Hampi: A Timeless Ode of Art And Dance

As we all know, Hampi is the cultural heart of India. The intricate sculptures and architecture of every single temple leave all of us in awe. If only it hadn’t been burnt to ashes. Just the thought of imagining Hampi in its full glory sends a shiver of delight. History comes alive in every stone of the temple.

As a dancer, visiting Hampi was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me. Each temple had hundreds of sculptures, and contemplating those sculptures was a feast for the eyes. There were numerous kinds of sculptures, including Hindu gods, musicians, dancers, kings, citizens of the Vijayanagara Kingdom, and animals. Even foreign traders are captured in stone. The sculptures not only depict people but also convey emotions and stories that can be clearly understood. If one looks at these sculptures with their heart and soul, they can feel the sculptures conversing with them.

When it comes to dance sculptures, I was amazed by the detailing of each piece. It is astonishing how the sculptors of that period could capture minute details such as expressions, hastas, foot positions, costumes, hairstyles, and more. The intricate and complex designs they adorned showcase the grandeur with which dancers were treated. It makes us contemplate—how can a dancer be this graceful on plain stone?

These sculptures also showcase the history of dance and the incredible skill of the dancers of that period, making us question whether we could ever reach such a level of mastery. Every dance sculpture represents different Karanas and postures, which are extremely difficult and could only be performed by highly proficient dancers. Some postures are not even seen in the present world.

Different kinds of regional dances are also carved into the stone, such as Darbar dance (where the dancer performs in the royal court before the king) and folk dances (where people gather to celebrate an occasion), like Kolattam and festive dances. Even dance practice sessions are depicted in stone. In some sculptures, the dancers are accompanied by musicians, giving us an idea of the kinds of instruments used during that period.

It is heartbreaking to think that we can never witness those dancers perform with our own eyes. Every artist should visit Hampi at least once in their lifetime. It is a place where art continues to flourish to this day. Whether you are a dancer, a musician, a sculptor, an architect, or simply a spectator, Hampi is a place where every stone has a story to tell.

Meghana Barma is a Kuchipudi dancer. She is a disciple of Guru Dr. Hima Bindu Kanoj and has been learning Kuchipudi for the past 15 years. She is also a dance instructor at Muvva Nritya Raaga Nigamam.
She accompaniea her Guru in temple exploration and recently has stared to develop a flair for writing. She hopes to persuade higher education in Dance while she learns and understands what it is all about dance and the temple.