TOPIC 3.4 VIJAYANAGARA KINGDOM (AD 1336-1580)
The Sangomas (AD 1336-1485)
The kingdom was founded Iin AD 1336 in response to the Tughlaq authority in South India.
Vijayanagara Kingdom and the city was founded by Harihara I and Bukka. (Two of the five sons of Sangama)
Harihara and Bukka were originally the feudatories of the Kakatiyas. They were brought to the centre by Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq, converted to Islam and were sent to the South to control the rebellion, but motivated by a Bhakti Saint Vudyaranya they reconverted to Hinduism. They established the Vijayanagara kingdom in 1336.
Harihara I (AD 1336-56)
Conflict with the Bahmani kingdom for supremacy over three areas: Raichur doab (between Krsihna and Tungabhadra), Krishna-Godavari Delta and Marathwada.
Bukka I (AD 1356-79)
Renamed the city of Vidyanagar as Vijayanagara.
The royal Ambassadors from Malabar and Ceylon, adorned his court.
Restored peace between the warring Vaishnavas and the Jains.
Devraya I (AD 1406-22)
He constructed a dam across the Tungabhadra to bring the canal into the city. Italian traveller Nicolo Conti visited the kingdom during his reign.
Srinatha was his court poet, who wrote Haravilasam.
There was a Pearl Hall in his palace, where he honoured the men of eminence.
Devaraya –II (AD 1423-46)
He was the greatest Sangama ruler. The Commanders believe that he was an incarnation of Indra. He wrote Mahanataka Suddhanidhi. He took the title ‘Gaj Betekara’ i.e. the elephant hunter. Persian Ambassador Abdul Razzaq, the envoy of Shahrukh, visited his court.
The Sangama dynasty was replaced by the Saluva dynasty, which lasted for two decades.
The king was a scholar in Kannada and Sanskrit.
The Saluvas (AD 1486-1505)
Saluva Narsimha was the (AD 1486-91), founder of the dynasty, native of the Kalyam region.
Tirumala (1491) and Immadi Narsimha (1491-1505)
Ruled under the regency of Narsa Nayak.
Vasco Da Gama came to India (Calicut) during the reign of Immadi in AD 1498.
Ultimately, a new dynasty called the Tuluva dynasty was founded by Vir Narasimha.
The Tuluvas
(AD 1505-1570)
Vira Narsimha (AD 1505-09) Killed Immadi of Saluva dynasty and established the Tuluva dynasty. He was the son of Narsa Nayaka.
Krishnadevaraya (AD 1509-29) was the greatest ruler of the dynasty. Portuguese traveller, Domingo Paes, wrote highly about him. Berbosa also came as a traveller. Also Friar Louis, the Ambassador of the Portuguese Governor, Albuquerque, resided in his court.
His period was known as the “Golden age of Telugu Literature ''.
He was a warrior, an administrator and a patron of art and literature. He defeated the Gajapati ruler of Orissa and took the title Yavana Rajya Sthapna Chya (restorer of the Yadava of Bidar)
His political ideas are contained in the Telugu book Amuktamalyada. He also wrote Sanskrit drama Jambavati Kalyanam.
As a great patron of literature, he was known as Abhinava Bhoja, Andhra Pitamaha and Andhra Bhoja. Sri Vyasatirtha was his guru.
Eight great poets of Telugu, known as Ashta Diggaja adorned his court.
He was a contemporary to Babur.
Achyuta Raya (AD 1529-42) Succeeded Krishnadevarya. A Portuguese traveller Fernao Nuniz came during his reign.
Sadasiva (1543-76) was the last ruler of the dynasty.
Battle of Talikota (AD 1565) between the alliance of Ahmednagar, Bijapur, Golkonda and Bidar on one side and Sadasiva on the other side. Sadasiva was defeated.
Caesar Frederick, the Portuguese traveller, visited his court (AD 1567-68)
Vijayanagara Architecture
Important temples are Vithalswami and hazara temples at Hampi, Varadaraja and Ekambaranatha temples at Kanchipuram, and Parvati temples at Chidambaram.
The stories of Ramayana and Mahabharat were inscribed on the walls of the temples; e.g. Vithalswami and Hazara Ram temple.
Vibrant combination of Chalukyan, Hoysala, Pandyan and Cholan styles.
The Vijayanagara Kingdom, established in 1336 and lasting until 1646, was a significant South Indian empire known for its cultural, economic, and military achievements.
