Lotus Mahal

Lotus Mahal or Chitrangi Mahal is an important secular structure in Hampi, India. The Lotus Mahal is an example of Indo-Islamic style of architecture and is a two storied structure built in Rubble masonry and finely plastered. The structure was used as residue place for royal family of the Vijayanagara Empire.[1]

Lotus Mahal
Historical Landmark in India
Chitrangi Mahal
Lotus Mahal (Chitrangi Mahal)
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Lotus Mahal
Lotus Mahal
Coordinates: 15°32′03″N 76°47′13″E
Founded byVijayanagara Empire
Named forLotus bud structure
Lotus Mahal
General information
Architectural styleIndo-Islamic
LocationBallari district, Karnataka
CountryIndia
Coordinates15°32′03″N 76°47′13″E
Technical details
Floor countTwo storey

Architecture

Lotus Mahal literally means " Palace of Lotus". This structure was made for the Royal family of the Vijayanagara Empire. The palace stands around a walled compound near the Royal centre. The structure is laid out symmetrically with equal projections on four sides. The dome gives an illustration of an open lotus bud. The curves of the palace are inspired by the Islamic architecture and protect the palace from harsh weather conditions. It has two storeys, both with arched openings in multiple planes surrounded by elaborate plaster designs. It has total of eight pyramidal towers over the corners and one big tower in the middle of the structure and is supported by 24 pillars. The pyramidal tower is influenced by Indian Architecture.[2] The pillars are decorated with stone carved aquatic animals, plants etc.[3]

The palace is built by bricks and Mortar (masonry).The ground floor is raised on a high ornamental stone basement with doubled recessed angles.[4][5]

Architectural plan of the Lotus Mahal.

History

The palace is built in the Zenana enclosure and was reserved for the royal women of the Vijayanagara Empire. according to historical accounts, the structure was built to serve the royal women of the empire. Also the king Krishnadevaraya used it as his council chamber for meeting with his ministers. The palace was also used as a relaxing place for the royal family. It is one of the few structures that did not suffer any major damage when Hampi was invaded.[4] Owing to many invasions by Deccan sultanates and improper maintenance, the palace has ruined and has lost most of its carved decoration in the restoration work.[6]

lotus Mahal 1880;

Some images of the Lotus Mahal.

pillars of the palace.
detailed carvings.
Watch tower near the palace.
roof of the palace



References
  1. "Incredible India | Lotus Mahal". www.incredibleindia.org.
  2. "Architectural Highlights of the Lotus Mahal in Hampi, Vijayanagara Empire – The Talkative Man". Retrieved 2020-09-22.
  3. Wright, Colin. "The Lotus Mahal, Vijayanagara". www.bl.uk. Retrieved 2020-09-22.
  4. "Lotus Mahal Hampi | Kamal Mahal Hampi | Chitrangini Mahal". Karnataka.com. 2017-04-25. Retrieved 2020-09-14.
  5. "Lotus Mahal". www.hampi.in. Retrieved 2020-09-14.
  6. "Vijayanagara Research Project::Lotus Mahal". www.penn.museum. Retrieved 2020-09-22.
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