Recreating a Masterpiece: The Hampi Chariot Story
Dating back to the 16th century, Hampi is recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is often called the world’s largest open-air museum. A tourist attraction in Hampi, the famous chariot has an interesting history to it.
It is said that when King Krishnadevaraya of Vijayanagara empire went to fight a battle against then Kalinga Rajya or modern-day Odisha, he happened to lay his eyes on the beautiful chariot in the Konark Temple and wanted to construct one in Hampi.
Upon his orders, this iconic chariot of Hampi was built which now stands as part of the three most recognized chariot structures of India including the one in Konark and the one in Mahabalipuram.
The Hampi Chariot, though it looks like one solid structure, is actually made of several slabs of granite carefully plastered together to look like one. On its base are carved scenes of mythical battles in intricate detail. It is said that when the chariot was constructed, two horses were carved to pull it but now one can find elephants instead.
This Chariot is built in the Vittala Temple Complex as a shrine for Lord Vishnu’s vehicle Garuda but now stands empty. Folklore is often stranger than reality, and it says that the world would come to an end when the chariot moves.
A jewel in the crown of Karnataka, this exquisite structure stands tall upholding the state’s cultural heritage and the country’s artistic pride.
Recreating this masterpiece-
We at Artisanscrest take pride in the fact that we have successfully recreated this masterpiece in all its valor and grandeur.
We were commissioned with the task of condensing this mammoth structure into dimensions of 3ft x 2ft x 2ft. It took us about 12-15 weeks to carve this legendary structure with all its iconic details.
This chariot, and many such prized artifacts, be customized and made according to your needs and wants including size specifications and other details.
In doing so, our endeavor is to pay tribute to the artistic grandeur of India and recreate those pieces that are often hard to come by- such as the ones preserved in museums across the world. Our sole aim is to give people a chance to own a replica as a memory of what the original stood for, much like a memento or a token.
The Hampi Chariot is just one of our recreated masterpieces. Our skilled artisans give us the opportunity to provide you with more options in customization across a wide range of artifacts.
Be it a Kerala Mural
Or a Pattachitra Painting
Be it from the Golden Grass range
Or a Marble Statue
Or any other Indian artifact from anywhere around the world that catches your attention, write to us for a consultation.
So what are you waiting for? This festive season, bring in an exquisite masterpiece of your choice, customized to your needs.
Write to us at info@artisanscrest.com or visit our website www.artisanscrest.in to know more.
Please note that no copyright infringement is intended in the recreation of these masterpieces, nor do we make claims of making the original product and selling it. All our recreations are a tribute to our rich heritage and must be treated as such.