1. Vijaynagar Empire: Emergence of Vijayanagara Kingdom (1336)
- Context: The Vijayanagara Empire was founded in the Deccan, in the wake of the political chaos caused by the campaigns of Muhammad bin Tughluq.
- Founders: It was established in 1336 by two brothers, Harihara and Bukka, on the banks of the Tungabhadra River.
- Inspiration: They were inspired by their guru, the sage Vidyaranya, to found a kingdom to protect Hindu dharma in the south against the invasions from the Delhi Sultanate.
- Capital: The capital city was Vijayanagara ("City of Victory"), also known as Hampi.
- Dynasties: Four dynasties ruled the empire:
- Sangama (founded by Harihara and Bukka)
- Saluva
- Tuluva (the most famous, included Krishnadevaraya)
- Aravidu
2. Achievements of Krishnadevaraya (1509-1529)
Krishnadevaraya, of the Tuluva dynasty, was the greatest ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire. His reign is considered its golden age.
- Military Achievements:
- He was an exceptional military general.
- War with Bahmani Sultans: He decisively defeated the combined forces of the Bahmani Sultans in the Battle of Raichur (1520). This battle, fought over the fertile Raichur Doab, cemented his supremacy in the Deccan.
- War with Orissa: He defeated the Gajapati ruler of Orissa and recovered territories.
- Patron of Literature (Andhra Bhoja):
- He was a great patron of literature, particularly Telugu.
- His court was adorned by the 'Ashtadiggajas' (the "eight elephants," or great poets), including Allasani Peddana.
- He himself was a scholar, writing the Telugu classic 'Amuktamalyada'.
- Architecture and Public Works:
- He built the Vittalaswamy Temple and the Hazara Ramaswamy Temple at Hampi.
- He added the towering 'Rayagopurams' (gateways) to many South Indian temples.
- He also built a vast irrigation tank and canal system.
3. Accounts of Foreign Travellers on Vijayanagara
Much of what we know about the glory of Vijayanagara comes from the detailed accounts of foreign travelers who visited the empire.
| Traveller | Origin | Ruler during Visit | Key Observations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nicolo de Conti | Italian | Devaraya I | Described the massive size and fortifications of the capital city. |
| Abdur Razzaq | Persian (from Herat) | Devaraya II | Gave a famous, glowing account: "The city... is such that the eye of the pupil has never seen a place like it, and the ear of intelligence has never been informed that there existed anything to equal it in the world." He described the seven fortified walls and the abundant, wealthy markets. |
| Domingo Paes | Portuguese | Krishnadevaraya | Provided a detailed description of Krishnadevaraya's personality and the city's splendor, especially the Mahanavami festival (a 9-day celebration of state power). |
| Fernao Nuniz | Portuguese | Achyuta Raya | A horse trader who wrote about the history of the empire and its social customs. |