NEWS – The excavation of Pan Supari Bazaar at Hampi is shedding light on the prosperous trade activities during the Vijayanagar period. With ongoing efforts and collaboration with academic institutions, this initiative holds the promise of uncovering invaluable insights into India’s rich historical and cultural heritage.

OVERVIEW OF THE EXCAVATION

• Location: One-kilometre-long stretch between Hazara Rama Temple and Shrungarada Hebbagilu (Beautiful Main Entrance) in Hampi, Vijayanagar district.
• Historical Name: Known as ‘Pedda Angadi Veedhi’ (Big Shop Street) during the Vijayanagar period.
• Purpose: Believed to have been a thriving marketplace for gold and other precious metals during the medieval South Indian kingdom.

DISCOVERIES FROM THE EXCAVATION

• Artifacts Unearthed:
  • Potsherds: Redware, greyware, and porcelain.
  • A terracotta bead.
  • A coin (bronze or copper), dated to the 15th century.
• Timeframe of Excavation: 10 days of digging conducted recently.

HISTORICAL EVIDENCE SUPPORTING THE EXCAVATION

• Source of Information:
  • Chronicles and epigraphs found in temples, monuments, and historical records.
  • Foreign travellers’ accounts and inscriptions.
• Notable Chronicles:
  • Persian Traveller Abdul Razzaq: Mentioned four long and broad bazaars near the king’s palace, where jewels and precious stones were sold.
  • Portuguese Traveller Domingo Paes: Noted the sale of valuable products and evening fairs in the marketplace.

PAST EXCAVATION EFFORTS

• Initial Excavation:
  • Conducted in 1985 in a 150 sqm area near Hazara Rama Temple.
  • Evidence of trading in areca and allied products found.
  • No large structures or monuments discovered.
  • Stopped due to lack of funds.
• Current Initiative:
  • Excavation resumed with Rs. 7 lakh allocated by the Union government.
  • Promised additional funding for further exploration.

CURRENT EXCAVATION DETAILS

• Trenches Dug:
  • Three 10×10 trenches at Enclosure-16.
  • Targeted 650 sqm area to uncover traces of a market.
• Focus Area: Eastern part of the city, less explored compared to southern, western, and northern regions.

COLLABORATION WITH STUDENTS

• Planned Collaboration: ASI intends to work with universities and colleges to involve students.
• Benefits:
  • Students gain practical experience under expert guidance.
  • ASI gets additional skilled manpower to expedite the excavation process.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SITE

• Historical Importance:
  • Marketplace linked to the prosperous Vijayanagar Empire.
  • Evidence of advanced trade in precious metals, gemstones, and allied products.
• Cultural Value:
  • Insights into the daily life, economy, and societal structure of the Vijayanagar period.

CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

• Challenges:
  • Relatively unexplored areas requiring detailed excavation.
  • Limited initial funding and resources.
• Opportunities:
  • Potential to uncover significant historical artifacts.
  • Collaboration with academic institutions for mutual benefits.