VIJAYANAGAR EMPIRE

Published On:

• The Vijayanagar Kingdom [1336-1672 CE]
• History of Vijayanagar Empire constitutes important chapter in history of India. Four dynasties – Sangama, Saluva, Tuluva and Aravidu – ruled Vijayanagar from A.D. 1336 to 1672.
• It was founded in 1336 by Harihara and Bukka (with the blessings of Guru Vidyaranya) of the Sangama dynasty who originally served under the Kakatiya rulers of Warangal.
• Vijayanagara kingdom was a kind of cooperative commonwealth at first.
• In the south, Vijayanagara‘s main rivals were the Sultans of Madurai and the struggle between them continued for almost four decades. By c.1377 CE, the Sultanate of Madurai was wiped out and the Vijaynagara kingdom comprised the whole of south India up to Rameshwaram, including the Tamil country as well as that of the Cheras (Kerala).
• In the north, they had continuous hostility with the Bahmani Sultanate.

About Vijayanagar Kingdom

 Vijayanagar kingdom constituted four dynasties

• Sangama (c.1336–1485 CE)
• Saluva (c.1485–1503 CE)
• Tuluva (c.1503–1570 CE)
• Aravidu (till the end of the 17th century).

Founder: Two Sangama brothers Harihara (Hakka) and Bukka Raya laid the foundation of Vijayanagar on the south of river Tungabhadra in 1336.

Region: Vijayanagara kingdom comprised the whole of south India up to Rameshwaram, including the Tamil country as well as that of the Cheras (Kerala). (Vijayanagar is in today‘s Bellar district of Karnataka).

Followers: Early Vijayanagar rulers were followers of Shaivism. Virupaksha was their family God. Later they came under the influence of Vaishnavism. However, Siva continued to be worshipped.

Conflict: There was constant conflict between the Vijayanagar Empire and Bahamani kingdom over Raichur doab (fertile region between Krishna and Tungabhadra), Tungabhadra doab (fertile areas of Krishna-Godavari delta) & Marathwada. While in the south its main rivals were Sultans of Madurai.

Battle of Talikota: During the reign of Rama Raya, combined forces of Bijapur, Ahmednagar, Golkonda and Bidar defeated him at the Battle of Talikota in 1565 which marked an end of the Vijayanagar Empire.

 Last ruler: The last ruler of Vijayanagar was Sri Ranga III

Administration of Vijayanagar

The Rayas (king) enjoyed absolute authority in executive, judicial and legislative matters. King was the highest court of appeal.

 Succession to the throne was mostly on principle of hereditary succession. [Saluva narsimha came to power after ending Sangama]

 The kingdom was divided into different administrative units called Mandalams (Provinces), Nadus (Districts), Sthalas(sub-districts) and Gramas(villages).

 The governor of the Mandalam was called Mandaleswara or Nayak.

 Vijayanagar rulers gave full powers to the local authorities.

The growth of hereditary nayakships weakened local self-government of villages.

Some important Offices:

• Nayak: Provincial governor
• Dandnayak: Chief of Army
• Ayagar: Hereditary officers
• Karnikam: Treasurer/ accountant
• Athavan: Land revenue department
• Talar: Home minister
• Nayankaras: Military Chief/ Nayak of palaiyagars
• Ayangars: 12 members institution for village administration

Social Life

• Allasani Peddanna in his Manucharitam refers to the existence of four castes — Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Sudras.
• Paes mentions beautiful houses of the rich and the large number of their household servants.
• Nicolo Conti refers to the prevalence of slavery.
• Sangama rulers were chiefly Saivaites and Virupaksha was their family deity.
• Muslims allowed to build mosques for worship.
• Barbosa referred to the religious freedom enjoyed by everyone.