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Connecting to the courtyard are the chambers for the royals, which serves as the living quarters

for the royals and attendants. These chambers are adorned with floral motifs, inscriptions and
carvings sensitizing the artistic notions and cultural values of Vijayanagara. The exterior is

equally ornamental, with arched entrances and balconies overlooking at the surroundings. It
featured an inbuilt cooling water channels and drainage system to maintain the indoor

temperature and environment. Over the centuries, Gagan Mahal has faced the wrath of various

empires, today, it has been restored with the help of various organizations.
Thesis Report V-SPARC VIT

Modalina Bagilu (North gate) serves as entrance gate from other villages on north [Fig. 14]
and Talwarghatta (South gate) serves as entrance gate from Hampi [Fig. 15]. The

architectural elements of these gates include supporting pillars or a load bearing stone masonry

wall, with a flat stone slab on the top, which is ornamented with motifs and inscriptions.

Fig 14. Front facade of Modalina Bagilu Fig 15. Front facade of Talwarghatta

The 64 Pillared Hall is a classical Mandapa in Indian temple architecture style [Fig. 16]. It has

an array of 64 pillars with a flat stone roof and is open to surroundings without any walls. It is
believed that the 64 pillars represent the 64 forms of arts such as dance, music and so on which

were practiced by the rulers and people of the Vijayanagara Empire.

Fig 16. 64 Pillared Temple nestled in a serene landscape and the river

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