The Supreme Court of India recently upheld the Karnataka government’s choice to dismantle infrastructures such as restaurants, hotels, guesthouses, and other constructions built on Virupapura Gaddi. Situated west of Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Virupapura Gaddi is an oval-shaped islet made by the Tungabhadra river. These constructions contravened provisions of the Mysore Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1961. The Karnataka administration issued a notice in 1988, marking the entire village of Virupapura Gaddi as protected under Section 19(3) of the 1961 Act.
Understanding the Background of Virupapura Gaddi
Virupapura Gaddi acts as a notable archaeological and historical gem of India, with its unique geographical formation by the Tungabhadra river. Its relevance is not only tied to its unusual geology, but also to its location close to Hampi, a globally recognized UNESCO World Heritage site. The spotlight has been cast upon this region due to an ongoing dispute related to unauthorized buildings in violation of preservation laws.
Legal Context of the Violations
In 1988, a decree proclaimed Virupapura Gaddi as a safeguarded zone under Section 19(3) of the Mysore Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1961. This legislation aims to protect and preserve monuments, relics, and sites of historical or archaeological significance. The buildings that were targeted for demolition were identified as being in breach of this act, prompting the government’s decision for takedown.
The Rich Heritage of Hampi
Hampi, located proximally to Virupapura Gaddi, was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire from the 14th to 16th century CE, marking the last major Hindu Kingdom. Spanning an area of 4187.24 hectares within the Tungabhadra basin in the Bellary District, Central Karnataka, Hampi’s awe-inspiring landscape is sculpted by the Tungabhadra river, rugged hill ranges, and expansive plains.
The area is scattered with physical traces of a grand past, with over 1600 surviving remains that include forts, riverside features, royal and sacred complexes, temples (e.g., Vittala Temple), shrines, pillared halls, Mandapas, and more. Hampi’s array of preserved historical relics provides a tangible insight into the sophistication of the urban, royal, and sacred systems that existed during the regime of the Vijayanagara Empire.
Distinguishing Features of Hampi
Among the numerous attractions of Hampi, one distinct feature stands out: the broad chariot streets bordered by rows of pillared mandapas, which were traditionally used for religious gatherings and rituals. These architecturally significant mandapas echo the cultural richness of the era and underline the importance of preservation efforts for such historical territories.
