Hampi (1): Vijaya Nagara, City of Victory, originally uploaded by © profmpc.

Two adventurous brothers Harihara and Bukka established the kingdom of Vijaya Nagara in 1336 AD. This empire ascended to glory covering almost the entire peninasular India from coastal Karnataka to Orissa during the reign of Krishna Deva Rayar, its most illustrious Emperor (1509-1529). The empire's decline started in the second half of 16th Century. This beautiful city was destroyed completely in a war with the invading Muslim army when the Muslim soldiers of Vijaya Nagar, in a historical act of Treason, joined the enemy troops. Now the ruins of the city remain spread over 40 sq. kilometres in a village called Hampi in central Karnataka

This beautiful chariot carved in stone is in the Temple complex dedicated to Vishnu (Vijaya Vittala Temple). The temple was desecrated by the enemy, exquisite work of art defaced and the idols of deities removed and destroyed.