The Group of Monuments at Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located in which Indian state?

Introduction / Context:
Hampi is one of the most famous historical and archaeological sites in India and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the name Group of Monuments at Hampi. It represents the remains of the capital city of the Vijayanagara Empire and is significant for Indian cultural and architectural history. For competitive exams, it is important to know the exact state location of such heritage sites.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The site in question is the Group of Monuments at Hampi.
• It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The options list the states Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh.

Concept / Approach:
The approach is straightforward recall of cultural geography. Hampi was the capital of the powerful Vijayanagara Empire in south India. The ruins of palaces, temples, bazaars, and fortifications are located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River in the present state of Karnataka. Understanding the link between the Tungabhadra valley and the Vijayanagara Empire helps firmly locate Hampi in Karnataka rather than in other neighbouring states.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Hampi is situated near the town of Hospet in the Bellary (now Vijayanagara) district. Step 2: Note that this region lies in the state of Karnataka in southern India. Step 3: Recognise that Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra are central and western Indian states that do not contain the Hampi ruins. Step 4: Rajasthan is known for its forts and palaces such as Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jodhpur, but not for Hampi. Step 5: Andhra Pradesh, while geographically close and historically connected through the empire, does not contain the core Hampi complex.

Verification / Alternative check:
Any standard atlas section on world heritage sites or Indian tourism maps will show Hampi clearly within the boundaries of Karnataka along the Tungabhadra River. Tourism promotional material from Karnataka also highlights Hampi as one of its signature destinations. This repeated association across sources verifies that Karnataka is the correct state.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Madhya Pradesh: Famous for heritage sites such as Khajuraho and Sanchi, but not connected to Hampi.
• Maharashtra: Known for Ajanta, Ellora, and various forts, but Hampi is not in this state.
• Rajasthan: Associated with Rajput forts and palaces, separate from the Vijayanagara region.
• Andhra Pradesh: Although culturally related in south India, it does not contain the core Hampi monument group.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse Hampi with other heritage sites in central or western India, especially if they do not regularly revise Indian maps. Another pitfall is mixing up river valleys and empires, for example confusing the Narmada or Godavari valleys with the Tungabhadra valley. Focused map practice and linking each cultural site with a specific river and state is a helpful way to avoid such mistakes.

Final Answer:
The Group of Monuments at Hampi is located in the state of Karnataka.