I have been visiting Hampi regularly for more than a decade now, exploring its boulder-strewn hills, its ancient works of stone and the wide open landscapes. Each time I visit, I have quietly wondered how its heritage sites–the stone-pillar pavilions that are spread across the region, the temples in various stages or dilapidation and restoration, the tanks reflect the sky on a still-wind morning and the once palatial Indo-Saracenic structures–yield to a photographer’s wish to magnify their glory.
Until my first visit, I was often content with the images I saw of the stone chariot and portrait of Ugranarasimha and expected little more than replicating those photographs myself. That’s perhaps what I did on my first visit, quickly hopping from site to site and cluelessly recording whatever I could through my film camera that allowed me to look at the results well after I returned home. But several visits ensued over the years where I could take time to study those beautiful ancient monuments and tried to create images that could elicit a viewer’s interest, not just as a documentary evidence of long-standing works of stone, but as my own interpretations of light-play in the geometry. I tried to identify those corners that appealed me, that angle of light that added a special glow or the elements that could be juxtaposed with the environment to add a greater interest to those charming edifices that may often look lifeless in a photograph.
Here is a collection of images of beautiful heritage of Hampi, created in over a decade of revisiting the place.
Sunsets are usually a very colourful affair in Hampi, especially so in the winter months. This small water body helped me create a beautiful reflection of the colourful sky. And the small rock jutting out of water helped create a sense of depth. The small temple, and the pillar to the left allowed me to bring out the characteristic ‘Hampi-feel’ to the image.
The gopura of Viroopaksha Temple is the most dominating structure in all of Hampi. It stands tall towering above everything else, but is a difficult edifice to photograph. I had to look for decorative elements that helped make the tower look interesting. This pond helped me achieve the purpose.
Here is another perspective of the gopura from inside the temple.
Sunrays coming through a mantapa..
Play of light at one of the many monuments in Hampi. In some occasions, the structures themselves may be simple and elegant, which may not be sufficient to make eye-catching images. Waiting for good light always helps.
Here is another example of how good light can make a huge difference to how a simple structure can be photographed.
Here is yet another case of play of light adding drama to an array of pillars.
Beautiful patterns; glorious evening light.
A good monsoon can make for good photographs!
Beautiful array of pillars in one of the many temples in Hampi.
And finally, a dash of bright colours!