The British Library in London hosted a photographic exhibition on the Hampi city to commemorate the 75th anniversary of India’s independence.
From the 14th century until its collapse, Hampi served as the capital of the magnificent Vijayanagara kingdom, which was displayed in the exhibition “Hampi: Photography and Archaeology in Southern India”. The images were taken between 1857 and 1970.
The exhibit, which is complemented by three pieces by renowned photographer Raghu Rai, was created as a lens on the archaeological legacy of Hampi using the British Library’s archives and the research projects that have contributed to conserving the city’s cultural history.
At a celebration for the exhibition on Monday in London, Vikram Doraiswami, the Indian High Commissioner to the UK, stated, “An Italian traveller documented that this was the most amazing city in the world at the time.”
“It was a developed, thriving metropolis with the most stunning urban architecture. Even now, it takes several days to see Hampi in its entirety when you come. The High Commission is pleased to collaborate with the British Library in this 75th year of India’s independence because it “holds so much beautiful information and provides us all the chance to be a part of history and to be able to celebrate and share it in particular ways,” he said.
Amidst the rocky terrain of granite boulders, the ancient city’s temple complexes, palaces, and administrative structures were constructed along the banks of the Tungabhadra River. Vijayanagara, which had thrived for more than 200 years, was overthrown by a rival kingdom in 1565, and Hampi was left in ruins.
The British Library show, however, intends to celebrate the fact that it continues to draw worshippers and tourists despite its continued religious significance and 1987 status as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The “Early Photography and Archaeology in Western India” exhibition, which has been on display at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) in Mumbai since last month, is connected to the London exhibition, which was organized by the British Library’s Head of Visual Arts Malini Roy. “This spotlight exhibition on Hampi is part of a year marking India@75, which has seen outstanding events and programs in both countries.
Our relationship with our Indian partners is still robust, according to British Library Chair Dame Carol Black.
A component of the British Council’s India/UK Together, Season of Culture is the sister exhibition at CSMVS in Mumbai.
“It gives us the chance to study some of the rarest, earliest, and most spectacular photos and items of India’s rich archaeological legacy,” said Skinder Hundal, Global Director of Arts at the British Council.