Zenana enclosure in Hampi, Karnataka had many interesting highlights. Lotus Mahal was its major attraction that is situated at the southeast corner. As the name suggests on enters into a sprawling compound with a mud road running through the middle of the compound. It is pastel colored situated far at the right corner. It is a two-storied arched pavilion.
The whole area was a private enclosure for the royal women folks. The Queen`s Palace is located at the middle of this area. It has been the largest palace base that has been excavated in the Hampi ruins. The three-tired elaborate base structure shows its importance as a palace. The super structure was made of wooden or less durable materials. Along with the other royal structures, a gut during the rival incursion could have destroyed the palace. A rectangular deep tank just at east of this probably used as a water source to the palace.
Opposite to the palace in the east lie the remains of a water pavilion. This is a decorated platform that is situated at the center of a shallow pool. At the corners of the enclosed area watchtowers can be seen at the corners of the enclosed area. These were built in the hybrid Indo-Islamic architecture style.
The royal treasury building was located in this enclosure. At the northwest there is a featureless rectangular building that has a simple entry at the east. A corridor runs all around inside with arches at regular intervals. There are several unnamed structures and separation walls inside the campus.
Entire Zenana enclosure is encircled with tall and broad walls that are made out of cut stones arranged in attractive patterns. The construction style is striking. The enclosure had been strategically designed for the women in order to watch the royal ceremonial functions in privacy.
However some archeologists believe this was never used by the women. The nearby structures do not suggest that it was a harem. According to them the Lotus Mahal was a council room for the chief commanders rather than the women`s pavilion. The rectangular enclosed building at the northwest corner was the armory or mint or treasury and the palace belonged to the king. In fact some of the recent researches conducted reveal that it was a club of the military. It is situated near an important road crossing. It is believed that the towers close by were important centres of communications.
