Examine how buildings in the Royal Centre of Vijayanagara city helped in increasing the prestige of the Vijayanagara kingdom.

The royal centre was the most important settlement of the Vijayanagar Empire. The kings lived there and carried out the daily business of the government.

The royal centre included several temples and palaces. The king’s palace was one of the largest enclosures which consisted of the “audience hall” and “Mahanavami dibba”. Considered as the royal residence, various rituals were performed there and the king displayed its power and prestige on occasions.

Other buildings included Lotus Mahal, perceived by the historians as a council chamber where king met his advisers.

One of the spectacular temples built in the royal centre is Hazara Rama Temple which beautifies the royal centre.

Thus, all these buildings and complexes together helped in increasing the prestige of the Vijayanagara Empire.