Medieval Chapters

1. Early Medieval Period2. North India (Rajputana Period)3. South India (Cholas and Others)4. Sultanate Period I5. The Delhi Sultanate II6. Vijayanagar and Other Kingdoms7. Religious Movements (Medieval)8. Bhakti Movement9. Sufi Movement10. Mughal Period11. Maratha State and Maratha Confederacy12. The Advent of the Europeans

Vijayanagar & Other Kingdoms

The Vijayanagar Empire and its contemporaries played a significant role in shaping South Indian history between the 14th and 17th centuries.

Vijayanagar Empire: Foundation & Dynasties

  • Founded in 1336 CE by Harihara I and Bukka I of the Sangama dynasty.
  • Located on the banks of Tungabhadra River (modern Hampi).
  • Four main dynasties:
    • Sangama (1336–1485)
    • Saluva (1485–1505)
    • Tuluva (1505–1570)
    • Aravidu (1570–1646)
  • Krishnadeva Raya of the Tuluva dynasty is considered the greatest ruler.

Administration & Military

  • Centralized monarchy assisted by ministers.
  • Empire divided into provinces (Rajyas), further into Seemas and villages.
  • Strong army with cavalry, elephants, and archers.
  • Amaranayaka system: Land was granted to military chiefs for administrative duties and to maintain troops.

Art, Culture & Architecture

  • Fusion of Dravidian and Islamic architectural styles.
  • Notable monuments: Vittala Temple, Hampi; Hazara Rama Temple.
  • Encouraged music, dance (Bharatanatyam), and literature.
  • Krishnadeva Raya was a patron of Telugu literature and wrote Amuktamalyada in Telugu.

Bahmani Sultanate (Contemporary Rival)

  • Founded in 1347 CE by Alauddin Bahman Shah after revolting against the Delhi Sultanate.
  • Capital: Gulbarga (later moved to Bidar).
  • Famous ruler: Mahmud Gawan – implemented reforms, expanded empire.
  • Frequent wars with Vijayanagar for control of Raichur Doab (region between Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers).

Other Regional Kingdoms

  • Gajapati Kingdom of Odisha: Ruled by Suryavanshi dynasty, often clashed with Vijayanagar.
  • Madurai Sultanate: Short-lived Islamic kingdom in Tamil Nadu (1335–1378).
  • Kakatiyas, Hoysalas, Yadavas: Predecessors to Vijayanagar in the Deccan region.

Battle of Talikota (1565)

  • Fought between Vijayanagar Empire and Deccan Sultanates (Bijapur, Golconda, Ahmednagar, Bidar, Berar).
  • Marked the decline of Vijayanagar Empire after the death of Aliya Rama Raya.
  • Hampi was plundered and left in ruins.

Previous Year Questions with Answers

  • SSC CHSL 2022: Who founded the Vijayanagar Empire?
  • → Harihara and Bukka
  • RRB NTPC 2021: What was the capital of the Vijayanagar Empire?
  • → Hampi
  • SSC CGL 2019: Who wrote Amuktamalyada?
  • → Krishnadeva Raya
  • HSSC 2020: The Battle of Talikota was fought in which year?
  • → 1565 CE
  • SSC GD 2020: Who was Mahmud Gawan?
  • → Minister in the Bahmani Sultanate
  • RRB JE 2018: The Amaranayaka system was similar to?
  • → Iqta system of Delhi Sultanate
  • SSC MTS 2021: Who was the greatest ruler of the Vijayanagar Empire?
  • → Krishnadeva Raya
  • SSC CPO 2022: Raichur Doab was a conflict area between?
  • → Vijayanagar and Bahmani
  • HSSC JE 2019: Which city was known for its advanced irrigation during Vijayanagar rule?
  • → Hampi
Did You Know? Portuguese traveler Domingo Paes visited Vijayanagar during Krishnadeva Raya’s reign and described it as the most prosperous city in the world.

Conclusion

The Vijayanagar Empire was a beacon of South Indian power, art, and administration. Despite its fall, its legacy remains etched in the ruins of Hampi and the cultural development it inspired across southern India.

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