Vijayanagara Empire — TNPSC Group 4 History Notes

Overview

The Vijayanagara Empire (1336–1646 AD) was the last great Hindu empire of South India and a major bulwark against the southward expansion of the Delhi Sultanate and Deccan Sultanates. Founded at Hampi on the banks of the Tungabhadra River in present-day Karnataka, the empire at its peak controlled most of peninsular India — from the Krishna-Tungabhadra doab in the north to the southern tip of the subcontinent.

The city of Hampi was one of the largest cities in the world in the 15th century, with a population estimated at half a million. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Dynasties and Key Rulers

The empire had four dynasties:

Harihara I and Bukka I — the two brothers who founded the empire were former commanders of the Hoysala and Kakatiya kingdoms. The sage Vidyaranya inspired and guided them to establish a new Hindu kingdom at Vijayanagara (City of Victory).

Devaraya II (1424–1446 AD) was an early great ruler who repelled the Bahmani Sultanate's attacks and recruited Muslim archers in his army — a pragmatic military reform.

Krishnadevaraya — The Greatest

Krishnadevaraya (1509–1529 AD) stands above all other Vijayanagara rulers. His achievements span military, administrative, and cultural domains.

Military: Defeated the Sultan of Bijapur at the Battle of Raichur (1520) and recovered the strategic Raichur doab. Conquered Orissa and defeated Prataparudra, the Gajapati king. Extended the empire to its maximum extent.

Administration: He was a just and efficient ruler known for visiting markets in disguise to check prices and ensure that traders were not exploiting people.

Literature and culture: He was not just a patron but a poet himself. His Telugu epic Amuktamalyada (also called Vishnuchittiyamu) is considered a masterpiece of Telugu literature. He had the famous Ashtadiggajas (eight elephant-poets) at his court:

• Allasani Peddana (Andhra Kavita Pitamaha — grandfather of Telugu poetry)
• Nandi Timmana (Mukku Timmana — composer of Parijatapaharanam)
• Madayyagari Mallana, Dhurjati, Tenali Ramakrishna (the court jester and poet)

Tenali Ramakrishna is particularly famous in folk stories for his wit and intelligence — many humorous tales involve him outsmarting nobles and even Krishnadevaraya himself.

Architecture at Hampi

Hampi contains hundreds of temples, palaces, markets, and water systems:

• Virupaksha Temple — the main temple, dedicated to Shiva; still active today
• Vittala Temple — famous for its musical pillars (stone pillars that produce musical sounds when struck) and the stone chariot (Stone Chariot of Hampi)
• Hazara Rama Temple — personal temple of the king, with detailed reliefs depicting the Ramayana
• Lotus Mahal and elephant stables in the royal enclosure

The Battle of Talikota (1565 AD)

The Vijayanagara Empire fell at the Battle of Talikota (also called Rakshasa-Tangadi). The four Deccan Sultanates — Bijapur, Ahmadnagar, Bidar, and Golconda — formed a coalition against Aliya Rama Raya, who had been playing them against each other.

In the battle, Aliya Rama Raya was captured and beheaded. The Vijayanagara army collapsed. The victorious Sultanates sacked Hampi for months, destroying its buildings and looting its wealth. The city was never repopulated.

Important for Exam - Founded by Harihara I and Bukka I in 1336 AD - Capital: Hampi (UNESCO World Heritage Site) - Greatest ruler: Krishnadevaraya (1509–1529) - Krishnadevaraya wrote Amuktamalyada (Telugu epic) - Ashtadiggajas = eight Telugu poets at Krishnadevaraya's court - Battle of Talikota (1565) = empire ended