Zanana Enclosure - Historical landmark in Hampi - Ballari, India

The Zenana Enclosure was a fortified and secluded area reserved for the royal ladies of the Vijayanagara Empire. The Zenana Enclosure is located in the area approaching the Royal Enclosure and near the Ranga Temple. The enclosure is a sprawling compound that had tall walls surrounding it on all sides and watch towers to keep guard against any trespassers. It was constructed during the days of the Vijayanagara Empire. The highlight of the Zenana Enclosure is the Lotus Mahal or Kamal Mahal, one of the most remarkable structures in Hampi.

This a captivating architectural marvel that stands as a testament to the artistic finesse and ingenuity of the Vijayanagara Empire. This unique structure is a perfect blend of both beauty and utility. The surrounding area of the Mahal is a peaceful garden filled with ancient trees, offering a serene contrast to the architectural beauty. It's easy to picture noblewomen of the past strolling through these tranquil gardens.

Zenana enclosure was a secluded area reserved for the royal women. This walled harem houses many interesting highlights. The major attraction is the Lotus Mahal located at the southeast corner. As the name suggests, you would enter into a sprawling compound with a mud road running through the middle of the compound. Probably the only thing you eyes catch soon when you are inside is the pastel colored Lotus Mahal at the far right corner. It's a two-storied arched pavilion. The whole area was the private enclosure for the royal women folks. The Queen's Palace (visible only the basement) is located at the middle of this area, on the left side of your path. Measuring about 46 x 29 meters, this has been the largest palace base excavated in the Hampi ruins so far. Also the three-tired elaborate base structure speaks of its importance as a palace. The super structure was made of wooden or less durable materials compared to the stone base. Along with the other royal structures, a gut during the rival incursion could have destroyed the palace. A rectangular deep tank (now empty) just at east of this probably used as a water source to the palace. Opposite to the palace base, across the central path, at the east lie the remains of a water pavilion. This is basically a decorated platform at the center of a shallow pool. This low laying spot is the first you would visit once inside the enclosure. Three watchtowers can be seen at the corners of the enclosed area. You can spot these two storied towers close to the southeast, northeast and northwest corners. These again were built in the hybrid Indo-Islamic architecture style. Being the ladies quarters, it has been said that eunuch soldiers guarded the area. It's possible to climb to the top floor of one of these towers (if very crowded, the guards may not allow this). It's a vantage position to survey this area and the Elephant stables behind the Zenana Enclosure. It's Interesting the royal Treasury building too was located in this enclosure. At the northwest corner you can spot an otherwise featureless rectangular building. Some believes that it was the quarters of the eunuch guards protected this area. The structure has a simple entry at the east. A corridor runs all around inside with arches at regular intervals. The absence of windows and light inside makes it believe that this was at the best a kind of store rather than a living space. There are the traces of a number of unnamed structures and a separation walls inside the campus. The whole Zenana enclosure is encircled with a tall and broad walls made out of cut stones arranged in interesting patterns. The construction style of the wall is noteworthy.The enclosure had been strategically designed for the women folks to watch the royal ceremonial functions or the march past in privacy. However there is another school of archeologists who believe this was never used as the women's area. The archeologists assigned the names (Zenana Enclosure, Lotus Mahal etc) arbitrarily than based on some assumptions. The closeness of the nearby structures (the elephant stables, the guards quarters etc) suggests this was not a harem. They believe the Lotus Mahal as a council room for the chief commanders rather than the women's pavilion; the rectangular enclosed building at the northwest corner as the armory or mint or treasury rather than the quarters for the eunuch guards; and the palace belonged to the king. This is one of the few places in Hampi where visitors have to pay for the entry ticket. The ticket counter is located outside (west) the main entrance of the enclosure. Admission fee is Rs 250 (USD5). For Indian citizens the government offers a subsidy on entry ticket and the fee is Rs10. Children under the age of 15 are admitted free. Photography is allowed free of cost. The same ticket is valid (only for the same day) for entry at the Vittala Temple and the nearby Elephant Stables. Preserve the ticket.

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Zanana is the royal enclosure for the ladies of Vijayanagara empire. It is a fortified enclosure with watch towers. It houses the famous Lotus Mahal, remains of the Queens palace, and has 3 watch towers. Further down the Zanana enclosure is the elephant stables and the mahouts building

This place was built during Vijayanagar Empire and royal ladies used to stay here. It has multiple watch towers and it is believed it was well guarded. The main attraction inside the enclosure is Lotus Mahal (Indo Islamic Architecture and looks very beautiful), Basement of Queens Palace (only basement is left) and Elephant Stables. Another contrasting belief is that if was Kings Palace because of it's proximity to Elephant Stables and Lotus Mahal was used for council meetings. The cost is 10 bucks but if you have Vijay Vitthala Complex ticket, you don't need to buy.

*Lotus Mahal* Ancient stone palace structure with tranquil gardens, arches & elaborate carvings. The structure resembles the lotus bud. Entry ticket required, Rs.40/- per person (allowed to enter in to Vijaya Vitthala Temple, Queens palace (Lotus Mahal, Elephant Stabbles, Queens Basement) and Museum) This building lies within the Zenana Enclosure, which was a segregated area used by royal women of the Vijayanagara dynasty. Also known as Kamal Mahal or Chitragani Mahal, the exquisite structure of the building boasts a central dome that is carved like a lotus bud. The passages and the balcony are also covered with a dome resembling an open lotus bud. The curves of the palace reflect an Islamic style of architecture while the multi-layered roof design is reminiscent of Indo-style of buildings. The palace is a two-storeyed structure and has been symmetrically designed. Surrounded by a rectangular wall, it has four towers in a pyramidal shape that look like a lotus as well. The walls and pillars both have beautiful carvings of birds and sea creatures on them.

The ladies' royal enclosure in the Vijayanagara empire is called Zanana. It is a walled in area that has watchtowers. It has three watchtowers, the renowned Lotus Mahal, and the Queen's palace's remnants. The elephant stables and the mahouts building are located further down the Zanana enclosure.