Society of Vijayanagara

Societal Dynamics in the Vijayanagara Empire

1. Caste Structure:
   • Allasani Peddana's Manucharitam delineates the four primary castes in Vijayanagar society.
     • Viprulu or Brahmins: Primarily engaged in teaching and priestly roles, occasionally serving as soldiers and administrators.
     • Rajulu or Rachavaru: Associated with the ruling elite, including the rulers and generals. Despite being Shudras by birth, they were referred to as Rachavaru due to their positions.
     • Matikaratalu or Vaishyas: Functioned as merchants involved in trade and commerce.
     • Nalavajativaru or Sudras: Predominantly engaged in agriculture, though some pursued various other occupations. Though not segregated, they were often regarded as inferior.
2. Devadasis and Temple Culture:
   • Devadasis, or temple dancers, enjoyed high societal standing, as evidenced by their receipt of land grants and maid-servants, as noted by accounts such as Paes'.
3. Religious Pluralism and Tolerance:
   • While the rulers were primarily Vishnu devotees, the empire upheld religious tolerance, allowing for the coexistence of diverse faiths and beliefs.
4. Prominence of Women:
   • Women played significant roles in various spheres of society, contributing to politics, social activities, and literature. Notable female figures like Gangadevi, Kumarakampana's wife, and poets Hannamma and Thirumalamma exemplify women's involvement in intellectual and artistic pursuits.
5. Religious Practices:
   • Initially aligned with Shaivism, Vijayanagara rulers later embraced Vaishnavism, although Shaivism continued to be revered. Various sects within Vaishnavism, such as Ramanuja's Srivaishnavism and Madhava's Dvaita system, gained popularity.
6. Literary and Cultural Contributions:
   • Women made significant literary contributions, with works like Maduravijayam authored by figures like Gangadevi. Epics and Puranas served as educational tools, particularly for women, enhancing cultural literacy.
7. Widows' Rights:
   • Widows faced challenging circumstances, but they had the option to remarry, encouraged by the state's policy of exempting widows from taxation upon remarriage.
8. Remarriage Encouragement:
   • The government incentivized widow remarriage by waiving taxes associated with it, aiming to alleviate widows' plight.
9. Practice of Sati:
   • Both inscriptions and foreign sources corroborate the existence of Sati or Sahagamana in the Vijayanagara Empire, highlighting the societal norms of the time.
10. State Promotion of Chess:
    • Chess enjoyed state patronage, with players receiving rewards, showcasing the empire's support for cultural and recreational activities.
11. Untouchability:
    • Various groups such as Kambalattars, Dambars, Jogis, and Kambalattars faced discrimination as untouchables, underscoring the presence of untouchability within Vijayanagar society.
12. Presence of Slavery:
    • Slavery was widespread, with debtors who failed to repay loans often becoming the property of their creditors, as documented by accounts like Nicolo de Conti's.