Vijayanagar Empire (1336-1565 AD)

Vijayanagar Empire (1336-1565 AD)

Foundation of the Empire

• Vijayanagar kingdom and the city were founded by Harihar and Bukka (sons of Sangama) who were feudatories of Kakatiyas and later became ministers in the court of Kampili.

• Vijayanagar kingdom lay in the Deccan, to the south of the Bahmani kingdom.

Dynastic Periods of Vijayanagar

Vijayanagar period can be divided into four distinct dynasties:

The Sangama Dynasty: 1336–1485 AD

Harihara-I and Bukka-I (1336–56)

• They laid the foundation of Vijayanagar.

• The Vijayanagar-Bahamani conflict began with the foundation of the kingdoms.

• Clash of interests in three areas: Raichur Doab (between Krishna and Tungabhadra), Krishna-Godavari delta, and Marathwada.

Bukka-I (1356–79)

• Strengthened the city of Vidyanagar and renamed it Vijayanagar.

• Restored harmony between the warring Vaishnavas and Jains.

• Kings of Malabar, Ceylon, and other countries kept ambassadors at his court.

Harihar II (1379–1404)

• Succeeded Bukka-I.

Deva Raya I (1406–22)

• Third son of Harihara II.

• Built a dam across the Tungabhadra with canals leading to the city.

• Nicolo de Conti, an Italian traveler, visited Vijayanagar during his reign.

Deva Raya II (1423–46)

• Grandson of Deva Raya I.

• Faced invasion from Ahmad Shah I of Bahmani.

• Introduced Muslim cavalrymen and archers into the army.

• Titles: Praudh Deva Raya, Gajabetekara (Elephant hunter).

• Sri Lanka paid tribute to him.

• Respected all religions despite being a follower of Vira Shavism.

• Court Poet: Dindima; Title of ‘Kavisarvabhauma’ given to Srinatha.

• Abdur Razzak, envoy of Shah Rukh, visited Vijayanagar.

The Saluva Dynasty: 1486–1505 AD

Saluva Narsimha (1486–91)

• Founded the Saluva dynasty.

Tirumal (1491) and Immadi Narasimha (1491–1505)

• Both were minors under the regency of Afersa Nayaka.

• Vasco Da Gama landed in Calicut during this period (1498).

The Tuluva Dynasty: 1505–70 AD

Vira Narasimha (1505–09)

• Son of Narsa Nayaka.

• Became king after the assassination of Immadi Narsimha, the last Saluva ruler.

Krishna Deva Raya (1509–29 AD)

• Placed on the throne by Saluva Timma, chief minister of Vira Narasimha.

• Maintained friendly relations with Portuguese governor Albuquerque; Ambassador Friar Luis resided in Vijayanagar.

• Conquered Orissa (Gajapti kingdom); Vijayanagar reached its peak.

• Built: Vijaya Mahal, Hazara Rama Temple, Vithal Swami Temple.

• Titles: Yavanaraja Sthapnachrya, Abhinava Bhoja, Andhra Bhoja, Andhra Pitamaha.

• Works: Amuktamalyada (Telugu, polity), Jambavati Kalyanam (Sanskrit drama).

• Ashtadiggajas (eight celebrated Telugu poets):

  1. Peddana – Manucharitam

  2. Tunmaya – Parijata Apaharanama

  3. Bhattamurthi

  4. Dhurjati

  5. Malian

  6. Raju Ramchandra

  7. Surona

  8. Tenali Ramkrishna – Panduranga Mahamatya

• Contemporary of Babur.

• Duarte Barbosa and Dominigo Paest, Portuguese travelers, visited during his reign.

Achyuta Deva Raya (1529–42)

• Brother and successor of Krishna Deva Raya.

• Famao Nunijt, a  Portuguese horse trader, visited Vijayanagar.

Venkata I (1542) and Sadashiva Raya (1543–76)

• Rama Raja and his two brothers held real power.

• Divided the five successor states of Bahmani through diplomacy.

• Battle of Talikota (Battle of Rakshasa-Tangadi): 23 Jan 1565.

  • Rama Raja was captured and executed by Hussain Nizam Shah I.

  • City of Vijayanagar was destroyed.

• Caesar Frederick, an Italian traveler, visited in 1567–68 during Sadashiva Raya’s reign.

The Aravidu Dynasty: 1570–1650 AD

Tirumala Raya

• Brother of Rama Raja.

• Ruled in the name of Sadashiva Raya.

• Shifted capital to Penugonda after failing to repopulate Vijayanagar.

• Divided the empire into three linguistic sections.

• The dynasty ended in 1646 as the empire slowly shrank.

Administration of Vijayanagar

Provincial Administration

• Nayankar System was the special feature.

Village Administration

• Ayangar System: 12 functionaries called ayangars conducted village affairs.

• Officials were granted tax-free lands (Manyams) in perpetuity.

Currency

• Gold Coins: Varahas or Pagodas

• Half Varaha: Perta

• 1/10th of Perta: Fanam

• Silver Coin: Tar

• Copper Coin: Jital

Society

• Only empire in Medieval India to employ women in state services; women also fought in battles.

• Promoted widow remarriage; the status of women improved.

Architecture

• The ruins of Vijayanagar at Hampi were discovered in 1800 by Colonel Colin Mackenzie.

• Provide a Style of architecture:

  • Prominent pillars and piers

  • The horse is the most common motif on pillars

  • Mandapa: open pavilion with a raised platform

  • Amman Shrine: another important feature

Notable Temples

• Vithalswami Temple, Hazara Rama Temple (Hampi)

• Tadapatri and Parvati Temples (Chidambaram)

• Varadraja and Ekambamath Temples (Kanchipuram)

• Temples featured Ramayana and Mahabharata stories on walls

Bahmani Kingdom

Foundation

• Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah (1347–58): Also known as Hasan Gangu.

• Capital: Gulbarga (First Capital)

Notable Rulers

• Tajuddin Firoz Shah (1397–1422): Most prominent ruler.

  • Inducted a large number of Hindus into the administration

  • Focused on ports like Chaul and Dabhol.

• Ahmad Shah Wali (1422–35): Transferred capital from Gulbarga to Bidar.

The breakup of the Bahmani Empire into Five Kingdoms

Highlights of Successor States

• Ibrahim Adil Shah (Adil Shahi dynasty): Introduced Dakhini as a common language.

• Gol Gumbaz: Built by Muhammad Adil Shah, and designed by Yaqut of Dabul.

• Golconda Fort: Built by Quli Qutub Shah.

• Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah:

  • The greatest ruler of the Qutub Shahi dynasty

  • Founded Hyderabad (originally Bhagyanagar) after Bhagyamati

  • Built the Charminar

Other Provincial Kingdoms

Final Thoughts

The Vijayanagar Empire (1336–1565 AD) was a powerful and culturally rich kingdom in South India. Known for its strong administration, impressive architecture, and progressive social policies, it thrived under rulers like Krishna Deva Raya.

The empire promoted religious harmony, supported literature and the arts, and encouraged women's participation in public life.

Its legacy lives on through the magnificent ruins of Hampi, vibrant temple architecture, and historical records. The Vijayanagar Empire remains a key chapter in India’s medieval history, offering valuable lessons in governance, culture, and resilience.