Vijayanagara Empire

Origin 

The emergence of the Vijayanagara Empire in 1336 CE marked a significant turning point not only in the history of South India but also in the broader narrative of Indian history. As the Sultanate of Delhi's grip on power waned during the latter part of Muhammad bin Tughlaq's reign, it paved the way for the rise of two formidable states in the South – the Bahmani kingdom of Gulbarga and the Vijayanagara Empire. Both entities sprang into existence almost concurrently, reshaping the geopolitical landscape of the region.

The background of the Sangamas is shrouded in obscurity. According to the description contained in the works of Rajakalanirnaya and Vidhyaranyakalagnana, the Vijayanagara empire was founded by Harihara I and Bukka I. There are two traditions connecting them with Andhra as well as Karnataka. 

They were at first in the service of the Kakatiya ruler Prataparudra II. But after the Muslim conquest of the Kakatiya kingdom in 1323, they went to the kingdom of Kampili in modern Karnataka and became ministers there. When Bahauddin Gurshap, a cousin of Muhammad bin Tughlaq revolted and took refuge with the Raya of Kampili, the Sultan attacked Kampili and annexed it to the Sultanate. During the course of this war, Harihara and Bukka were made prisoners of war, converted to Islam and taken to Delhi. In 1335, when Tughlaq possessions in the south were in a state of general turmoil, the Sultan released them and sent as commanders of the Tughlaq troops to restore order in the south. This information is known from Nuniz.

After establishing their sway over Kampili first for the Sultan, the two Sangama brothers returned to the Hindu fold at the initiative of Saint Vidyaranya and his brother Sayana, the famous commentator on the Vedas. They proclaimed their independence and laid foundation of the city and kingdom of Vijayanagara on the southern bank of the river Tughbhadra facing the fortress of Anegondi on the Northern bank.

Four dynasties ruled over Vijayanagara empire in succession. They were –

1. Sangama Dynasty

The Sangama Dynasty, inaugurating the era of the Vijayanagara Empire, witnessed the reign of Harihara Raya I (1336-1356 AD) as its inaugural monarch.

Among the notable rulers of this dynasty were Bukka Raya, Virupaksha Raya, Deva Raya, Ramachandra Raya, Mallikarjuna Raya, and Praudha Raya.

2. Saluva Dynasty

The Saluva Dynasty succeeded the Sangama Dynasty, ushering in Narasimhadeva Raya (1485 AD to 1491 AD) as its first ruler, followed by his son Thimma Bhupala.

Narasimha Raya II ascended to power after his father Thimma Bhupala, marking the culmination of the Saluva Dynasty.

3. Tuluva Dynasty

The Tuluva Dynasty, constituting the third epoch of the Vijayanagara Empire, featured illustrious rulers like Narasa Nayaka, Viranarasimha Raya, Krishnadeva Raya, Achyutadeva Raya, and Sadasiva Raya.

Krishnadeva Raya, renowned as the empire's most influential sovereign, governed from 1509 to 1529, overseeing the zenith of Vijayanagar's power.

Under Krishnadeva Raya's leadership, the empire attained unprecedented heights of prosperity and influence.

4. Aravidu Dynasty

The Aravidu Dynasty, marking the final phase of the Vijayanagara Empire, grappled with the aftermath of the Battle of Talikota, which initiated the empire's decline, leading to the ascendancy of Muslim states like Bijapur.

Significant Rulers of the Sangama Dynasty

1. Harihara I

Harihara I, also known as ‘Hakka’ or ‘Vira Harihara,’ laid the foundation of the Vijayanagara empire and the Sangama Dynasty. As the eldest son of Bhavana Sangama and a descendant of the Kuruba clan, he initiated the dynasty's reign. His rule saw the construction of a fort at Barkuru in present-day Karnataka. Renowned for his military prowess, he earned epithets such as ‘Karnataka Vidya Vilas’ and ‘Arirayavibhada.’ Following his ascension to power, he effectively governed the northern territories of the Hoysala Empire.

