Social and Political Life in the Vijayanagara Empire (A.D. 1346 – A.D. 1646) v2.c25.s1.82

v2.c25.s1.82

Pietro della Valle noticed the great temple chariots at Ikkēri. He writes thus: "Moreover, in a close place opposite to the Temple, I saw one of those very great Carrs, or Chariots, wherein upon certain Feasts they carry their Idols in Procession, with many people on it and Dancing-women, who play on musical instruments, sing and dance. The four wheels of this Carr were fourteen of my spans in diameter, and the wood of the sides was one span thick. At the end of it were two great wooden Statues, painted with natural colours; one of a Man, the other of a woman, naked, in dishonest postures; and upon the Carr, which was very high, was room for abundance of people to stand; and, in brief, it was so large that scarce any but the widest streets in Rome as Strada Giulia, or Babuino, would be capable for it to pass in."2