Lotus Mahal
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2022}}
{{Use Indian English|date=November 2022}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Lotus Mahal
| official_name = Chitrangi Mahal
| settlement_type = Historical Landmark in India
| image_skyline = IMG 2362 Lotus Mahal.jpg
| coordinates = {{coord|15|32|03|N|76|47|13|E}}
| pushpin_map = India Karnataka#India
| image_caption = Lotus Mahal (Chitrangi Mahal)
| founder = Vijayanagara Empire
| image_flag =
| named_for = Lotus bud structure
| subdivision_type = India
| subdivision_type4 = India
| flag_alt =
| pushpin_relief = d
}}
{{Infobox building
| location = Ballari district, Karnataka
| location_country = India
| coordinates = {{coord|15|32|03|N|76|47|13|E}}
| floor_count = Two storey
| map_dot_label = Lotus Mahal
| map_dot_mark = India Karnataka#India
| architectural_style = Indo-Islamic
}}
{{Coord|15.3203|76.4713|display=title}}
Lotus Mahal or Chitrangini Mahal is an important secular structure in Hampi, India. The Lotus Mahal is an example of Vijayanagara 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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.incredibleindia.org/content/incredible-india-v2/en/destinations/hampi/lotus-mahal.html|title=Incredible India | Lotus Mahal|website=www.incredibleindia.org}}
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 stories, 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.{{Cite web|title=Architectural Highlights of the Lotus Mahal in Hampi, Vijayanagara Empire – The Talkative Man|url=https://www.talkativeman.com/lotus-mahal-hampi/|access-date=2020-09-22|language=en-US}} The pillars are decorated with stone carved aquatic animals, plants etc.{{Cite web|last=Wright|first=Colin|title=The Lotus Mahal, Vijayanagara|url=http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/onlineex/apac/photocoll/t/019pho001000s13u01374000.html#:~:text=The%20Lotus%20Mahal%20is%20a,series%20of%20vaults%20and%20domes.|access-date=2020-09-22|website=www.bl.uk}}
The palace is built by bricks and mortar.The ground floor is raised on a high ornamental stone basement with doubled recessed angles.{{Cite web|date=2017-04-25|title=Lotus Mahal Hampi {{!}} Kamal Mahal Hampi {{!}} Chitrangini Mahal|url=https://www.karnataka.com/hampi/lotus-mahal/|access-date=2020-09-14|website=Karnataka.com|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|title=Lotus Mahal|url=http://hampi.in/lotus-mahal|access-date=2020-09-14|website=www.hampi.in|language=en}}
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 Muslim 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. 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.{{Cite web|title=Vijayanagara Research Project::Lotus Mahal|url=https://www.penn.museum/sites/VRP/html/LotusMahal.html|access-date=2020-09-22|website=www.penn.museum}}
Gallery
Hampi, India, Lotus Mahal.jpg
Hampi, India, Watch Tower, The Zenana Enclosure, Vijayanagara Empire.jpg|Watch tower near the palace
LTC 2018 178.jpg|Pillars
IMG 2389 Lotus Mahal arch design.jpg|Carvings
Lotus Mahal in 1880.jpg|Lotus Mahal in 1885
References
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Category:Architecture in India
Category:Archaeological sites in Karnataka