Option d is the correct answer. The ruins at Hampi represent the remains of the Vijayanagara empire, established in 1336 by Harihara I and his brother Bukka Raya I. The empire met its demise in the Battle of Talikota in 1565. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hampi's ruins came to light in 1800, thanks to the efforts of Colonel Colin Mackenzie, an engineer and antiquarian employed by the English East India Company. He created the first survey map of the site, drawing on information provided by priests of the Virupaksha temple and the shrine of Pampadevi. Subsequently, photographers began documenting the monuments from 1856, aiding scholarly study. Epigraphists started collecting inscriptions from Hampi and other temples as early as 1836. Important Tips Hampi in Karnataka, a UNESCO site, was once a thriving city by the river. It was capital of Vijayanagara Empire in 14th century, later turning into ruins due to invasions. Still, it's praised for its grand architecture, with over 1600 structures like temples and forts spread across 41 sq km . Some of the most important monuments in Hampi include: Virupaksha Temple the Hampi Bazaar the Lotus Mahal the Royal Enclosure Achutya Raya's Temple Mahanavami Dibbha Hazara Rama Temple Palace of Vira Harihara