An enclosure of wonders

At the heart of Zenana Enclosure lies the Queen's Palace. A glorious palace spanning a large area that has endured wear and tear over time and remains wonderful even today. A rectangular tank, once an active source of water, now sits silently. Along the central path, you will also encounter remnants of a water pavilion offering glimpses into its beauty that once graced an idyllic pool.

The enclosure is surrounded by an impressive rectangular fortifying wall. The watch towers located at each corner were originally used to keep an eye on intruders entering the women's chambers. Currently, only three watch towers remain on the enclosure's eastern, southeastern, and northern sides. The area has two entrances: one on the northern side and the other on the northeastern side. As you stroll through the Zenana Enclosure, the remnants of unnamed structures are a wonderful sight. The separating walls tell untold stories and hidden secrets that continue to intrigue.

Stories of architectural harmony

Step into the Zenana Enclosure and witness an exceptional blend of Indo-Islamic architecture. It’s quite a stark contrast to Vijayanagara-influenced structures found throughout Hampi. This architecture serves as proof of the inclusive and welcoming vision of the Vijayanagara Empire's rulers. Archaeologists propose an alternate interpretation, offering new ideas about what happened at the Lotus Mahal within its enclosure. Could it have served as a council room where King Ashoka met with his esteemed commanders? Leave your imagination to it.