Vijayanagar Empire: Rise, Expansion, and Talikota’s Fall

Introduction

The Vijayanagar Empire, spanning from 1336 to 1650, stands as a testament to South India’s rich cultural and political heritage. Founded by Harihara I and Bukka, it flourished under the patronage of several powerful rulers, leaving a lasting impact on the region’s history.

Overview of the Vijayanagar Empire: A Saga of Culture, Power, and Endurance

1. Sources to Study Vijayanagar Empire

• Literary Sources: Manucharitram (Telugu, by Allasani Peddana): The story of Manu; provides an account of social condition especially the caste system of Vijaynagar empire

• • Saluvabhyudayam ( by Rajanattha Dindima): Poems on the wars of Saluva Narasimha.
  • Rayavachakamu (Telugu): Highlights the relationship of the Nayakas with their patron kingdom Vijayanagara.

• Account of Foreign Visitors: 

• Epigraphical:  Copper-plate charters in Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu, Sanskrit 
• Numismatic Evidence: Gold coins of Krishnadeva Raya, also known as Varaha coins (also called Pon in Tamil and Honnu in Kannada). 

2. Origin and Expansion

• Four dynasties governed the Vijayanagar kingdom for over three centuries: 

• Foundation of the Vijayanagara Empire (1336): After asserting their independence from Hoysala rulers (after the death of Ballal III), Harihara and Bukka laid the foundation of the Vijayanagara Empire in 1336.
• Role of Vidyaranya in Empire Formation: Vidyaranya, a respected Saiva saint and Sanskrit scholar, is believed to have played a pivotal role in founding the Vijayanagara Empire.
• Capital Shifting and Renaming to Vijayanagara: Initially, the capital was near Anegondi (north bank of Tungabhadra), later shifted to Hoysala town, Hosapattana (near Hampi; south bank of Tungbhadra), and renamed Vijayanagara (city of victory). 
  • Hampi derived its name from the local mother goddess, Pampadevi.
• Discovery of Hampi Ruins by Colonel Colin Mackenzie: The ruins at Hampi were brought to light in 1800 by Colonel Colin Mackenzie. 
  • Later, in 1815 he was appointed the first Surveyor General of India.

• Guardian Deity and Religious Significance: Virupaksha, recognised as a form of Shiva, was the guardian deity of the kingdom.
• Royal Orders and Administrative Symbolism: All royal orders were signed “Shri Virupaksha,” usually in the Kannada script.
• Hindu Suratrana Title: Rulers demonstrated their strong connections with deities through the title “Hindu Suratrana.” 
  • This was a Sanskritization of the Arabic term Sultan.
• Symbolic Royal Insignia: They adopted the emblem of the Chalukyas, the Boar, or Varaha, as their royal insignia.
• Military Expansion and Territorial Incorporation: Through military activities, several areas were incorporated into the kingdom:
  • The entire area of the Hoysala kingdom in Karnataka.
  • Coastal Andhra (there was a power struggle between the Gajapati kingdom of Orissa and Vijayanagar).

• Conquest of Tondai-mandalam and Madurai Sultanate: Tondai-mandalam (area in northern Tamil Nadu and southern Andhra) in the south; Prince Kumara Kampana, son of Bukka I, won this area. 
  • He also defeated Madurai Sultan, ending the Sultanate around 1370, as described in Madura-vijayam, a Sanskrit work written by Kampana’s wife, Gangadevi.
• Status of the Pandya Region until 1500: Until 1500, the Pandya region, including Madurai, was independent of Vijayanagara. 
  • Only the northern and central Tamil areas up to the Kaveri delta were governed by the Sangama and Saluva dynasties.
• Incorporation of the Konkan Area: Konkan area, a narrow strip between the western ghats and the sea.
• Extent of the Vijayanagara Empire: At its peak, the empire stretched from the river Krishna in the north to the extreme south of the peninsula.

3. Vijayanagar – Bahmani Conflict 

• Major subjects of conflict: To control the fertile area between Krishna and the Tungabhadra (the Raichur doab).

• • The control of the Horse trade that passed through Goa and other ports.
• Geopolitical Boundary: In spite of continuous fighting, the Krishna River acted as the dividing line between the two powers. 
• Strategic Alliance: The alliance between the Bahmani Kingdom and Warangal restricted Vijayanagara’s ability to overrun the Tungabhadra Doab.

4. Battle of Talikota (1565)

• Battle Location: The battle was fought at Talikota or Rakshasi-Tangadi in 1565 between Vijayanagar and Deccan states (combined armies of Bijapur, Ahmadnagar, and Golconda).
• Leadership: Rama Raya personally commanded the forces; however, he lost the battle and was later executed.
• Consequences: The victorious Bahmani armies entered Vijayanagar city for the first time in history and ransacked it for several months. 
• Historical Significance: This battle is generally considered the signal for the end of Vijayanagar.
• After-effects of the Battle
  • King Sadasiva escaped to Penugonda and later ruled from Chandragiri (near Tirupati).
  • Tirumala, brother of Rama Raya, declared himself king in 1570. He started the fourth dynasty, i.e., the Aravidu dynasty. 
  • However,  the real power was held by Nayak chiefs in various parts of the country.

Conclusion

The rise and fall of the Vijayanagar Empire mark a significant chapter in Indian history, characterized by its architectural marvels, military prowess, and cultural vibrancy. Though its demise came with the Battle of Talikota, its legacy continues to inspire and fascinate generations, reflecting the enduring spirit of South Indian civilization.