Sunday, September 20, 2015

'An unusual sculpture at Hampi, India' by K.J.S.Chatrath

<p>Hampi (Hampe) is a village in northern Karnataka, India. It was one of the richest and largest cities in the world during its prime. The name Hampi can also mean "champion". It is located within the ruins of the city of Vijayanagara, the former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. Predating the city of Vijayanagara, Hampi continues to be an important religious centre, housing the Virupaksha Temple and several other monuments belonging to the old city.</p>

<p>The ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, listed as the Group of Monuments at Hampi. The empire boasted a massive army comprising close to a million men. In around 1500 AD Vijaynagar had about 500,000 inhabitants (supporting 0.1% of the global population during 1440-1540), making it the second largest city in the world after Peking-Beijing and almost thrice the size of Paris. (Source: Wikipedia)</p>

<p>I took this photograph in Hampi, Karnataka. It has intrigued me as I find it quite unusual. Look at the two hands. The right arm is coming from under the right leg and a finger is pointing out towards the right eye. The left arm is on the left knee. The figure has big ears as in the Buddhist sculptures. </p>

<p>I wonder if any learned reader can throw light on what is being sought to be conveyed by this statue. </p>


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