Overview of the main dynasties and their significance.
Founded by Harihara and Bukka, the empire reigned from 1336 A.D. to 1646 A.D.
The Vijayanagara Empire was based in the Deccan, in peninsular and southern India, from 1336 onwards. It was founded by Harihara (Hakka) and his brother Bukka Raya. The capital city, Vijayanagara, now in ruins, is located in modern Karnataka, India. The empire lasted from about 1336 to around 1660, though it faced a slow decline due to a catastrophic defeat by an alliance of sultanates, leading to the capital being taken, looted, and destroyed.
For the next two centuries, the Vijayanagara Empire dominated southern India, likely being stronger than any other power in the subcontinent. It served as a bulwark against invasions from the Turkic Sultanates of the Indo-Gangetic Plain and remained in constant conflict with the five Deccan Sultanates.
The empire is considered to have reached its peak during the rule of Krishna Deva Raya, who conquered territories previously belonging to Orissa. Many significant monuments, such as the Hazara Rama temple and the Ugra Narasimha idol, date from his reign. He was succeeded by Achyuta Raya in 1530, followed by Sada Siva Raya in 1542.
However, the real power shifted to Rama Raya of the third dynasty, who provoked the Deccan Sultanates into an alliance against him. The Battle of Talikota in 1565 marked a decisive defeat for Vijayanagara, leading to its downfall.
- Sangama Dynasty (1336-1485): Established the empire, consolidated power in southern Deccan, and developed Hampi as the capital.
- Saluva Dynasty (1485-1505): Restored order after internal strife and implemented reforms.
- Tuluva Dynasty (1505-1570): Marked the golden age under Krishna Deva Raya, known for military successes and cultural flourishing.
- Aravidu Dynasty: Faced challenges after the Battle of Talikota, struggling to maintain unity amidst rivalries.
Sangama Dynasty (1336-1485)
Founders of the Vijayanagara Empire.
- Harihara and Bukka founded Vijayanagar City in 1336 A.D. on the southern banks of the Tungabhadra, establishing Hampi as the capital.
- They served under Vira Ballala III, the Hoysala King.
- Harihara I became the ruler of the Sangama Dynasty in 1336 A.D., capturing Mysore and Madurai.
- Bukka-I succeeded him in 1356 A.D.
Rise of Saluva Dynasty
Usurpation of throne by Saluva Narasimha.
- Saluva Narasimha seized power after the decline of the previous dynasty.
- Established stability and restored law and order.
- Consolidated Vijayanagara's position against internal and external threats.
Reign of Krishna Deva Raya (1509-1529)
The most famous king of the Vijayanagara Empire.
- According to Portuguese traveler Domingo Paes, "Krishnadeva Raya was the most feared and perfect king there could possibly be."
- Conquered Sivasamudram in 1510 A.D. and Raichur in 1512 A.D.; captured Orissa and Warangal by 1523 A.D.
- His empire extended from the Krishna River in the north to the Cauvery River in the south.
- As an able administrator, he built irrigation tanks and canals, developed naval power, and maintained trade relations with Portuguese and Arab traders.
- Patronized art and architecture, reaching the zenith of the empire's glory.
- Notable scholars in his court included Allasani Peddanna, Nandi Thimmana, and Tenali Ramakrishna.
Dynasties and Rulers
This list is based on Robert Sewell's book, *A Forgotten Empire*.
Sangama Dynasty
- Harihara I (Deva Raya) 1336-1343
- Bukka I 1343-1379
- Harihara II 1379-1399
- Bukka II 1399-1406
- Deva Raya I 1406-1412
- Vira Vijaya 1412-1419
- Deva Raya II 1419-1444
- (unknown) 1444-1449
- Mallikarjuna 1452-1465 (Dates uncertain)
- Rajasekhara 1468-1469 (Dates uncertain)
- Virupaksha I 1470-1471 (Dates uncertain)
- Praudha Deva Raya 1476-? (Dates uncertain)
- Rajasekhara 1479-1480 (Dates uncertain)
- Virupaksha II 1483-1484 (Dates uncertain)
- Rajasekhara 1486-1487 (Dates uncertain)
Saluva Dynasty
- Narasimha 1490-?
