Vijayanagara Empire (1336- 1646) AD: Contributions, Origin & Administrations

The Vijayanagara Empire (1336-1646) AD

Ruins of Vijayanagar, Hampi (Source: Karnataka Tourism website)

The Vijayanagara Empire flourished in Southern India, comprising the modern states of Goa, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and some parts of Telangana and Maharashtra.

After the weakening of control of the Delhi Sultanate in Southern India, the Vijayanagara Empire and the Bahmani Sultanate emerged as the dominant power in the mid-14^th century. By the start of the 16^th century, Vijaynagar rulers comprehensively defeated the Bahmanis, too, becoming the most dominant force in the region. Let’s study the origin and the salient features of this rich and diverse kingdom in detail.

Origin of the Vijayanagara Empire

• Harihara and Bukka founded the Vijayanagara kingdom.
• They served as feudatories of the Kakatiyas of Warangal and later became ministers in the Kingdom of Kampili in modern Karnataka.
• The two brothers were imprisoned and converted to Islam, and they served under Muhammad bin Tughlaq after the fall of Kampili.
• However, after a short time, Harihara and Bukka ditched their new master and the new religion.

  

• They were re-admitted to Hinduism by their guru Vidyaranya and established a new Empire with its capital at Vijayanagar.Source – Wikipedia

• The Vijaynagar Empire dominated the southern part of India for more than 200 years and finally declined after its defeat in 1565 CE in the battle of Talikota or Rakshasatangadi.
• Four different lineages or dynasties ruled the Vijayanagara kingdom. The first was the Sangama dynasty, to which Harhara and Bukka belonged.