Hampi the milestone

     

Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Karnataka, India. It was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th–16th centuries and is known for its stunning ruins, ancient temples, and unique boulder-strewn landscape.

Some key attractions in Hampi include:

Virupaksha Temple – A functioning temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the oldest structures in Hampi.

Vittala Temple – Famous for its stone chariot and musical pillars.

Hampi Bazaar – A historic marketplace with ruins of pavilions and shops.

Matanga Hill – Offers breathtaking sunrise and sunset views.

Lotus Mahal & Elephant Stables – Examples of Indo-Islamic architecture.

Tungabhadra River – Ideal for coracle rides and scenic views.Historical Background of Hampi

Hampi, located in Karnataka, India, was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire from the 14th to the 16th century. It was one of the richest and most prosperous cities in the world during its peak. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its breathtaking ruins, temples, and architectural wonders.

Ancient History & Early Settlements

The region around Hampi has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with evidence of Neolithic and Iron Age settlements.

Hampi is identified with Kishkindha, the legendary kingdom of the Vanaras (monkey kingdom) mentioned in the Ramayana. It is believed that Lord Hanuman was born here.

Early rulers, including the Chalukyas (6th–12th centuries) and Hoysalas (12th–14th centuries), built temples in the region before the rise of the Vijayanagara Empire.

Rise of the Vijayanagara Empire (1336 CE)

Founding of the Empire: Hampi became the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire in 1336 CE, founded by Harihara and Bukka, two brothers who were former feudatories of the Kakatiya dynasty.

The empire was established to resist Islamic invasions from the north and to revive Hindu culture.

Hampi was chosen as the capital due to its strategic location—surrounded by the Tungabhadra River and massive boulder hills, which provided natural defense.

Golden Age of Hampi (14th–16th Century)

Under Krishnadevaraya (1509–1529 CE), Hampi reached its peak, becoming one of the wealthiest cities in the world.

It was a major center of trade, with merchants dealing in diamonds, pearls, spices, and textiles.

The city was filled with grand temples, palaces, markets, water reservoirs, and fortifications.

Art, literature, and architecture flourished. Many of the temples and monuments that stand today, such as the Vittala Temple and Virupaksha Temple, were built during this time.

The Fall of Hampi (1565 CE)

In 1565, the Battle of Talikota took place between the Vijayanagara Empire and the Deccan Sultanates (Bijapur, Golconda, Ahmadnagar, Bidar, and Berar).

The empire suffered a crushing defeat, and Hampi was looted, burned, and destroyed by the invading forces.

After the battle, the Vijayanagara Empire declined, and Hampi was abandoned as a capital, leaving behind the stunning ruins we see today.

Hampi in the Colonial and Modern Era

During the colonial period, Hampi remained in ruins but attracted historians, archaeologists, and explorers.

In the 19th century, British archaeologists began studying and documenting the site.

In 1986, Hampi was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its historical and cultural importance.

Today, it is one of India's most popular heritage destinations, attracting history lovers, backpackers, and pilgrims.

The History Social science

History of Social Science 

The history of social science traces the development of systematic knowledge about human society and social relationships. It encompasses disciplines such as sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, psychology, and history. Here's an overview of its evolution:

Ancient Foundations

Early social thought can be found in ancient civilizations like Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, India, and Greece.

Greek philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle wrote about politics, ethics, and society.

Confucius in China (6th century BCE) emphasized social harmony, ethics, and governance.

Kautilya’s Arthashastra (India, 4th century BCE) discussed economics and political strategy.

Medieval & Early Modern Period

Medieval Islamic scholars like Ibn Khaldun (1332–1406) contributed to the philosophy of history and social organization.

The Renaissance and Enlightenment (16th–18th centuries) encouraged rational inquiry into human society, with thinkers like Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, and Montesquieu discussing government, social contracts, and individual rights.

Birth of Modern Social Science (19th Century)

The Industrial Revolution and urbanization led to a need for systematic study of social issues.

Auguste Comte (1798–1857) coined the term sociology and developed positivism (scientific study of society).

Karl Marx (1818–1883) analyzed capitalism, class struggles, and historical materialism.

Émile Durkheim established sociology as a formal academic discipline, focusing on social facts and institutions.

Max Weber examined bureaucracy, capitalism, and the role of ideas in shaping society.

20th Century Expansion

Psychology and anthropology developed further, with figures like Sigmund Freud (psychoanalysis) and Franz Boas (cultural anthropology).

Behaviorism (Watson, Skinner) influenced psychology, while economists like John Maynard Keynes shaped modern macroeconomic theory.

Political science became more empirical, with studies on democracy, totalitarianism, and governance.

Contemporary Social Science (21st Century)

Advances in technology and data analysis have shaped social sciences, leading to computational sociology, behavioral economics, and digital anthropology.

Topics like globalization, climate change, and artificial intelligence are now key areas of research.