Bhojanasala
The rows of scooped food plates that were the used for community dining.
Community Dining area in Hampi
B
hojanasala or the dining hall is located close to the Octagonal Pavilion in the Royal Area. The main road that connects Hampi with Kamalapura can be used to access the location. Lookout for the Octagonal Pavilion, that protrudes into the main road, as the key landmark. The Bhojanasala is located right across the road.According to the archeologists this had been a community dining area for the soldiers. The proximity to the palaces and the granaries nearby supports this view.
The food plates are carved in two rows on the rock slabs. You can make out the dimples of tiny bowls at the corners for serving dishes. The rows face each other with a channel separating the two. The serving staff probably would have used the channel to serve food. Or even it could have been a water duct.
It appears as an open hall. Probably the shelter once stood over it is missing. Or even they would have used temporary Shamiana (party tents) the way it is done today for community functions.
A quick side trip is worth for its peculiarity. No entry fees & camera fees.
The rows of them were used in the permanent community dining area.
The rows of them were used in the permanent community dining area.