The building facing south adjacent to the Elephant stables is the Guards quarters. It is a rectangular structure with a verandah in front. It has a very fine facade comprising of eleven arches. Inside, the building is an open courtyard surrounded by a pillared cloister with vaulted roof.
About Guard’s quarters :
Guard’s Quarters is located right next to the Elephant Stable.This probably was a ceremonial building due to its finely made arches, verandah and the open courtyard surrounded by a pillared cloister. The archaeological depart used this to store the stone sculptures and other artifacts from the ruins site.Both the elephant stables and the Guard’s Quarters share a common expansive courtyard.Visit Guard’s Quarters and the Elephant Stables as part of your Zenena Enclosure tour itinerary.
Attraction Guard’s quarters In Karnataka :
One among the few least destroyed structures in Hampi, Elephant Stable is a major tourist attraction. This long building with a row of domed chambers was used to ‘park’ the royal elephants. There are 11 domed tall chambers; some of them are inter- connected. The center one is specially decorated and big. Probably the musicians and the associated band troupes had been using this during ceremonies involving elephant processions.
The whole building looks symmetric with respect to this central hall. The tower of the central hall resembles (though mostly destroyed) more like that of temples. However the five pairs of domes on either side are of Islamic in style. They are better preserved and of alternating patterns.
Metal hooks (used to tie the elephants) on the inside roof can be seen. At the rear of each hall are small manhole type openings for the mahouts to enter the elephant compartments. You reach here through the Zenana Enclosure. From here you proceed to the Guard’s Quarters and then may be to the Ranga Temple located a bit south of it all.
Features Of Guard’s quarters In Karnataka :
This magnificent 15th century, domed and long rectangular structure, built in the Indo-Islamic style of architecture, is considered to be the stable for the state elephants. Facing west, it has eleven large domed chambers interconnected with large arched openings. There are shallow niches and doorways in the walls between the arches. The remnants of a structure near the central dome suggest a pillared pavilion on top.
The domes are of various types; circular, octagonal, ribbed and fluted in design, and are symmetrically laid out. There are remnants of ornate stucco and plaster ornamentation, on both the exterior and interior, which was part of the design of the building.
There is access to the roof from a concealed staircase, through a niche by the side of the central chamber.
To the north of the stables are the supposed Guards Quarters (2nd photo).
