Mahanavami dibba or Dasara dibba is a beautiful stone platform located within the Royal Enclosure of Hampi. It was built during the Vijayanagara period by King Krishnadevaraya to commemorate his victory over Udaygiri. It was here the King of Vijayanagar used to celebrate the festival of Dasara. It is also called as the “House of Victory”.
The largest monument in this complex has three ascending square stages leading to a large, square platform that likely had a wooden mantapa above it. This was burnt down during the destruction of Hampi. The king watched the army march-pasts, bow and arrow competitions, war games such as sword fighting competition, wrestling, aquatic sports, musical performances of the royal animals and the hugely significant Navaratri celebrations from the raised structure of the grand platform.
The 12 meters high Dasara Dibba consist of a massive square granite faced base in three diminishing tiers, the lowest being 40 sq. meters and the topmost 24 sq. meters. This unique monument is one of the highest spots within this zone.
The top can be reached by stone stairs having carvings of elephants, horses, and others on the front while the back portion has twin staircase. The walls here are covered with elephants, warriors, hunting games scenes, horses and many other cultural scenes.
The two lower levels of the platform is made of granite. It has reliefs and lines of marching animals including elephants, horses, and camels. Reliefs on the south side show musicians and dancers, including female stick-dancers. The third level reliefs show a battle procession, couples and scenes of common citizens celebrating Vasantotsava (Holi) by throwing water at each other.
Near the great platform is an audience hall, which also probably had a wooden pavilion, evidenced by 100 stone stubs; this too was burnt down.
On the east side of the platform, is a chamber filled with animal and clown carvings narrating the stories of when the Chinese traders used to visit the King Krishnadevaraya for business and the Arab emirates came for trading horses and exotic animals.
There is an underground chamber below the raised platform where the King held important meetings with his aides.
1 thought on “Mahanavami dibba”