Vijayanagara Empire: Comprehensive Notes for UPSC Preparation

The Vijayanagara Empire was a major kingdom in South India that shaped the subcontinent’s cultural, political, and economic landscape from the 14th to the 17th centuries. Founded in 1336 CE by Harihara I and Bukka Raya I, the empire was a Hindu stronghold at a time when much of India was under Islamic rule. Its capital, Hampi, was one of the richest and most well-fortified cities in the world. The empire is particularly famous for its temple architecture, artistic achievements, and military victories.

Historical Background

1. Foundation: The Vijayanagara Empire was established in 1336 CE by Harihara I and Bukka Raya I, founders of the Sangama Dynasty, under the guidance of the sage Vidyaranya.
2. Significance: The empire was established as a bulwark against the Delhi Sultanate’s expansion in southern India and aimed to protect the region’s Hindu traditions.
3. Sangama Dynasty: The early rulers consolidated power and created a centralized kingdom that controlled the Deccan Plateau.
4. Expansion: Vijayanagara grew into a dominant power in the south by forming alliances with smaller kingdoms and waging successful wars against the Bahmani Sultanate.
5. Cultural Flourishing: The empire played a key role in preserving and promoting South Indian culture, religion, and language during a period of upheaval.

Important Rulers and Contributions of Vijayanagara Empire

1. Harihara I (1336–1356 CE)

• Co-founder of the empire, Harihara I consolidated control over much of the Deccan and established the city of Hampi as the capital.
• Formed alliances with the remnants of the Hoysala dynasty and fought against invasions from the Delhi Sultanate.

2. Bukka Raya I (1356–1377 CE)

• He expanded the empire further into southern India, defeating neighboring kingdoms.
• Bukka also focused on religious revival by building temples and encouraging Hindu scholarship.
• He fortified his control by defeating the Bahmani Sultanate in the Raichur Doab, a fertile region contested by both powers.

3. Deva Raya II (1424–1446 CE)

• He was a brilliant military leader who expanded the empire significantly, defeating the Bahmani Sultanate, Gajapatis of Odisha, and Reddis of Kondavidu.
• His reign saw a flourishing of literature in Kannada, Telugu, and Sanskrit.
• Deva Raya II invested in irrigation systems and infrastructure to promote agriculture.

4. Krishnadevaraya (1509–1529 CE)

• Widely regarded as the greatest ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire, Krishnadevaraya presided over the empire’s golden age.
• He expanded the empire by defeating the Gajapati Kingdom of Odisha, Bahmani Sultanates, and even the Portuguese at Goa.
• His reign saw economic prosperity, with the capital Hampi becoming a major center for trade and commerce.
• He was a great patron of literature, particularly Telugu, and authored the famous work Amuktamalyada.
• His administration emphasized irrigation, agriculture, and military expansion.

5. Achyuta Deva Raya (1529–1542 CE)

• Successor to Krishnadevaraya, his reign was marked by conflicts with neighboring powers and growing internal strife.
• He tried to maintain control but faced significant opposition from the Deccan Sultanates.

6. Rama Raya (1542–1565 CE)

• Rama Raya became the de facto ruler during the reign of Sadasiva Raya.
• He interfered in the affairs of the Deccan Sultanates, which led to the Battle of Talikota (1565 CE). The empire faced a crushing defeat at the hands of the combined armies of the Ahmadnagar, Bijapur, Golconda, and Bidar sultanates.

Administrative System

The Vijayanagara Empire’s administrative structure was robust and efficient, supporting the empire’s vast territory and military needs.

1. Central Administration: The emperor held absolute power. He was assisted by a council of ministers, including the Prime Minister, known as the Mahapradhana.
2. Provincial Governors: The empire was divided into provinces known as Nadu or Rajya, which were governed by Nayakas or feudatories.
3. Revenue System: The administration maintained a sophisticated land revenue system, where taxes were collected from farmers based on the yield of the land.
4. Military Organization: Vijayanagara had a large standing army, with a focus on cavalry, infantry, and war elephants. Each Nayaka was responsible for providing soldiers in times of war.
5. Irrigation and Agriculture: The administration invested heavily in irrigation projects, including the construction of tanks, wells, and canals, which ensured agricultural prosperity.

