Question

‘‘Mahanavami Dibba of the Vijayanagara empire was known for its architecture.’’ Explain the statement with examples.

Answer 1

The
Mahanavami Dibba (also known as the \textit{House of Victory}) is a prominent architectural monument located within the Royal Enclosure of Hampi, the capital city of the Vijayanagara Empire. It is renowned for its impressive structure and intricate artistic features, and serves as a reflection of the grandeur and ceremonial culture of the empire.

Platform Structure: The Mahanavami Dibba is a massive stone platform, approximately 12 meters high, built in a pyramidal form with multiple tiers. It was constructed using granite and has elaborate stairways and ornamental balustrades.

Purpose and Ceremonial Use: The platform was used by Vijayanagara rulers, especially during the festival of \textit{Mahanavami} (Navaratri), to review military parades, receive royal guests, and witness cultural performances. The king and his courtiers would sit atop the platform to view the grand celebrations held in the open area below.

Decorative Carvings: The base and staircases of the Dibba are decorated with beautiful carvings depicting scenes of royal processions, hunting, animal motifs, and social life. These carvings give valuable insights into the art, culture, and societal norms of the Vijayanagara period.

Engineering Skill: The precision in stone cutting, placement, and symmetrical planning demonstrates the advanced engineering and architectural capabilities of the time. Thus, the Mahanavami Dibba is a remarkable example of ceremonial architecture, combining functionality with artistic elegance, and symbolizing the power and cultural richness of the Vijayanagara Empire.