Publications
Vijayanagara Historical Temples at A Glance: A Review
Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Karnataka, India, stands as a testament to its historical and religious significance, predating the Vijayanagara Empire. The site, known for its monumental architecture and spiritual importance, includes the active Virupaksha Temple and an Adi Shankara-linked monastery. This review provides a concise overview of Hampi's historical temples, highlighting their cultural and architectural heritage. It explores the site's mention in ancient texts like the Ramayana and Puranas, underscoring its enduring religious significance. The study employs a descriptive approach to synthesize key aspects of Hampi's monuments, offering insights into their historical context and importance.
Mapping of Flooded Heritage Structures Using SAR Polarimetry and Google Earth Engine
A novel approach using SAR polarimetry and Google Earth Engine (GEE) has demonstrated significant potential for mapping flooded heritage structures, particularly in vulnerable areas like Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in India. The study leveraged dual-polarized Sentinel-1 SAR data to detect flooding with high precision, employing change detection and thresholding methodologies, including the Otsu algorithm for automatic thresholding. This method effectively discriminated between water and non-water surfaces, providing critical spatial and temporal measurements for emergency response planning and damage assessment. Additionally, the Wishart distance classification in PolsarPro software was used to extract stone structures, highlighting the utility of SAR polarimetry backscatter properties. The findings underscore the effectiveness of GEE for disaster risk reduction and cultural landscape monitoring, offering a scalable solution for heritage preservation in flood-prone regions.
Constructing heritage, shaping tourism
Heritage construction at Hampi, India's UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflects limited official understanding of visitor experiences and site usage. Despite being marketed as a 'group of monuments,' the site encompasses diverse layers including archaeological parks, cultural landscapes, embodied spaces, and living heritage. Ethnographic research at Jathre (the chariot festival) and Utsav (a government-sponsored cultural event) reveals that official narratives often serve electoral, identity, and cultural politics rather than fully capturing the site's dynamic realities.
Dolomitic Plasters in Indian Monuments and its Characterization
Research reveals that dolomitic lime, rather than the more common Carboniferous limestone, was used in plasterworks at UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Alampur (6-7th AD) and Lotus Mahal, Hampi (1336-1570 AD). This finding indicates a higher risk of damage due to wetting and necessitates specialized conservation efforts. The study analyzed mineralogical and chemical compositions, showing that hydraulic components were added to enhance durability in Alampur's plasters. Additionally, variations in the ratio of binder to inert materials suggest differing provenances for Hampi's plasterworks, complicating provenance studies. These insights provide critical data for technological evaluation and guide conservators in re-plastering efforts.
The cultural and economic significance of Hampi festival
Hampi festival, revived by the Government of Karnataka and held at Hampioffers substantial untapped cultural and economic potential. This festival, a grand spectacle featuring dance, music, fireworks, and processions, recreates the opulence of the Vijayanagara Empire while attracting national and international visitors. Focus group discussions with stakeholders revealed opportunities for improvement, highlighting its significance as both a cultural extravaganza and an economic driver. The study emphasizes leveraging such large-scale festivals to maximize cultural heritage preservation and economic benefits.
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