The ruins of Vijayanagara (Hampi) were brought to public light in the year 1800 by the following British surveyor and engineer:

The ruins of Vijayanagara, popularly known as Hampi, were brought to public light in 1800 by Colonel Colin Mackenzie [1][2]. Mackenzie was an engineer, antiquarian, and employee of the English East India Company who prepared the first survey map of the site [1][3]. He relied on oral traditions and the memories of priests from the Virupaksha temple and the shrine of Pampadevi to gather initial information [1][3]. Mackenzie's work was foundational for the rediscovery of the empire; he later became the first Surveyor General of India in 1815 [2]. Following his initial surveys, the site was further documented through photography starting in 1856 and epigraphic studies from 1836 onwards [1][5]. His efforts allowed historians to reconstruct the history of the city by collating his findings with foreign travelers' accounts and regional literature [1][4].

Sources

1. [1] THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART II, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: An Imperial Capital: Vijayanagara > 1. The Discovery of Hampi > p. 170
2. [2] https://ncert.nic.in/textbook/pdf/lehs203.pdf
3. [3] https://cuet.iitk.ac.in/sathee-cuet/student-corner/ncert-books/class-12/themes-in-indian-history/chapter-07-an-imperial-capital-vijayanagara/
4. [5] THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART II, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: An Imperial Capital: Vijayanagara > Landmarks in the Discovery and Conservation of Vijayanagara > p. 193
5. [4] THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART II, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: An Imperial Capital: Vijayanagara > 6. Plotting Palaces, Temples and Bazaars > p. 188