Tuluva Dynasty: Krishnadeva Raya’s Reign & Legacy

Introduction

The Tuluva Dynasty of the Vijayanagara Empire was marked by the reign of Krishnadeva Raya, a renowned ruler known for his military prowess, cultural patronage, and diplomatic acumen. His era witnessed significant territorial expansion, architectural marvels, and literary advancements.

Key Rulers of the Tuluva Dynasty

• Emergence of the Tuluva Dynasty: After the demise of Narasimha Saluva in 1505, Vira Narasimha seized power, marking the Second Usurpation and the beginning of the Tuluva dynasty. 
  • His brother, Krishnadeva Raya, ascended as a remarkable ruler, expanding territory, strengthening finance, and fostering art and culture.

1. Krishna Deva Raya (1509–29) 

• • Military Achievements and Reputation: Greatest among all the Vijayanagara rulers, he was the younger brother of Vira Narasimha and built upon the strong military foundation laid by his father and elder brother. 
    • He was also known as Andhra Bhoj.
  • Expansion of Territory: Fought battle on two fronts, Bahmani Sultans (traditional enemy) and the Gajapati rulers of Orissa.
    • Acquired the Raichur Doab (1512), subdued rulers of Orissa (1514), and defeated the Sultan of Bijapur (1520).
    • Inscriptions describe his seizure of many Gajapati forts like in Udayagiri.
  • Establishment of Pillar of Victory: He put up a pillar of victory at Simhachalam (Visakhapatnam).

• Campaigns Against Bahmani:

• • • Maritime Expansion: Established authority along the Malabar and Konkan coasts with the help of the Portuguese.
    • Fort Construction: The Portuguese gained permission to construct a fort in Bhatkal (Karnataka).
    • Patronage of Temples and Architecture: He made generous contributions to temples like Srisailam, Tirupati, Kalahasti, Kanchipuram, Tiruvannamalai, and Chidambaram. 
      • He added towering gopuras to these temples.
  • Architecture: 
    • Establishment of Nagalapuram: Founded a suburban township near Vijayanagar called Nagalapuram, named after his mother.
    • Architectural Contributions: He added gopurams to some important temples like Vijay Mahal and Vittala Swamy Temple.
    • Foreign visitors: Domingo Paes, Fernao Nuniz and Duarte Barbosa praised Krishnadevaraya’s character and the opulence of Vijayanagara City. 

• Cultural and Literary Patronage: He was a gifted scholar of Telugu and Sanskrit. His works include:

• • • • Renowned Telugu poem Amuktamalyada (the story of Andal and a treatise stating the instance of Lord Vishnu in his dream).
      • Madalasa Charita, Satyavedu Parinaya, Rasamanjari, Jambavati Kalyanam  (Sanskrit),
      • Krishna Deva Rayana Dinachari (Kannada)
    • Ashtadiggajas: He patronised Ashtadiggajas, the eight celebrated poets of Telugu.
      • Allasani Peddana (also known as  Andhrakavita Pitamaga), works include: Manucharitam and Harikathasaram;
      • Madayyagari Mallana, Nandi Thimmana, Dhurjati, Rambhadra, Pingali Surana, Ramarajabhushanudu.
      • Tenali Ramakrishna (Court jester and poet): work includes Panduranga Mahatyam.
      • He also patronised Chatu Vittalanatha  (Kannada poet; his work Bhagavatha); Tamil poet Haridasa; Vyasatirtha (His disciple was Purandara dasa ).
  • Interfaith Diplomacy: In spite of religious differences, Krishnadeva Raya supported some claimants to power in the Sultanates and took pride in the title “establisher of the Yavana kingdom”
    • Yavana: is a Sanskrit word used for the Greeks and other peoples who entered the subcontinent from the northwest.

• Taxation System of Krishna Deva:

• • Tax Rate: on land was fixed depending on the quality of the land. 
  • Industry Tax: Private owners of workshops paid an industry tax. [UPSC 2016]

2. Achyuta Deva Raya

• • Ascension to the Throne: After Krishnadevaraya’s death, his brother Achyutadevaraya took the throne. 
    • The support of the powerful Chellappa (also known as Saluva Nayak), helped him to retain a dominant position.

• By 1542, Sadasivaraya succeeded him.

3. Sadasiva Raya   (1543-67)

• Real power lay in the hands of his minister Rama Raya, who got support from kinsmen (of Aravidu clan) by appointing them as Nayak of strategic localities.
• Rama Raya: Rama Raya was a great warrior and strategist
  • Manipulating Bahmani Powers: He played off the Bahmani Muslim powers against one another. 
  • Commercial Treaty with the Portuguese: He entered into a commercial treaty with the Portuguese whereby the supply of horses to the Bijapur ruler was stopped.
  • Conflict and Alliance with Bijapur: He fought with the Bijapur ruler. 
    • However, later he allied with Bijapur against Golkonda and Ahmadnagar, all of which eventually led to the Battle of Talikota 1565.

Conclusion

The downfall of the Tuluva Dynasty and the subsequent rise of the Aravidu Dynasty signaled a pivotal shift in South Indian history. Despite the empire’s collapse, the legacy of Krishnadeva Raya and his successors endures, shaping the cultural and political landscape of the region for generations to come.