Military and Conquests

1. Krishnadevaraya’s Campaigns (1509–1529 CE): He defeated the Bahmani Sultanates and Gajapatis of Odisha, capturing Raichur and parts of Telangana.
2. Battle of Raichur (1520 CE): Krishnadevaraya’s army decisively defeated the Bahmani Sultanate forces and annexed the Raichur Doab.
3. Portuguese Relations: The empire also had conflicts with the Portuguese, particularly over control of coastal trade routes.
4. Bahmani Conflicts: Throughout its history, the Vijayanagara Empire clashed with the Bahmani Sultanates, especially over the Raichur Doab.
5. Battle of Talikota (1565 CE): The empire was devastated by this battle, where the combined armies of the Deccan Sultanates destroyed Hampi, leading to the empire’s decline.

Economic Prosperity

1. Agriculture: The economy was based on agriculture, with extensive irrigation systems, including tanks and canals, making the region fertile.
2. Trade: Vijayanagara was a major trading hub, dealing in spices, precious stones, cotton, and silk. Its strategic location on trade routes made it wealthy.
3. Foreign Trade: The empire maintained maritime trade with countries like Persia, Portugal, and the Arab world.
4. Hampi Bazaar: The capital Hampi was home to the famous Hampi Bazaar, where traders from across the world came to buy and sell goods.
5. Gold and Diamond Mines: Vijayanagara controlled the lucrative diamond mines of Golconda, further enriching the empire.

Art, Architecture, and Literature

1. Temple Architecture: The Vijayanagara period is renowned for Dravidian-style temples like the Virupaksha Temple and the Vithala Temple in Hampi.
2. Hampi: The capital city is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its architectural brilliance, including the Lotus Mahal, Stone Chariot, and Elephant Stables.
3. Kingly Patronage: Krishnadevaraya and other kings were patrons of Kannada, Telugu, Sanskrit, and Tamil literature, with numerous poets and scholars gracing their courts.
4. Art and Sculpture: Vijayanagara art is distinguished by its elaborate carvings, statues of deities, and pillared halls.
5. Literature: Krishnadevaraya’s court hosted the famous Ashtadiggajas, eight eminent poets. The Telugu work Amuktamalyada was written by Krishnadevaraya himself.

Religious and Cultural Legacy

1. Hinduism: The Vijayanagara Empire was a stronghold of Hinduism, promoting the Shaivite and Vaishnavite traditions.
2. Temple Construction: Temples were built across the empire, with massive gopurams (temple towers) and mandapas (pillared halls) reflecting the empire’s devotion to Hindu culture.
3. Religious Tolerance: Despite being a Hindu empire, the rulers practiced religious tolerance. Jainism and Islam also coexisted within the empire’s territories.
4. Patronage of Bhakti Saints: Vijayanagara kings supported the Bhakti movement, promoting devotion to Hindu gods and the propagation of religious literature.
5. Festivals: Religious festivals were celebrated with great pomp, and temples served as centers of religious and cultural activities.

Decline and Fall of Vijayanagara Empire

1. Battle of Talikota (1565 CE): The empire’s defeat in this battle by the combined forces of Ahmadnagar, Bijapur, Golconda, and Bidar sultanates led to the sack of Hampi.
2. Post-Talikota: The empire continued to exist in a weakened form in the Southern territories, but it was never able to regain its former glory.
3. Rise of Feudatories: After the battle, regional Nayakas like the Aravidu Dynasty and Mysore Wodeyars asserted independence, further fragmenting the empire.
4. End of the Empire: The final blow came with the conquest of Vijayanagara territories by Bijapur and Mysore in the late 17th century.
5. Legacy: Despite its fall, the Vijayanagara Empire left a lasting legacy in South Indian culture, architecture, and religious traditions.

Important Aspects for UPSC Aspirants from Vijayanagara Empire (Prelims & Mains GS Paper 1)

1. Foundation and Significance: Know the founders, reasons for the empire’s establishment, and its role in resisting Islamic invasions.
2. Key Rulers and Achievements: Focus on the reign of Krishnadevaraya and his contributions to administration, literature, and temple building.
3. Administration and Military: Understand the administrative setup, revenue system, and the military campaigns waged against neighboring kingdoms.
4. Architecture: Study the famous Dravidian-style temples at Hampi, especially the Vithala and Virupaksha Temples.
5. Decline: Focus on the Battle of Talikota, its impact on the empire, and the eventual fragmentation and fall of Vijayanagara.
6. Cultural Contributions: Highlight the empire’s role in the preservation of Hindu traditions and promotion of literature in regional languages.