The Zenana Enclosure was a fortified and secluded area reserved for the royal ladies of the Vijayanagara Empire. The Zenana Enclosure is located in the area approaching the Royal Enclosure and near the Ranga Temple.
The enclosure is a sprawling compound with tall walls on all sides and watchtowers to guard against trespassers. It was built during the Vijayanagara Empire.
The highlight of the Zenana Enclosure is the Lotus Mahal or Kamal Mahal, one of the most remarkable structures in Hampi.
Quick Facts
- Timing: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM on all days of the week
- Entry Fee for Indians: 10.00
- Entry Fee for Foreigners: 250.00
- Entry Fee for Children: Free for Children under 15 years of age
- Photography: Allowed (no extra charges levied)
- Video Charges: RS. 25.00
- Visit Duration: Around 3 hours
- Best time to visit: From November to February
Protection Provided to Zenana Enclosure, Hampi
A distinctive feature of the Zenana Enclosure is that it was a well-guarded place during the days of the Vijayanagara Empire. The fortified area has two entrances, one in the northern side and the other in the north-eastern side.
The enclosure originally had four watchtowers. But now, there are just three watch towers, which are located on the eastern, south-eastern, and northern sides of the enclosure. These three watch towers indicate that the enclosure was a protected area that offered privacy to the royal women of the Vijayanagara Empire, including the Queen.
It is believed that eunuchs guarded the watch towers and the entire enclosure. These eunuchs prevented any male from entering the area. The only exception is believed to be the king, who had the right to visit his queen inside the enclosure.
Unique Architecture of Zenana Enclosure, Hampi
The structures of the Zenana Enclosure are designed in the Indo-Islamic style of architecture. This deviates from the traditional Vijayanagara style seen in most monuments and structures of Hampi. The Indo-Islamic design reflects the rulers’ secular outlook.
Though most structures within the enclosure are ruined, the Lotus Mahal remains undamaged. It offers visitors ample opportunity to admire the exceptional and distinctive architecture of the structure.
Key Attractions of Zenana Enclosure, Hampi
The Zenana Enclosure includes several interesting structures. The fortified area includes several structures such as the Lotus Mahal, Basement of the Queen’s Palace, Water Pavilion, Treasury Building and the Watch Towers.
Lotus Mahal: The main attraction of the Zenana Enclosure is the Lotus Mahal. It is located in the south-eastern corner of the enclosure. It is one of the most famous structures in Hampi and one of the few structures left undamaged by the Mughal attackers. It is a beautiful domed structure that has been designed in the shape of a lotus bud.
The archways of the structure resemble petals of a lotus and provide the whole structure with the shape of a half-open lotus bud. The Lotus Mahal is a two-storied symmetric structure that has tall arched windows.
Basement of Queen’s Palace: The Queen’s Palace is a ruined structure that has only the basement as proof of its existence. The basement is located in the centre of the Zenana Enclosure. The basement measures about 46 x 29 meters. It is the largest palace base excavated so far among the Hampi ruins.
The elaborate base is a three-tiered, ornate structure that suggests the original palace may have been grand. A deep rectangular water tank lies near the basement. It was probably used as a water source for the palace.
Water Pavilion: The Water Pavilion is located opposite the palace base and on the eastern side of the enclosure. The water pavilion is a decorated platform situated in the centre of a shallow pool. Though the water pavilion is no longer in working condition, the low spot is one of the attractions of the enclosure.
Treasury Building: The Royal Treasury Building is a rectangular structure that is located in the north-western corner of the enclosure. The building is plain, with no distinctive features. It has a simple entry on the eastern side.
The building has an interior corridor that runs along all sides, with arches at regular intervals. Some people believe that it was actually the quarters of the eunuchs who used to guard the Zenana Enclosure.
However, the building contains no windows or any source of light. This enhances the belief that it was not used as a living quarter, but as a storage space for something important.
Watch Towers: The three Watch Towers are located in three corners of the enclosure. Each tower is a two-storied structure built in the Indo-Islamic style of architecture. Steps lead to the top of two of the towers.
The view from the top is beautiful. From the top, visitors can view the surrounding area and the Elephant Stables behind the enclosure. It is believed that the ladies of the royal family could stand at the top of these watch towers and look at the royal processions and other ceremonies without being seen by the common people.
Contrasting Belief about the Zenana Enclosure, Hampi
Some archaeologists believe the Zenana Enclosure was not an area for royal women at all. They assume the Lotus Mahal was a council room where the King held meetings with his chief commanders.
The treasury building is supposed to be an armoury. According to them, the palace was the King’s Palace. Their assumptions are based on the fact that the Zenana Enclosure is located near the Elephant Stables and the Guards Quarters.
The area is considered to be more appropriate for being a King’s habitat rather than a secluded place for the royal women.
Present Condition of the Zenana Enclosure, Hampi
The Zenana Enclosure has some ruined buildings and a few undamaged structures. The surrounding wall is ruined. The watch towers are ruined, but at least one can be accessed to reach the top.
The water pavilion is also nonfunctional. The treasury building is also in ruins. The Queen’s Palace is a completely ruined structure, with only the basement remaining.
However, the only structure that remains almost intact is the Lotus Mahal. It is not only the main attraction of the Zenana Enclosure, but also one of the most beautiful structures found among the ruins in Hampi.
How to reach the Zenana Enclosure
The Zenana Enclosure in Hampi is a tourist spot that is regularly visited by people from far and near. The area is easily accessible by vehicles. It is one of the few places in Hampi that requires an entry ticket.
By Air
The nearest airport is Jindal Vijaynagar Airport (VDY) at Toranagallu, about 35 km from Hampi, served by Alliance Air and Star Air with flights to Bengaluru and Hyderabad. Ballari’s own airport has no scheduled passenger flights. For wider connectivity, Hubballi Airport (about 165 km) and Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru (about 350 km) are the practical alternatives.
By Rail
Hampi is an ancient town with no railway station of its own. The nearest railway station is in Hosapete (Hospet), which has the Hospet Junction Railway Station. Hosapete is just 10 km from Hampi. Several options connect Hampi and Hosapete. You can take a bus or use other local transport to reach Hampi.
By Road
Hampi has a good road network and is well connected to several places through this network. Several buses run between Hampi and major towns and cities in Karnataka. Visitors can opt to hire private cars, cabs or other vehicles from major cities like Bengaluru (Bangalore) or Mysuru (Mysore) to reach Hampi.
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