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November 3, 2003

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History forgot Hampi for generations, but it once ruled one of the largest Hindu empires, the Vijayanagars (remember them from Hyderabad?). Founded by Telegu princes in 1336, Hampi hit the height of its power in the 16th century. Most of the great buildings here date from that period. Then in 1565, the local Muslims grew frustrated with the local Hindus. The Muslims gathered an army, marched against Hampi, and crushed the city, scattering all of its citizens and turning Hampi into a forgotten city.
Hang out in old temples and commune with history.
Hand the elephant a banana and he'll slobber on your head like your his best friend.
Sitting at a temple we watched a microcosm of India walk past.