Vijayanagar

Vijayanagar

Vijayanagar

Historians have different opinions regarding the formation of Vijayanagar Empire. A famous historian of the Vijayanagar Empire has given the traditional account of foundation of this empire but coast of India was founded by two brothers, Harihara and Bukka, who were earlier employed by Vir Ballala III of Hoysala dynasty. The credit of raising a voice against Delhi sultanate goes to them. V. A. Smith has remarked, “There is however, no doubt, that the power was the outcome of the efforts made by five brothers, sons of Sangama, to stay the tide of Muslim invasion and to preserve the Hindu Dharam in the Peninsula.” Vir Ballala III was also ruling over Anagundi in the Raichur district. When Muslims occupied Anagundi, both the brothers were taken captives to Delhi. With the passage of time the two brothers, Harihar and Bukka, captured power and established their control over Hoysala kingdom and laid foundation of Vijayanagar Empire. A huge fort was constructed for the safety of the kingdom.

From A.D. 1336 to 1565, three dynastic – Sangama Dynasty, Saluva Dynasty and Tluva Dynasty – ruled here. The first two dynasties were contemporaries of Bahmani kingdom but when the third dynasty started ruling over Vijayanagar empire, the Bahmani Empire was divided into five independent kingdoms, hence its rulers had not to face the militant opposition of the Muslims as they themselves grew weak due to division.

Sangama Dynasty :- Sangama dynasty was the first dynasty which ruled over Vijayanagar. The two sons of Sangama - Harihar and Bukka founded this empire. Harihara was the first ruler of this dynasty. He ruled here with the help of his brother Bukka and extended the territory. In A.D. 1340, he established his control over Konkan and Malabar coast. After the death of Hoysala ruler, Virupaksha Ballala, in A.D. 1346, Harihara also occupied the Hoysala territory. Thus within no time his frontiers extended from Krishna to Kaveri. He died in A.D. 13353. Besided being a victor, he was a great administrator. He divided his vast empire into various provinces and made proper arrangements for their administration.

After the death of Harihara, his younger brother Bukka succeeded in A.D. 1353. Like his brother he was a worthy and generous ruler. He was a tolerant king. He treated all his subjects equally without any consideration of caste or creed. Worthy Muslims were appointed on high posts and Vijayanagar flourished rapidly during his reign. Several rulers of the south accepted his suzerainty without waging a war against Bukka. He also established his control over Kanchivaram and Madura. He had to fight several battles against the Bahamani kingdom of south as both Vijayanagar and Bahamani kingdoms wanted to establish their control over Raichur Doab. He also sent his ambassador to China.

Besides being a great conqueror, Bukka was a protector of Hinduism. He adopted a liberal religious policy and granted equality to the followers of different religions. Bukka was also a patron of arts and literature. He died in A.D. 1379.

Saluva Dynasty :- Saluva dynasty was established by Narashimha in A.D. 1486 and the rulers of this dynasty regined over Vijayanagar from A.D. 1486 to 1505. Narasimha was a powerful and worthy ruler. He recaptured the territory lost to the Bahamani Sultan and the ruler of Orissa by the ruler of Sangama dynasty. Besides the extension of territory, he organized army and administration as well. He ruled for about six years. He was succeeded by his son Imadi Narasimha. Because he was a weak and unworthy ruler, the power of his commander increased greatly during his reign. His sons after ruling for some time established a new dynasty called Tuluva dynasty.

Tuluva Dynasty :- The rulers of this dynasty ruled over Vijayanagar for about 65 years. The best ruler of this dynasty was Krishna Deva Raya. Krishna Shastri remarks, “He is the greatest of the South Indian monarchs who shed a luster on the pages of history.” He ruled over Vijayanagar from A.D. 1509 to 1530. Krishna Deva Raya was a brave soldier, a successful commander, a worthy administrator and a competent organizer. He established peace in the country and endeavored for its economic development. He crushed the rebels by his ability and after defeating the neighboring states forced them to accept his suzerainty. In A.D. 1513-14 he defeated the ruler of Orissa and married the princess of Orissa. In A.D. 1527 he defeated and plundered Sultan Adil Shah of Bijapur. By this time the power of Bahamani kingdom had crumbled and it was divided into five independent states (Bijapur, Bidar, Barar, Golkunda and Ahmadnagar). All this states were staunch enemies of the Hindu empire and wanted to crush the Vijayanagar Empire. Hence the ruler of Vijayanagar had to conclude a friendly alliance with the Portuguese in the south so as to face the invasions of the Muslims. The ambassador of Portuguese Governor who visited the court of Krishna Deva Raya was welcomed. He permitted the Portuguese to build a fort at Matakal. The increased power of Krishna Deva Raya terrified the Muslim rulers. He died in A.D. 1530.

Dr. R. C. Majumdar has commented at the total collapse of Vijayanagar empire, “The provincial governors enjoyed good deal of independence which contributed in no small degree to the weakening of the central authority and ultimately the disintegration of the empire.”

The Vijayanagar Empire holds a significant and unique place in the annals of our history, as it prevented the extirpation of the Bahmani kingdom.

Milan Tomic

Hi. I’m Designer of Blog Magic. I’m CEO/Founder of ThemeXpose. I’m Creative Art Director, Web Designer, UI/UX Designer, Interaction Designer, Industrial Designer, Web Developer, Business Enthusiast, StartUp Enthusiast, Speaker, Writer and Photographer. Inspired to make things looks better.