal, and the Queen\u2019s Bath House, reflect a blend of local and Indo-Islamic architectural influences. These buildings highlight the grandeur of the empire and its regal traditions, serving ceremonial, administrative, and leisure purposes for the royal family.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Elephant Stables:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Elephant stables, built for royal ceremonial elephants, include an open area in front. This space was likely used as a parade ground, showcasing the regal traditions of the Vijayanagara Empire.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Lotus Mahal: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Lotus Mahal is a symmetrical two-story palace built for the royal family of the Vijayanagara Empire. Its dome resembles an open lotus bud and features eight corner towers. The palace also has a central pyramidal tower supported by 24 intricately carved pillars.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Probably, King Krishnadevaraya used it as his council chamber for meetings with his ministers.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-11395 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/d35xcwcl37xo08.cloudfront.net\/upsc-exam-wp-uploads\/2025\/05\/Lotus-Mahal.webp\" alt=\"Lotus Mahal\" width=\"405\" height=\"270\" \/><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Kamala Mahal and the Queen\u2019s Bath House:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Notable ruins found within the palace buildings of Vijayanagara. These structures exhibit a distinct Indo-Arabic architectural style.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Vijayanagara\u00a0 Architecture UPSC PYQs<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><b>Q1.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Building \u2018Kalyana Mandapas\u2019 was a notable feature in the temple construction in the kingdom of: <\/span><b>(UPSC Prelims 2019)<\/b><\/p>\r\n<ol>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Chalukya<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Chandela<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Rashtrakutas<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Vijayanagara<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<p><b>Ans: (d)<\/b><\/p>\r\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse;width: 100%;height: 200px\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 25px\">\r\n<td class=\"tb-color\" style=\"width: 50%;height: 25px;text-align: center\" colspan=\"2\"><strong>Other Related Posts<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 25px\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;height: 25px;text-align: center\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/madhubani-painting\/\" target=\"_blank\">Madhubani Painting<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;height: 25px;text-align: center\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/sun-temples-in-india\/\" target=\"_blank\">Sun Temples in India<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 25px\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;height: 25px;text-align: center\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/warli-painting\/\" target=\"_blank\">Warli Painting<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;height: 25px;text-align: center\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/famous-universities-of-ancient-india\/\" target=\"_blank\">Famous Universities of Ancient India<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 25px\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;height: 25px;text-align: center\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/mughal-paintings\/\" target=\"_blank\">Mughal Paintings<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;height: 25px;text-align: center\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/nalanda-university\/\" target=\"_blank\">Nalanda University<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 25px\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;height: 25px;text-align: center\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/kalamkari-painting\/\" target=\"_blank\">Kalamkari Painting<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;height: 25px;text-align: center\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/taxila-university\/\" target=\"_blank\">Taxila University<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 25px\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;height: 25px;text-align: center\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/tanjore-painting\/\" target=\"_blank\">Tanjore Painting<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;height: 25px;text-align: center\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/vijayanagara-architecture\/\" target=\"_blank\">Vijayanagara Architecture<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 25px\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;height: 25px;text-align: center\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/kalighat-painting\/\" target=\"_blank\">Kalighat Painting<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;height: 25px;text-align: center\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/chausath-yogini-temple\/\" target=\"_blank\">Chausath Yogini Temple<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 25px\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;height: 25px;text-align: center\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/thangka-paintings\/\" target=\"_blank\">Thangka Paintings<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;height: 25px;text-align: center\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/bani-thani-painting\/\" target=\"_blank\">Bani Thani Painting<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Vijayanagara architecture combines South Indian styles like Chalukya, Hoysala, Chola. Know about Vijayanagara Architecture, Overview, Architectural Features.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":11386,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[23,38],"tags":[1089,40,1179],"class_list":{"0":"post-11349","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-upsc-art-culture-notes","8":"category-upsc-notes","9":"tag-art-and-culture-upsc-notes","10":"tag-quest","11":"tag-vijayanagara-architecture"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11349","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11349"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11349\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19691,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11349\/revisions\/19691"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11386"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11349"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11349"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11349"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}