The next place on our agenda was the queens' bath. This is part of the Royal Enclosure. Although it is called the queens' bath, there is no unanimity about the same. Perhaps, it could have been a royal pleasure complex for the king & his wives, or, as some guides suggested, it could also be the noble ladies' bath.
There is an open pond in the middle, into which project many balconies. Water was supplied to the pond thru' an internal water supply system. There is also a exit inside the pond to refurbish with fresh water. In the pond can also be seen the remains of what were perhaps 4 pillars, at the corners. We were informed that there could have been some roof or canopy which were supported by these pillars. Also, it is said that the women from the court used to keep a watch on the passersby by sitting on the upper floors, while the noble ladies indulged in fun.
It is also said that the noble women used to take bath or have fun in the water which was perfumed & filled with fragrant flowers. What is also noticeable is the Islamic architecture integrated into the structure.
This is the first place to see as part of the visit to the Royal Enclosure.
Next, we entered the Royal Enclosure. Right at the entrance we can see a huge stone door with locking systems which guarded the entrance. Although the door is no more in use, the way it was being operated can still be seen with the help of the guide's narration. As we entered, right in front was a huge stage called Navami Dibba (Navami Stage or Platform). This is the stage on which were honored the winners of competitions conducted during the most famous festival celebrated - Dussehra or Dasara or Navaraatri. On the 9th day (Navami) of the 10 day long festival, the winners were honored on this stage.
It was initially built in granite, which was further enhanced in black granite by Krishnadeva Raya. The carvings on Navami Dibba perhaps give a glimpse of the various celebrations conducted during the festivities.
Standing on the Navami Dibba, we can see the ruins of Royal Enclosure. This is one of the largest tanks we can see in the Royal Enclosure. Similarly, there were smaller tanks as well. There were a total of 22 such tanks (both large & small together), which used to keep temperature cool inside the palace.
This is one of the small tanks within the Royal Enclosure to keep it cool. We could say, this is like the earliest version of air cooling or air conditioning :-) We can notice the water supply system to the tank here.
Ruins of Royal Enclosure from Navami Dibba.
We can also see the ruins of what was once the Royal Palace. Of course, nothing remains now. But, the foundations can be seen. It is said that the palace was 2 or 3 storied & was made of pure sandalwood. After the defeat of Vijayanagar, the palaces were completely burnt to ashes. What remains now is just the foundations for the pillars & walls of what was perhaps a beautiful palace of sandalwood.
We can also notice the water supply system to the Royal Enclosure. It is quite an impeccable system put in place & is in good shape to appreciate.
A secret chamber where confidential information used to be passed on to the officials to carry out the king's or other senior member's (of the royal family) commands. It is pitch dark inside the chamber & unless we switch on the light of our mobile phones or the guide leads us, we are most likely to bang our heads against the walls of the chamber. Even otherwise, it is better to tread slowly, looking for the path by holding the hands against the walls. The secret chamber perhaps reinforces the fact that there could have been people working against the king or some royal member or king's officials, whose unwanted interest had to be avoided while conveying the message. As they say, it is important to maintain important information discretely & with discretion because even the walls can have ears.
These are the stone plates in which the common people used to feed. Perhaps, they were served food in these plates when they came to see the king & other royals or noble men. The royals & noble men used to eat in plates made from precious metals & their alloys.
This is the public bath for the general public visiting the royals or noble men.
After covering the Royal Enclosure, we headed back to our hotel. En route, we saw some more ruins...ruins of what was once a fledgling Jain temple.
It is also said that the noble women used to take bath or have fun in the water which was perfumed & filled with fragrant flowers. What is also noticeable is the Islamic architecture integrated into the structure.
This is the first place to see as part of the visit to the Royal Enclosure.
Next, we entered the Royal Enclosure. Right at the entrance we can see a huge stone door with locking systems which guarded the entrance. Although the door is no more in use, the way it was being operated can still be seen with the help of the guide's narration. As we entered, right in front was a huge stage called Navami Dibba (Navami Stage or Platform). This is the stage on which were honored the winners of competitions conducted during the most famous festival celebrated - Dussehra or Dasara or Navaraatri. On the 9th day (Navami) of the 10 day long festival, the winners were honored on this stage.
It was initially built in granite, which was further enhanced in black granite by Krishnadeva Raya. The carvings on Navami Dibba perhaps give a glimpse of the various celebrations conducted during the festivities.
Standing on the Navami Dibba, we can see the ruins of Royal Enclosure. This is one of the largest tanks we can see in the Royal Enclosure. Similarly, there were smaller tanks as well. There were a total of 22 such tanks (both large & small together), which used to keep temperature cool inside the palace.
This is one of the small tanks within the Royal Enclosure to keep it cool. We could say, this is like the earliest version of air cooling or air conditioning :-) We can notice the water supply system to the tank here.
Ruins of Royal Enclosure from Navami Dibba.
We can also see the ruins of what was once the Royal Palace. Of course, nothing remains now. But, the foundations can be seen. It is said that the palace was 2 or 3 storied & was made of pure sandalwood. After the defeat of Vijayanagar, the palaces were completely burnt to ashes. What remains now is just the foundations for the pillars & walls of what was perhaps a beautiful palace of sandalwood.
We can also notice the water supply system to the Royal Enclosure. It is quite an impeccable system put in place & is in good shape to appreciate.
A secret chamber where confidential information used to be passed on to the officials to carry out the king's or other senior member's (of the royal family) commands. It is pitch dark inside the chamber & unless we switch on the light of our mobile phones or the guide leads us, we are most likely to bang our heads against the walls of the chamber. Even otherwise, it is better to tread slowly, looking for the path by holding the hands against the walls. The secret chamber perhaps reinforces the fact that there could have been people working against the king or some royal member or king's officials, whose unwanted interest had to be avoided while conveying the message. As they say, it is important to maintain important information discretely & with discretion because even the walls can have ears.
These are the stone plates in which the common people used to feed. Perhaps, they were served food in these plates when they came to see the king & other royals or noble men. The royals & noble men used to eat in plates made from precious metals & their alloys.
This is the public bath for the general public visiting the royals or noble men.
After covering the Royal Enclosure, we headed back to our hotel. En route, we saw some more ruins...ruins of what was once a fledgling Jain temple.
Hi Vinay,
ReplyDeleteThis is really excellent and I will go through all the blog and getting enlightened