- Narasa (Vira Narasimha) ?-1509
- Krishna Deva 1509-1530
- Achyuta 1530-1542
- Sadasiva (in name only) 1542-1567
Tuluva Dynasty
- Rama (ruled in practice) 1542-1565
- Tirumala (ruled in practice) 1565-1567
- Tirumala (crowned ruler) 1567-1575
- Ranga II 1575-1586
- Venkata I 1586-1614
Battle of Talikota (1565 A.D.)
Decisive battle leading to Vijayanagara's downfall.
- The successors of Krishnadeva Raya were weak, and the combined forces of Ahmednagar, Bijapur, Golconda, and Bidar declared war on Vijayanagara during Aliya Rama Raya's rule.
- Aliya Rama Raya was defeated, leading to the pillaging and ruin of Vijayanagara.
Administration
Well-organized administrative system.
- The king was the head of all powers in the state, assisted by a Council of Ministers.
- The empire was divided into six provinces, each administered by a Naik (governor).
- Districts were further divided into villages, overseen by hereditary officers.
- Mahanayakacharya served as the contact point between villages and central administration.
The Army
Structure and organization of the army.
- The army consisted of infantry, cavalry, and elephantry, led by a commander-in-chief.
Revenue Administration
Land revenue as the main source of income.
- Land was surveyed, and taxes were collected based on soil fertility.
- Agriculture and irrigation projects were prioritized.
Position of Women
Women occupied a high position in society.
- Active participation in political, social, and literary life.
- Educated in various fields, including combat and arts.
- Some served as astrologers, clerks, and guards.
Economic Conditions
Economy shaped by irrigation policies.
- Industries included textiles, mining, metallurgy, and perfumery.
- Commercial relations extended to regions including Arabia, Burma, and Portugal.
Contribution to Architecture and Literature
Architectural and literary advancements.
- Notable temples include the Hazara Ramasami temple and Vittalaswamy temple.
- Literature flourished in Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada.
- Krishnadevaraya authored works in Telugu and Sanskrit.
Decline of the Empire
Factors contributing to the decline.
With the death of Rama Raya in battle, the last significant Hindu kingdom in the Deccan came to an end. The sole survivor, Tirumala Raya, fled with treasure on the backs of 550 elephants to Penukonda. The Vijayanagara Empire is considered by many, particularly in Andhra Pradesh, to have been a golden age of culture and learning.
- The rulers of the Aravidu dynasty were weak and incompetent.
- Provincial governors declared independence.
- Rulers of Bijapur and Golconda seized territories of Vijayanagara.
Key Events and Challenges
Significant battles and external pressures faced by the empire.
- Reign of Krishna Deva Raya: Expanded territories, promoted arts and infrastructure.
- Portuguese Challenge: Conflicts and negotiations affecting trade and coastal territories.
- Battle of Talikota (1565): Decisive defeat by combined forces, leading to widespread destruction and the end of Vijayanagara's dominance.
Systemized society with social practices.
Social structure, cultural achievements, and economic systems.
- Child marriage, polygamy, and sati were prevalent.
- Freedom of religion was allowed.
- Religious tolerance and patronage of Hindu temples, arts, and literature.
- Development of regional languages and influence of Jainism and Islam.
- Agricultural reforms, trade routes, and economic policies that bolstered the empire.
Administration and Governance
Political structure and administrative reforms throughout the empire.
- The king as the supreme judge. Severe punishments were enforced for offenders.
- Centralized administration under various dynasties.
- Legal and judicial systems established for governance.
- Reforms in revenue collection and provincial governance.
Aftermath and Legacy
Impact of the empire's disintegration on South India.
- Fragmentation of territories among successor states and lasting regional influence.
- Enduring cultural and architectural legacies in the region.
