About the Book:
In the shadow of towering monuments, a skilled sculptor
breathes life into stone, capturing the essence of Vijayanagara’s spirit with each chisel and stroke. A devoted archaka, a priest tends to the eternal flames of worship, his
prayers resonating through centuries of faith and reverence. And in the graceful movements of a dancer, the very essence of the kingdom is brought to life, recounting tales of love, loss, and triumph through the art of movement.
As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a golden hue over the ancient city walls, these diverse voices blend together, painting a vibrant portrait of life in Hampi. And the spirit and essence of such characters add to the affluence and glory of the Vijayanagara kingdom.
There are several protagonists. Through them, the author gives a glimpse of their aspirations, their challenges, and their unwavering spirit besides portraying the kingdom’s magnificence.
Evergreen Hampi embarks the reader on a timeless journey through the annals of history, where the past merges with the present and the echoes of a bygone era reverberates.
Rithwik S –
Mention of ‘Hampi’ instantaneously evokes images of a magnificent city filled with grand temples, valor of Vijayanagara kings, bustling marketplaces, and prosperity of the region. Hampi, the capital of the Vijayanagara kingdom from 1336 to 1565, was the world’s second largest city, boasting with a population of 500,000 in 1500 CE.1 Durant noted that Hampi was ‘probably the richest city that India had yet known’.2 The city went into decline as a result of conquest by Islamic invaders.
Evergreen Hampi, as the title suggests, delves into what has remained evergreen in the annals of time – the everyday life of ordinary citizens of this historic city, particularly from 15th to 16th century, which is rarely documented. This historical fiction by Wing Commander Sudarshan Badangod weaves together fictional characters with real historical events, providing an engaging and immersive way to explore the bygone days of the Vijayanagara Empire.
The author retells the story of the city, interweaving its grandeur and greatness with the untold simple lives of commonplace people like soldiers, merchants, dancers, sculptors, priests, amongst others who constituted the majority of the population. This book also recounts the narrations of travelers who explored Hampi during that era. Through the eyes of fictional characters intermingled with historical charismas, Badangod transports the reader to the humdrum lives in different corners of the kingdom. Instead of directly glorifying the bravery and generosity of the king, predominantly Krishnadevaraya, the author, through the unique experiences of the characters, gives a glimpse of varied facets of the ruler and the ruled.
Manoshi Sinha
Author and a seeker