Every time I think about our history, I get morose to know that even today not much of research is getting done by Indians about our heritages. One can hardly find some good authentic historical and archaeological literature written by Indians or in Indian languages. I met a young educated Maharashtrian couple from Hyderabad in Mango tree restaurant along with their school going son. They were having ‘Hampi in Ruins’ and trying to understand the history of Vijayanagara. Why have Indian historians and writers even after 60 plus years not written anything that can be that good? While driving around in the ruins spread over miles in length and breadth, one can’t see a shop with good souvenirs and books except for some kids selling hardly reliable and poorly printed cheap picture books.
Our vehicle had to be parked at a distance from Virupaksha Temple. Yamuna couldn’t walk that distance. She had to sit on the door steps of the temple. Why can’t the authority provide some facilities where the tourists can sit or wait? The encroachers and occupiers of the ancient Bazaar along the whole of avenue in front of Virupaksha Temple could have been removed, and the area could have been kept clean.
Should we believe that nothing can be done in this politics ridden country? Can’t the people occupying the place be provided good alternative place and convinced to move there? I wish someone researches on the habitations and families that might be having ancient lineages.
Hampi is a wonderful historical site where a Sound and Light Show (Son-et-Lumière) could have been a great attraction for the tourists visiting it. It could make the world heritage site more attractive than many in world because of its spread and variety. In the months more suitable for visit, some locations in the hills could stage some well designed Indian music and dance shows in the evening. The story based on Ramayana may also become one theme. I wish the route followed by Rama could become popular Hindu pilgrimage. Kiskindha, Mathanga parvatham, Rishyamuka parvatham, and Pampa could become important destinations.
Taking clues from the bazaars in Hampi in its glorious days, a good bazaar can also come up for the trade of unique commodities and artifacts. Another addition must be of a craft training school that can produce replicas of wonderful reliefs and panels in the various temples of Hampi.
The archeology or tourism department can charge an entrance fee from tourists and similar development tax from the business enterprises such as village resorts and other organized shops. I don’t know if the tax that some local people demand and get as one for panchayat is legal or properly used. It might be going to some local goon.
Why doesn’t the Indian government take some grand projects to develop such sites to a world class standard? Many a times I feel like believing; it is because Hampi is associated with the strongest Hindu Empire of the South India. It is unfortunate that in name of secularism, the country can’t take care of sentiments of the people and provides excuses.
You can view Hampi’s grandeurs on YouTube:
दृष्टिकोण - Indra's Viewpoint 