2. Bukka

Bukka Raya I, a prominent ruler of the Sangama Dynasty, played a pivotal role in the Vijayanagara Empire's development. Legends surround his early life, suggesting that he and Harihara I were born in the Kuruba clan and served as commanders in the royal army of the King of Warangal. Following their capture and imprisonment by Muhammad Bin Tughlaq, they were compelled to convert to Islam. However, they later reclaimed their Hindu identity and established Vijayanagara. Bukka's reign is intertwined with tales of valor and resilience.

3. Harihara II 

Harihara II ascended to the throne of the Vijayanagara Empire during the Sangama Dynasty, ruling from 1377 to 1404 CE. Notable for his support of the Kannada poet Madhura, he earned titles like ‘Vedamarga Pravartak’ and ‘Vaidikamarga Sthapanachary’ for his contributions to Vedic scholarship. His reign witnessed significant advancements in the Vijayanagara region, with his palace ruins still visible amidst the remnants of Hampi.

4. Deva Raya I 

Deva Raya I emerged victorious in the struggle for succession following Harihara II's demise, ascending to the throne in 1406. Recognized for his military acumen and initiatives in irrigation, he proved to be a capable ruler. Despite facing setbacks in wars against the Bahamani Sultanate, Deva Raya I's reign was marked by significant developments until his death in 1422.

5. Deva Raya II 

Deva Raya II, the grandson of Deva Raya I, governed the Vijayanagara Empire from 1422 to 1446 CE. Renowned for his administrative prowess, military strategies, and scholarly pursuits, he initiated administrative reforms despite facing challenges from the Bahmanis. Deva Raya II's reign witnessed cultural exchanges with envoys from Persia and administrative innovations like the inclusion of Muslims in the army and the regulation of overseas commerce.

Significant Rulers of the Saluva Dynasty

1. Saluva Narasimha Deva Raya 

Saluva Narasimha Deva Raya, the inaugural Emperor of Vijayanagara from the Saluva Dynasty (1486–1491 CE), hailed from a lineage of distinguished administrators. Son of Saluva Gunda, the Governor of Chandragiri, he embarked on a campaign to expand his empire, encountering resistance from rebellious chieftains. Despite successful conquests in the western ports of the Kannada region, including Mangalore, Honnavar, Bakanur, and Bhatkal, he faced setbacks, notably losing Udayagiri to Gajapati Kapilendra in 1491. His reign, albeit brief, left a lasting impact before his demise in the same year.

2. Thimma Bhupala 

Thimma Bhupala, the successor of his father Narasimha Deva Raya, briefly held the throne before meeting a tragic end at the hands of his army commander amidst political turmoil. His untimely demise paved the way for the ascension of his younger brother, Narasimha Raya II.

3. Narasimha Raya II 

Narasimha Raya II, though officially crowned as king, found himself relegated to a puppet role under the dominance of his commander, Tuluva Narasa Nayaka. His reign, spanning from 1491 to 1505, was characterized by his lack of autonomy and authority, with Tuluva Narasa Nayaka wielding significant influence until Narasimha Raya II's demise. The tragic end of Narasimha Raya II marked a tumultuous period in Vijayanagara's history, as power struggles intensified within the empire.

Significant Rulers of the Tuluva Dynasty

1. Tuluva Narasa Nayaka

Tuluva Narasa Nayaka, a formidable warlord hailing from the Tulu-speaking region, laid the foundation for the Tuluva Dynasty. His astute maneuvers led to the demise of the weakened Narasimha Raya II of the Saluva Dynasty, marking the dawn of Tuluva's ascendancy. Under his son's reign, Viranarasimha Raya, the dynasty flourished, propelling the Vijayanagara Empire to unprecedented heights.

2. Viranarasimha Raya 

Viranarasimha Raya, the scion of the Saluva Dynasty, orchestrated the transition to the Tuluva Dynasty by ascending to the Vijayanagara throne. During his brief rule from 1505 to 1509, he fostered religious fervor through patronage of sacred sites. Legend intertwines with his demise, suggesting intrigue and succession struggles, yet historical records remain inconclusive.

