Hemakuta Hill temples and Virupaksha Temple; Alexander John Greenlaw; Hampi, Karnataka, India; 1856; Silver gelatin print from waxed paper (calotype) negative; 29.7 x 37.8 cm. Victoria and Albert Museum, London

An ancient city in eastern Karnataka, located along the banks of the river Tungabhadra. It served as the capital of the Vijayanagara empire that ruled over parts of present-day Karnataka. The city was conquered by the Deccan sultanates after the Battle of Talikota in 1565 CE and fell into ruins.