An Imperial Capital Vijayanagara
Vijayanagara, meaning "city of victory," refers to both an influential empire and its capital city located in present-day southern India. Established in the 14th century, the empire expanded its reach significantly from the Krishna River in the north to the southern tip of the Indian peninsula during its peak. However, the city faced turmoil in 1565 when it was sacked, leading to its eventual desolation. Despite falling into ruin in the 17th-18th centuries, the legacy of Vijayanagara persisted, particularly among the local populace of the Krishna-Tungabhadra doab, who remembered it as Hampi. The name 'Hampi' originates from the local mother goddess, Pampadevi. Oral traditions, combined with archaeological evidence such as monuments, inscriptions, and other records, facilitated scholars in rediscovering the remarkable history of the Vijayanagara Empire.