A significant archaeological find has been made near the Virupakshesvara temple in Hampi, Vijayanagara district. An ancient road, believed to have been privately used by King Krishnadevaraya, has been uncovered. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is gathering precise details regarding the dimensions of the road and has plans to restore it to its former grandeur.
The road, located adjacent to the Srivirupakseshwar temple, is referred to as the Raya Path. During recent conservation efforts around the salumantapas (pillared halls) surrounding the temple, the ancient pathways were discovered. These pathways, lying five feet below the surface, are now in the process of being fully excavated and reconstructed based on the original design.
Hampi Bazaar: A Glimpse into the Past
Stretching 1 km from the Virupakseshwar temple to the Basavanna temple, the Hampi Bazaar area is flanked by salumampatas. This historic marketplace was once a bustling commercial hub during the Vijayanagara Empire, with cobblestone roads for pedestrians. Over the centuries, these roads were buried, but recent excavation work has brought them back to light, and efforts to restore them are progressing rapidly.
Focus on Monument Restoration
The ASI is also concentrating on reviving other dilapidated structures in Hampi, including the Salu Mantapas. Several mantapas near the Virupakseshwara temple have already been successfully restored. As part of the ongoing conservation efforts, the Raya Path is being reconstructed, with the mantapas along both sides of the route being rearranged to their original state.
Official Statement from the Department of Archaeology
Nihil Das, Superintendent of the Hampi Circle of the Indian Archaeology Department, confirmed the discovery of the ancient Raya Path near the Salu Mandapam on Virupaksha Street. While conservation work continues, the path’s complete excavation has been delayed due to heavy rain, but it will be developed soon.