3. Krishna Deva Raya 

Krishnadevaraya, the epitome of Vijayanagara's power, ascended to the throne in 1509, heralding an era of unparalleled grandeur for the empire. Revered as a hero among Kannada and Telugu communities, his reign witnessed remarkable cultural and military achievements. Supported by his esteemed Prime Minister Timmarusu, Krishnadevaraya's visionary leadership saw the empire reach its zenith, marked by victories over neighboring kingdoms and enduring diplomatic ties with foreign powers such as Portugal. His legacy endures through his literary contributions and the enduring influence of his court's celebrated poets.

4. Achyuta Deva Raya 

Achyuta Deva Raya, the younger brother of Krishnadevaraya, succeeded him in 1529 amidst challenging times. Facing internal dissent and external threats, Achyuta Deva Raya navigated a turbulent period in Vijayanagara's history. Though portrayed by some accounts as a ruler marred by vices and cruelty, his reign witnessed a struggle to maintain the kingdom's prosperity amidst mounting pressures. Chosen by Krishnadevaraya as his successor, Achyuta Deva Raya's tenure, as documented by Portuguese chronicler Fernao Nuniz, reflects the complexities of governance during this transitional phase.

5. Sadasiva Raya

Sadasiva Raya assumed the throne in 1542, inheriting a kingdom grappling with internal power struggles and external threats. With the assistance of Aliya Rama Raya, he ascended to power and navigated the challenges of governance in a tumultuous period. His reign, chronicled by Venetian traveller Caesar Frederick, offers insights into the intricate dynamics of Vijayanagara's twilight years, marked by political intrigue and shifting alliances.

Significant Rulers of the Aravidu Dynasty

1. Tirumala

Tirumala, the founder of the Aravidu Dynasty, played a pivotal role in re-establishing the Vijayanagar kingdom in Penukonda, Andhra Pradesh, following the devastation wrought by the Battle of Talikota in 1565 AD. As the son-in-law of Krishna Deva Raya, Tirumala Deva Raya faced challenges from rebellious Southern Nayakas of Madurai and Ginjee during his reign. Despite his efforts, he eventually retired to a religious life in 1572 AD.

2. Sriranga Deva Raya (Sriranga I)

Sriranga Deva Raya, also known as Sriranga I, assumed the reins of the Vijayanagara kingdom in 1572 AD, facing relentless assaults from Deccan Muslim rulers. Despite his valiant efforts to safeguard the kingdom's territories, he passed away in 1586 AD without leaving an heir to succeed him.

3. Venkata II 

Venkata II, the successor of Sriranga I, ascended to the throne in 1586 AD, spearheading the resurgence of the Vijayanagara Empire. Through successful diplomacy and military prowess, he restored the kingdom's strength by effectively dealing with the sultans of Bijapur and Golkonda. Additionally, he quelled rebellions among the Nayakas of Tamil Nadu, consolidating the empire's control over its territories.

4. Sriranga II 

Sriranga II's reign, though brief, marked the onset of internal discord between rival factions within the empire, foreshadowing future challenges to stability and governance.

5. Ramadeva 

Ramadeva, ruling from 1617 AD to 1632 AD, navigated the complexities of Vijayanagara's political landscape, striving to maintain order amidst growing factional rivalries.

6. Venkata III

Venkata III assumed the throne in 1632 AD and governed until 1642 AD, continuing efforts to uphold the empire's integrity amidst internal and external pressures.

7. Sriranga III

Sriranga III, the final ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire, held sway from 1642 to 1646 AD. His reign witnessed the empire's ultimate demise, culminating in defeat at the hands of Mir Jumla of Golconda in the Battle of Vandavasi in 1647. With Sriranga III's defeat, the Vijayanagar empire met its tragic end, marking the conclusion of an illustrious chapter in Indian history.