The Group of Monuments at Hampi, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was originally built under the rulers of which South Indian dynasty?

Introduction / Context:
The Group of Monuments at Hampi in present day Karnataka is famous for its magnificent temple and palace ruins and is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These monuments represent the grandeur of the Vijayanagara Empire, one of the greatest South Indian dynasties. Exams regularly test which dynasty and rulers were responsible for founding and building Hampi, because this links art and architecture with political history.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question refers to the Group of Monuments at Hampi.
• It asks under which South Indian dynasty and rulers these monuments were originally built.
• Options list pairs of rulers from different dynasties.
• Only one pair correctly represents the founders of the Vijayanagara capital at Hampi.

Concept / Approach:
The approach is to recall that Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. The city was founded in the fourteenth century by the brothers Harihara and Bukka of the Sangama dynasty, which formed the first line of Vijayanagara rulers. Later rulers, including Krishnadevaraya, further developed the city, but the original founding and much of the core layout are associated with Harihara and Bukka. Therefore, the correct answer must mention these names and the Vijayanagara dynasty.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Hampi was the capital city of the Vijayanagara Empire. Step 2: Remember that the empire was founded in the fourteenth century by brothers Harihara and Bukka. Step 3: Recognise that the early structures and overall city plan at Hampi date back to their reign and the subsequent Vijayanagara rulers. Step 4: Examine the options and identify the pair Harihara and Bukka of the Vijayanagara dynasty. Step 5: Select this option as correct and reject the others, which belong to different dynasties and regions.

Verification / Alternative check:
Verification can be done by consulting South Indian history textbooks or UNESCO documentation on Hampi. These sources clearly state that Hampi was the capital founded by Harihara and Bukka, marking the rise of the Vijayanagara Empire. While Krishnadevaraya later expanded the city and built many additional structures, the foundational role of Harihara and Bukka is consistently highlighted. None of the other dynasties mentioned in the options have their capitals at Hampi.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Udayin and Shishunaga belonged to the Shishunaga dynasty of ancient Magadha in North India, not to South Indian history or Hampi. Devavarman and Vainya are associated with the Vakataka dynasty, linked more with central India. Maravarman and Sirmara belong to the Pandya context in Tamil regions rather than to Karnataka. Krishnadevaraya of the Vijayanagara dynasty was an important later ruler who enhanced Hampi, but the question focuses on the original building under the rulers who established the capital, which were Harihara and Bukka.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to associate Hampi only with Krishnadevaraya, because he is the most famous Vijayanagara ruler, and then to choose his name when it appears anywhere in the options. Another error is to ignore regional clues and select dynasties from completely different parts of India. To avoid such problems, students should differentiate between founders and later builders and pay attention to the regional and chronological context of each dynasty.

Final Answer:
The correct answer is Harihara and Bukka of the Vijayanagara dynasty.