Festival Celebrates 500th Anniversary of Famous Indian King
- 14 years ago
The grandeur of one of India's oldest Hindu empires has once again come alive in the southern state of Karnataka.
Hampi was at the center of the City of Victory Empire.
The empire spread its rule across southern India between 1336 and 1565 A.D.
The Hampi Utsav festival, which has been celebrated since the time of the empire, kicked off on Wednesday with great fanfare.
The Indian Home Minister praised Hampi's vast history and tradition.
[Palaniappan Chidambaram, Indian Home Minister]:
"The celebrations that begin today will bring back the glory and vision of our empire for the people of Karnataka and India and for a few days we shall bask in that glory."
This year, the festival was postponed from November to coincide with the 500th anniversary of Krishna Deva Raya ascending the throne of the kingdom.
Historians believe that by the end of the 15th century, the City of Victory was the largest city in India and the second largest city in the world with an estimated half-a-million population.
Hampi was at the center of the City of Victory Empire.
The empire spread its rule across southern India between 1336 and 1565 A.D.
The Hampi Utsav festival, which has been celebrated since the time of the empire, kicked off on Wednesday with great fanfare.
The Indian Home Minister praised Hampi's vast history and tradition.
[Palaniappan Chidambaram, Indian Home Minister]:
"The celebrations that begin today will bring back the glory and vision of our empire for the people of Karnataka and India and for a few days we shall bask in that glory."
This year, the festival was postponed from November to coincide with the 500th anniversary of Krishna Deva Raya ascending the throne of the kingdom.
Historians believe that by the end of the 15th century, the City of Victory was the largest city in India and the second largest city in the world with an estimated half-a-million population.