Here are five major achievements of the Vijayanagara Kingdom:
1. Military Success and Territorial Expansion
Consolidation and Defence: The Vijayanagara Empire successfully defended South India from invasions by the Delhi Sultanate and other northern powers, maintaining regional stability.
Expansion: Under rulers like Harihara I, Bukka I, and Krishnadevaraya, the empire expanded its territory significantly, encompassing present-day Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
2. Cultural and Religious Patronage
Promotion of Art and Architecture: The empire is renowned for its patronage of art, literature, and architecture. The capital, Vijayanagara (modern-day Hampi), boasts impressive temples, palaces, and public buildings, such as the Virupaksha Temple and the Vittala Temple, known for their intricate carvings and monumental gopurams (gateway towers).
Support for Religion and Culture: The Vijayanagara kings supported Hinduism, fostering a cultural renaissance. They patronised scholars, poets, and musicians, contributing to the development of Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, and Sanskrit literature.
3. Economic Prosperity
Trade and Commerce: The Vijayanagara Empire was a major centre of trade, both inland and maritime. It had flourishing trade relations with the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia, exporting spices, textiles, and precious stones.
Agricultural Development: The kingdom invested in extensive irrigation systems, including tanks, canals, and wells, ensuring agricultural productivity and food security. This led to economic stability and growth.
4. Administrative Efficiency
Efficient Governance: The Vijayanagara rulers established a well-organised administrative system, with a centralised authority and a network of provincial governors (nayakas) who managed local affairs.
Revenue System: The empire had a structured revenue system, with taxes on land, trade, and production, ensuring a steady income for the state and facilitating public works and military expenditures.
5. Cultural Synthesis and Tolerance
Cultural Fusion: The empire was a melting pot of cultures, fostering a synthesis of Dravidian and Indo-Islamic architectural styles, evident in its monuments and public buildings.
Religious Tolerance: Despite being a staunch supporter of Hinduism, the Vijayanagara rulers were known for their relative religious tolerance, allowing other faiths to coexist and contributing to a diverse and vibrant cultural milieu.
These achievements highlight the Vijayanagara Kingdom's role in shaping the cultural and political landscape of South India during its time, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to be celebrated today.
The fall of the Vijayanagara Kingdom, which had been a dominant power in South India from 1336 to 1646, was due to a combination of internal and external factors. Here are some key reasons for its decline:
1. Battle of Talikota (1565)
Defeat by Deccan Sultanates: The decisive Battle of Talikota in 1565 was a significant turning point. A coalition of Deccan Sultanates—Bijapur, Golconda, Ahmadnagar, and Bidar—defeated the Vijayanagara forces, leading to the capture and plundering of the capital, Hampi. This battle severely weakened the kingdom's military and economic power.
2. Weak Successors
Incompetent Leadership: After the reign of Krishnadevaraya, the kingdom saw a series of weak and ineffective rulers. These successors lacked the vision and military acumen to maintain the empire's stability and respond to external threats.
3. Internal Factionalism
Nayaka Rebellions: The decentralisation of power led to increased autonomy among regional governors (nayakas), who often acted independently of the central authority. Their rebellions and power struggles further weakened the kingdom's cohesion and administrative efficiency.
Court Intrigues: The Vijayanagara court was plagued by internal factions and conspiracies, which undermined effective governance and created an unstable political environment.
4. Economic Decline
Disruption of Trade: The Battle of Talikota and subsequent conflicts disrupted trade routes and economic activities. The loss of control over key ports and trading centres diminished the kingdom's revenue from commerce.
Destruction and Plunder: The sacking of Hampi led to significant economic damage. The destruction of infrastructure and loss of wealth from plundering contributed to the kingdom's economic decline.
5. Military Weakness
Loss of Key Territories: The defeat at Talikota and subsequent military failures resulted in the loss of key territories and strategic locations. This weakened the kingdom's defensive capabilities and exposed it to further attacks.
Decline in Military Strength: The continuous warfare and loss of resources led to a decline in the kingdom's military strength. The inability to maintain a strong and disciplined army made it difficult to defend against external invasions.
6. External Threats
Rival Powers: The rise of rival powers such as the Bahmani Sultanate and its successor states, as well as the emergence of European colonial powers like the Portuguese, posed significant external threats. These powers often formed alliances against Vijayanagara, further destabilising the kingdom
