Political & Economic History of Vijayanagara

Political History of Vijayanagar Empire

The Vijayanagara Empire, established in 1336 by Harihara I and Bukka Raya I, members of the Sangama dynasty, stemmed from a pastoralist shepherd community with Kuruba Gowda lineage. Its ascent to power in the late 13th century was fueled by the resistance against Islamic invasions by southern powers. At its zenith, the empire dominated the ruling families of South India and expanded its borders, pushing Deccan sultans beyond the Tungabhadra-Krishna river doab region, while also incorporating modern-day Odisha from the Gajapati Kingdom.

• In 1336, Harihara and Bukka, members of the Sangama dynasty, founded Vijayanagar after initially serving under the Kakatiya rulers of Warangal. 
• Their journey led them to Kampili, where they were imprisoned and then converted to Islam, only to return to Hinduism under the guidance of the saint Vidyaranya. 
• They declared independence and established Vijayanagar on the south bank of the Tungabhadra River, earning its name, "victory city."
• Exploiting the decline of the Hoysala kingdom, Harihara and Bukka expanded their realm, conquering the entire Hoysala kingdom by 1346. 
• The conflict with the Sultanate of Madurai persisted for four decades, marked by Kumarakampana's expedition described in the Maduravijayam. 
• Victory extended Vijayanagar's dominion to Rameswaram.
• For years, tension simmered between Vijayanagar and the Bahmani kingdom, ignited by disputes over the Raichur Doab and the fertile Krishna-Godavari delta, which also housed the famed Golconda diamond mines. 
• Deva Raya II, the formidable ruler of the Sangama dynasty, struggled to overcome the Bahmani Sultans, leading to the dynasty's decline upon his death.
• Succession struggles ensued, with the Saluva dynasty's brief reign followed by Krishnadeva Raya's golden era from 1509 to 1529 under the Tuluva dynasty. 
• His reign marked Vijayanagar's zenith. 
• Subsequent rulers, including Sadasiva Raya and Rama Raya, faced challenges, culminating in the devastating defeat at the Battle of Talaikote in 1565 against the Bahamani confederacy.
• The fall of Rama Raya led to Vijayanagar's destruction, though remnants persisted under the Aravidu dynasty for another century, until Sri Ranga III's defeat in the Battle of Vandavasi in 1646 against Mir Jumla of Golconda. 
• Thus, the Vijayanagar Empire concluded, marking the end of a remarkable chapter in South Indian history.

The Vijayanagara Empire, one of India's most prosperous states, thrived for 310 years, spanning from 1336 to 1646. Under the leadership of Krishnadeva Raya from the Tuluva dynasty, the empire attained its zenith, showcasing unparalleled glory. 

However, following a significant military setback in the Battle of Talikota in 1565, where the combined forces of the Deccan sultanates emerged victorious, the empire's power began to wane. Ultimately, the demise of Sri Ranga in the Battle of Vandavasi in 1646 signaled the conclusive end of the Vijayanagara Empire's illustrious reign.

Economic Conditions of the Vijayanagara Empire 

The economic prowess of the Vijayanagara Empire during the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries garnered widespread acclaim from foreign observers, who lauded the opulence and affluence of both the ruling elite and the common populace.

• Wealth and Prosperity
  • Foreign visitors, including Persian ambassador Abdur Razaq, Portuguese traveller Paes, and Italian explorer Nicolo Conti, marveled at the wealth and prosperity prevalent throughout the empire. They noted that not only the royalty and nobility but also ordinary citizens enjoyed a high standard of living, evident in their adornment with ornaments and jewelry.
• Agricultural Foundation
  • The empire's economy rested primarily on agriculture, facilitated by favorable agricultural policies implemented by successive rulers. Efficient irrigation systems, including the construction of dams and canals, enhanced agricultural productivity. Fertile lands across the countryside were extensively cultivated, ensuring self-sufficiency and prosperity in the agricultural sector.
• Industrial Development
  • Vijayanagara's economic landscape was further enriched by a diverse array of industries, including textiles, mining, perfumery, and metallurgy. The kings' administration actively promoted industrial growth, with guilds overseeing various crafts and trades. Concentration of craftsmen in specific cities or regions fostered specialization and efficiency.
• Trade Networks
  • The empire boasted flourishing trade routes, encompassing inland, coastal, and international commerce. The port of Cannanore in Malabar emerged as a pivotal commercial hub, facilitating trade with regions spanning the Indian Ocean islands, Southeast Asia, China, Arabia, Persia, Africa, and Europe. Exports ranged from textiles, spices, and rice to minerals and sugar, while imports encompassed horses, elephants, pearls, and luxury goods like silk and velvet.
• Coinage System
  • Vijayanagara's coinage system, comprising gold, copper, and silver coins, bore emblems of deities and animals. Varaha, symbolizing the boar incarnation of Vishnu, was a common motif, with coins often referred to as Pagodas. The design of coins varied according to the reigning monarch, with each king imprinting their unique symbols, such as Hanuman or Venkatesh and Balkrishna figures, reflecting the dynasty's religious and cultural influences.