Wikipedia:Main Page history/2012 February 8

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The Vijayanagara Empire was an empire based in South India in the Deccan Plateau region. It was established in 1336 by Harihara I and his brother Bukka Raya I of the Yadava lineage. The empire rose to prominence as a culmination of attempts by the southern powers to ward off Islamic invasions by the end of the 13th century. It lasted until 1646 although its power declined after a major military defeat in 1565 by the Deccan sultanates. The empire is named after its capital city of Vijayanagara (pictured), whose impressive ruins surround modern Hampi, now a World Heritage Site in modern Karnataka, India. The writings of medieval European travelers such as Domingo Paes, Fernão Nunes and Niccolò Da Conti and the literature in local vernaculars provide crucial information about its history. The empire's legacy includes many monuments spread over South India, the best known being the group at Hampi. Secular royal structures show the influence of the Northern Deccan Sultanate architecture. Efficient administration and vigorous overseas trade brought new technologies like water management systems for irrigation. The empire's patronage enabled fine arts and literature to reach new heights in the languages of Kannada, Telugu, Tamil and Sanskrit, while Carnatic music evolved into its current form. The Vijayanagara Empire created an epoch in South Indian history that transcended regionalism by promoting Hinduism as a unifying factor. (more...) Recently featured: Cartman Gets an Anal Probe – Prince Louis of Battenberg – Titania Archive – By email – More featured articles...
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From Wikipedia's newest content: ... that a hacker tried to ransom the email account of journalist Rowenna Davis (pictured)? ... that Ekso Bionics develop intelligent exoskeletons that can be strapped on as wearable robots, and can enhance the strength, mobility, and endurance of soldiers and paraplegics? ... that following the death of Samir Ghawshah, Ahmed Majdalani succeeded him as secretary-general of the Palestinian Popular Struggle Front? ... that the setting for the children's show The Adventures of Abney & Teal was inspired by Victoria Park, London? ... that the commotion following the racehorse Smolensko's victory at the 1813 Derby Stakes resulted in an overthrown phaeton and a broken arm amongst the spectators? ... that Nazi Germany gave newlyweds interest-free loans that were forgiven if the couple had four children? ... that according to legend, Robert Kirk was taken to fairyland for revealing the secrets of the Good People? Archive – Start a new article – Nominate an article

In the news
Mohammed Waheed Hassan (pictured) is sworn in as President of the Maldives following the resignation of Mohamed Nasheed due to weeks of protests. Russian scientists reach Lake Vostok, isolated under the Antarctic ice shield, after drilling a 3,768-meter (12,362-foot) borehole. Spanish cyclist Alberto Contador, who tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug, is stripped of his 2010 Tour de France and 2011 Giro d'Italia victories and banned from competition for two years. Sauli Niinistö of the National Coalition Party is elected President of Finland. In American football, the New York Giants defeat the New England Patriots to win Super Bowl XLVI. Syrian opposition leaders report that at least 200 people were killed during a military operation in Homs. Wikinews – Recent deaths – More current events...
On this day...
February 8: Tu Bishvat (Judaism, 2012) 1887 – The Dawes Act, a law meant to help the assimilation of Native Americans into American society, but which instead had a negative effect, was signed by President Grover Cleveland. 1915 – Film director D. W. Griffith's The Birth of a Nation (film poster pictured) was released, becoming one of the most influential and controversial films in the history of American cinema. 1950 – The Stasi, the secret police of East Germany, was established. 1965 – After taking evasive action to avoid a mid-air collision just after takeoff from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, Eastern Air Lines Flight 663 crashed into the Atlantic Ocean and exploded, killing all 84 people on board. 2010 – A freak storm in the Hindu Kush mountains of Afghanistan triggered a series of at least 36 avalanches that buried over two miles (3.2 km) of road, killed at least 172 people and trapped over 2,000 travellers. More anniversaries: February 7 – February 8 – February 9 Archive – By email – List of historical anniversaries It is now February 8, 2012 (UTC) – Refresh this page

Today's featured picture

An odd-eyed cat is a cat with one blue eye (the "odd" eye) and one green, yellow, or brown eye. This is a feline form of complete heterochromia, a condition also present in humans and some other animals (including horses and huskies). It can occur in a cat of any fur color, provided that it possesses the white spotting gene. Animals affected by the condition can have partial heterochromia, in which only part of the iris is a different color.

Photo: Keith Kissel

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