<strong>History</strong>
The village of Anegundi and Tungabhadra river which falls within the core
zone of Hampi world heritage site. Anegundi history dates back to Pre-
Vijayanagara and to the time of Ashoka in the 3rd century B.C. Even after the
collapse of the empire in 1565 AD, it continued to be the seat of the Devaraya
Dynasty. When Vijayanagara was founded in the mid- 14th century by the
Sangama brothers, Harihara and Bukka, Anegundi was already well established
as the cradle city from where they actually ruled then later shifted capital to
Hampi.
<strong>About the village</strong>
The main focus of the town is a square onto which faces the Ranganatha
temple (dedicated to Anantashayana). On the opposite side of the square is the
Gagan Mahal, built in a typical late Vijayanagara courtly style with arched
windows and Pyramidal towers, now accommodates local council office. A
fourteenth century gateway marks the northern exit of the town. Another
interesting early structure is the Jain temple facing on to the main street running
south from the square. A complex of shrines known as Chintamani Mutt is built
up to the boulders to the south east of Anegundi from where one can have a fine
view of river Tungabhadra. Yet other structures stand within fortified citadel that
occupies the rocky hill a short distance west of the town. They include gateways,
barracks, step wells and royal memorials, all dating on the post Vijayanagara
period.
The road running west from Anegundi passes along the top of the ancient wall of
the town, in which an early style gateway with finely carved columns still stands.
About 1.5 kms to the west a cart track leads southward to Pampa Sarovar, the
pool that takes its name from Hampi goddess. A little further on is the access
path to Anjanadri hill which lies to the north of the road. Considered the birth
place of Anjenaya, this hill is a favorite place of pilgrimage and has a long
staircase ascending to a modern shrine at the top.
The ‘Royal Village’ of pre-Vijayanagar Empire is located on the northern bank of
River Tungabhadra. Today, the village is having fortified wall around and all the
developments are within the fort wall. The village has developed in 23.19 Ha of
land with a gross density of 170 persons per Ha.
Unlike Hampi which is more
commercial in nature, Anegundi is a natural village with residential and
Archeological land uses.
