A chronicle in brass and stone
The Archaeological Museum, established in 1972 by the Archaeological Survey of India, emerged as a site for the remnants of the legendary Vijayanagara Empire. It was previously housed in Elephant Stables but later, the artefacts were carefully relocated to this haven in Kamalapura, preserving the city's legacy for generations to come.
At the entrance, you will be greeted by replicas of Krishnadevaraya, the most famous ruler of the Vijayanagara dynasty, and his queens. Two sculpture galleries within the museum present a visual treat. Limestone Buddhist panels from the 2nd century AD, stone sculptures from the 12th century AD, and Jaina Tirthankaras take the spotlight alongside early Vijayanagara sculptures, creating a harmonious blend of history and art.
As you delve into the museum's corridors, you'll encounter a display of documents made of brass, bundled with a ring - an artistic touch to historical records. The prehistoric artefacts from Anegundi further amplify the museum's role as the guardian of Hampi's heritage.
The glory of the four galleries
Step into the museum's four galleries, each a distinct chapter in the saga of Hampi. In the first gallery, you can find sculptures of the Saiva faith. These include Virabhadra, Bhairava, Bhikshatanamurti, Mahishasuramardini, Shakti, Ganesha, Kartikeya, and Durga. The central hall has a temple-like composition and displays a Shivalinga, Nandi and Dwaramantapa. You can also see a royal couple at the front. The second gallery showcases assorted antiquities such as arms and armour, copper plate grants, metal objects of religious utility, and brass plates. There are coins of the Vijayanagara dynasty in various denominations of both gold and copper in the third gallery.
The fourth gallery houses relics from the prehistoric and protohistoric periods, medieval hero stones, and sati stones. You can also see stucco figurines, iron objects, and sherds of porcelain retrieved from archaeological sites. This gallery prominently displays selected dia-positives of excavations conducted in the citadel by the survey from 1976 to 1998. Additionally, an information kiosk is set up in the same gallery to familiarize you with the World Heritage Site.
As you explore the museum, eccentric features and intriguing stories will surface. A carving of soldiers engaged in a sword fight shows Mongol trainers of the Vijayanagara Empire. Another carving of an Arabian steed's teeth inspection offers revelations into the king’s cavalry. Was it a record of trade or a symbol of contributions from other nations? This is just one of many mysteries that Hampi holds.
