Zenana Enclosure Watchtower (North)

Hampi, Krishnapura, Karnataka, null, Hosapete, Vijayanagar, Karnataka, 583239

- Description

A distinctive feature about the Zenana Enclosure is that it was a well-guarded place during the days of the Vijayanagara Empire. The fortified area has two entrances, one in the northern side and the other in the north-eastern side. The enclosure initially had four watch towers. But now, there are just three watch towers which are located in the eastern, south eastern and northern sides of the enclosure. The presence of these three watch towers indicates that the enclosure was a protected area that offered privacy to the royal women of the Vijayanagara Empire, including the Queen. It is believed that the watch towers and the whole enclosure were guarded by the eunuchs. These eunuchs prevented any male from entering the area. The only exception is believed to be the king, who had the right to visit his queen inside the enclosure.