What made Vijayanagara the epitome of urbanisation in pre-modern South India?
Introduction
Domingo Paes, a 16th-century Portuguese traveller, equated Vijayanagara to Rome, highlighting its architectural splendour.
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Main Body
Domingo Paes was an Italian traveller visiting Vijayanagara during the period of Krishnadevaraya of Saluva dynasty when emperor was at its peak.
Factors making Vijayanagara epitome of urbanisation:
(i) planned city with 7 lines of forts surrounding to main palace.
(ii) Marvellous architectural structure like temple at Hampi, Vitthala temple etc.
(iii) [illegible] planned road cutting at right angle showing highest level of planning
(iv) Irrigation infrastructure as ancient town (Hiranya canal) to supply water
(v) structure like Maharaswami Dibba showing architectural planning.
(vi) drainage system in cities with each house connected with drain.
(vii) storage structures for famine like situations as buffer of grain.
(viii) architectural innovation like high bounding wall around temple and large colonnades.
(ix) large expenditure by state on urban planning - repair minister designate for this.
(x) efficient tax collection system which was used for urban development.
(xi) directional planning under a linear Nagara system.
Conclusion
Vijayanagara model of urbanisation can serve as a model to tackle present day 'India's' urbanisation challenge.
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- Clear comparison with Rome establishes significance
- Structured list of urbanization factors
- Mentions specific structures and infrastructure
- References contemporary account from traveller
- Shows understanding of planned city development
Animesh Jain
Indian Culture
Architecture
Vijayanagara Architecture and Urban Planning
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descriptive and analytical
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