During the timeframe from June to September, the sky sheds tears. This four-month window is known as the monsoon season. While exploring Hampi, the significance of the famous rains proved to have a strong presence. Evidence is found in the condition of monuments and temples, quality of road, and agriculture.

Furthermore, flooding has proven to be a significant problem in Hampi, a historical city. As a result, floods leave buildings submerged in water, allowing mold and fungi to grow and erode their surroundings. Perhaps this flooding would not be as destructive if senseless treasure hunters did not dig holes looking for hidden artifacts. Such holes destroy the foundation, and provide a space for pests – destroying ancient monuments. Though this is devastating, not much that can be done to further preserve the sites.

Not only has this water damaged historical sites, it has affected roads thus affecting the overall quality of traveling. For example, a twelve-hour drive from Hyderabad to Hampi is like a rollercoaster. However, unlike rollercoasters, this bus ride is not fun. The awful conditions the roads are also due to poor upkeep.

Sadly, even with the World Banks loan of $350 million dollars to the Government of India to improve the highways in Andhra Pradesh, the improvement is not truly effective. The goal is quite ambitious, but manageable: “the project will help relieve traffic congestion and reduce travel times by widening and upgrading priority roads, enhancing road maintenance, and strengthening the state road agency’s ability to manage its road programs and assets.” States web.worldbank.org in the article “India State Highway Project to Overhaul Andhra Pradesh’s Road Network.” Climate is not something that should be manipulated; but proper measures need to be taken so that the lack of infastructure not a result of hundreds or thousands of car accidents and uncomfortable twelve hour rides.

The monsoon creates a delicate balance between the people and their environment. When walking towards the Virupaksha Temple, street venders called out from all sides. They call out, “10 rupees, I give you 10 rupees!” for products such as bananas, corn, and coconuts. Without the monsoon, all of these farmers would have no products to sell. On the other hand, if a monsoon is too vicious, crops may become submerged in water and ruined – leaving that year’s income and food supply nonexistent. Yet, without water, the agricultural industry would be nonexistent.

The monsoon is an important part of Hampi and its culture. Not only does it dictate how people live their lives, it affects essential resources such as water and food. Although monsoons can damage ancient monuments and roads, they are a fundamental to Hampi and India as a whole.