The age of Vijayanagara empire: It's foundation, conflicts with Bahmani Kingdom. Accession of Portuguese. The Bahmani Kingdom: Its Expansion and Disintegration, Firuz Shah Bahman & Ahmed Shah-I.

Series of civil wars and decline after Deva Raya II.

• --> Rule of primogeniture not established, leading to succession disputes and independence of feudatories.
• --> Ministers gained power, extracting heavy taxes and causing distress among the people.
• --> Decline of central authority, restricted to Karnataka and parts of Andhra region.

Military prowess and territorial expansion.

• --> Defeated Orissa and Bijapur, expanded Vijayanagara territories up to river Krishna.
• --> Promoted arts, literature, and religious tolerance; known for his patronage of temples and scholars.
• --> Development of infrastructure including irrigation projects and new towns.
• --> Established a strong administrative framework and centralized authority.

Decisive battle leading to Vijayanagara's downfall.

• --> Combined forces of Bijapur, Golconda, and Ahmadnagar attacked Vijayanagara.
• --> Fought near Talikota (or Rakshasa-Tangadi) in 1565.
• --> Vijayanagara forces, underprepared and outnumbered, suffered a crushing defeat.
• --> City of Vijayanagara was looted, leading to widespread destruction.
• --> Rama Raja, the de facto ruler, was captured and executed.
• --> Marked the end of Vijayanagara's prominence as a major power in South India.

Succession crisis and reforms under the Saluva rulers.

• --> Rise of Narasimha Raya and restoration of order after internal strife.
• --> Reforms in administration and military strategies.

Aravidu dynasty's rule and challenges faced by the empire.

• --> Established after the Battle of Talikota, faced internal and external conflicts.
• --> Struggled to maintain unity amidst growing regional rivalries and external pressures.

Social structure, religious tolerance, and cultural achievements.

• --> Patronage of Hindu temples, arts, and literature.
• --> Development of Telugu, Kannada, and Tamil languages and literature.
• --> Influence of Jainism and Islam in Vijayanagara society.

Major battles and strategic military engagements.

• --> Battle of Talikota and its aftermath.
• --> Vijayanagara military strategies against Deccan Sultanates and Portuguese forces.
• --> Impact of naval battles and coastal defenses.