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Zenana Enclosure, Hampi, Krishnapura, Karnataka, India

The Zenana Enclosure is situated a few meters away from the Hazara Rama Temple in Hampi, India.

It is a vast rectangular complex designed for the queen and her cohorts.

The enclosure is surrounded by tall walls with watch towers in the corners. No male, except the king, was allowed to enter the premises.

The highlight of Zenana Enclosure Hampi is the Lotus Palace. It stands tall and out amidst the ruins because of its exquisite dome carved like a lotus bud. Lotus Palace is said to be built for the royal women for entertainment, and it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Hampi.

Plan of Zenana Enclosure
Plan Legend:

  1. Lotus Mahal
  2. Palace Foundations
  3. Treasury
  4. Watchtowers
  5. Jal Mahal
  6. Guard's House
  7. Elephant's Stable
  8. Madhava / Ranga Temple
  9. To Pattanada-yellamma Temple
  10. To Srungarada Hebbagilu
  11. To Royal Enclosure
  12. To Matanga Hill

Entrance gate to the Zenana Enclosure

Panorama of the entrance to the Zenana Enclosure

Zenana Enclosure

«Zenana Enclosure is a structural complex with tall enclosure walls and is accessed through small openings one each in the east and west walls and three in the north wall. The openings are much rebuilt and at present a doorway at the north and south serves as the entrance. Though popularly known as Zenana (Women) Enclosure, no historical evidence links this enclosure with. the women of the Court. This enclosure has structures identified as Treasury Building, Basement of a Palace, Jal Mahal, Water Tank, Lotus Mahal and three Watch Towers. The buildings in this complex are mostly in Indo-Islamic style and are exemplary manifestation of Vijayanagara secular architecture.»


Panorama of the interior of the Zenana Enclosure
On the left side we can see the foundations of the Queen's Palace (Plan No. 2), in the center we can see the Lotus Mahal (Plan No. 1) and on the right side we can see the Jal Hahal (Plan No. 5).


Jal Mahal

«This structure known variously as Jal Mahal and Water Pavilion consists of a central structure set within a rectangular tank. The east facing central structure is reached by a bridge at the south. It is built with projections and recessions and has two levels. The steps on the east side leads to water. The second level is defined by a series of mouldings and traces of plaster flooring can be seen here. On the basement of the central structure are found carvings of fish and boats. The tank is entered through flight of steps at the east and south. It also has pavilions at its corners. The remnants of the bridge and pavilions can be still seen. This structure might have been used as a summer residence of the royals.»


Panorama of the basement of Queen's Palace (Plan No. 2) seen from southwest


Panorama of the basement of Queen's Palace (Plan No. 2) seen from southeast


Basement of Queen’s Palace

«The remains of this Palace is popularly known as Queen’s Palace, however there is no archaeological or historical evidence to corroborate it. It faces north and is entered through a flight of steps with elephant balustrades. The Palace structure is built with projections and recessions on all sides. It has three ascending levels, defined by a series of ornamented basement mouldings. The first two levels are accessed by flights of steps in the centre of the north side. These levels run continuously around the building as a walkway. The access to the third level is by two flights of steps on the sides. The outlines of four-square chambers are observed at this level.»


Lotus Mahal (Plan No. 1)

  • The Lotus Mahal combines elements from Hindu and Islamic architectural styles. Its name is derived from the lotus-like structure that is visible in its design, especially in the arches and domes.
  • The central dome of the Mahal is designed to resemble a lotus bud, which is why it's named "Lotus Mahal."
  • The arched windows and doorways are a distinct feature, adding to the elegance and aesthetic appeal of the structure.
  • The Lotus Mahal is a two-storied structure, providing an elevated and panoramic view of the surrounding area.
  • The chambers of the Lotus Mahal are designed to remain cool, a feature attributed to the well-planned ventilation system.
  • The structure boasts perfect symmetry, a hallmark of traditional Indian architecture, which enhances its overall visual appeal.
  • The walls and ceilings are adorned with intricate carvings and inscriptions that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the Vijayanagara Empire.

Lotus Mahal

«The Lotus Mahal also known as Chitrangi Mahal is a two storeyed structure in Indo-Islamic style of architecture. It stands on an ornate stone adhisthana (plinth) and square in plan with projections and recessions in the cardinal directions. The first storey is an open pavilion and has twenty-four square pillars carrying recessed and foliated arches. It has a vaulted ceiling and at the center is a plain flat coffered section with a lotus-bud in the middle. A staircase on the north side leads to the upper storey which has a number of balconies with windows having recessed and foliated arches. The ceiling of the upper storey consists of vaulted as well as flat-roofed sections. The central part features a deep clerestory elaborately ornamented with stucco arches, friezes and ledges, pushpa-podigai (flowerbud corbels) and large niches with remnants of seated figures. It culminates in a small ornate ribbed inverted lotus dome. The superstructure consists of nine pyramidal towers of varying sizes. The exterior of the first storey is more decorated than the upper one featuring plaster and stucco ornamentation consisting of medallions, scroll work and simhamukha decorations. The cornice of the first storey is supported by ornate curved brackets. The brackets at the outer corners were originally supported by large rampant yalis, of which a mutilated one is now extant on the east side. In its original state, fully ornamented with plaster work and painted, the Lotus-mahal must have been a very imposing structure.»


Watchtowers (Plan No. 4)

Watch Towers

«Three Watch Towers in Indo-Islamic architectural style are found within the Zenana Enclosure. They are found abutting the enclosure walls that are built with irregular, tightly fitted blocks which taper in thickness as the walls rise. The Octagonal tower located in the southeast corner of the enclosure has three levels and overlooks the approaches to the Royal Centre. The second tower, square in shape is located in the extreme northwest of the enclosure. Another square tower, now in ruins, is located in the extreme northeast corner of the enclosure.»


Panorama of the Guard's house (Plan No. 6) and the Elephant's stable (Plan No. 7)


Entrance arch to the Elephant's stable

Elephant's Stable

«This magnificent 15th century structure, built in the Indo-Islamic style of architecture, is considered to be the stable for the state elephants. However, it is also argued to be a palace secretariat. This long rectangular structure is 85 x 10 m in dimension. It faces west and has eleven large domed chambers. They are identical, with recessed niches on three sides and an arched entrance on the west. Out of the eleven chambers, 8 have arched small openings on the east wall. Three more arched small openings are found on the north and south walls connecting four chambers. Between the entrance arches, the exterior represents small arches topped by three smaller arched niches and miniature recesses with angled tops. Above the chambers rise domes symmetrically arranged and of varying types such as circular, octagonal, ribbed and fluted in design. Above the central chamber is a ruined two-storeyed structure that is reached by two staircases. There are remnants of ornate stucco and plaster ornamentation, on both the exterior and interior, which were once part of the architecture and design of the building.»


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Location

Location: 8FCC+88X, Hampi, Karnataka 583239, India