The ruins of Vijayanagara, which later became known as Hampi, were brought to light by Colin Mackenzie in 1800. Mackenzie, a British engineer and antiquary, played a pivotal role in documenting and surveying the ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire. He is credited with being the first to systematically explore and record the site. His efforts were instrumental in recognizing the historical significance of the ancient city.
Colin Mackenzie, who was in charge of the British East India Company’s survey of India, visited Hampi during his travels in the early 1800s. He documented the extensive ruins of the city, including the temples, monuments, and fortifications, which had been lost to time. His work laid the foundation for future archaeological exploration and set the stage for Hampi’s eventual recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Therefore, Colin Mackenzie is the correct answer as he was the first to bring the ruins to light in 1800.