English: Each major Hindu temple complex in Hampi had a large water tank which were called Pushkarani (Jain temples of Hampi also feature a small water tank, usually in front and also stepped). The Pushkarani were symmetrical, either square or joined double square. In the center of these some water tanks was a shrine with a statue. These were public utilities, while bathing facilities and ghat facilities existed on the banks of the Tungabhadra river with several mandapa and shrines. The water tanks had steps to walk down and fetch water. The most intricate five level highly symmetric gray stone step well was fed by an stone aqua duct near the Maha Ramanavami (Mahanavami) procession and events performance platform, housed within the royal and court residence campus.

Hampi ruins and monuments date to pre-17th century period of South Indian history, particularly those related to the Hindu Vijayanagara Empire era (14th-16th centuries). The site consists of numerous ruins and temples over a large area, the most visited and studied are those located near the Tungabhadra river.

The town derives its name from the Pampa Devi Hindu mythology in Sanskrit, with Pampa morphing into Hampa in Kannada, then Hampi. The city served as capital of the Vijayanagara rulers, was pillaged, ruined and abandoned after Muslim armies of a Sultanate coalition attacked and defeated it. In the modern era, it serves as an archaeological site and is a UNESCO world heritage site.