Identify the rituals and practices associated with the Mahanavami Dibba, a structure in the Royal Centre of Vijayanagara Empire.

i.The name comes from the shape of the platform and the Mahanavami festival which was observed there.

ii. Rituals Associated with the structure – Dussehra, Durga Puja and Navaratri or Mahanavami

iii. The Vijayanagara kings displayed their prestige, power and suzerainty.

iv. The ceremonies performed on the occasion included worship of image, worship of the state horse, and the sacrifice of buffaloes and other animals.

v. Dances, wrestling match, and procession of horses, elephants and chariots and soldiers.

vi. Ritual presentations before the king and his guests by the chief nayakas and subordinate kings marked the occasion.

vii. The ruler inspected the army.

viii. Nayakas brought gifts and tribute for the kingIt had two of the most impressive platforms, the “Audience Hall” and the “Mahanavami Dibba”.

ix. The entire complex was surrounded by high double walls with a street running between them.

x. The audience hall was a high platform with slots for wooden pillars at close and regular intervals.

xi. It had a staircase going up to the second floor.

xii. The pillars were closely spaced.

xiii. The “Mahanavami Dibba” was a massive platform rising form a base of about 11,000 sq. ft to height of 40 ft.

xiv. The platform must have supported a wooden structure and other perishable material during festivals.

xv. The base of the platform is covered with relief carvings.