vijaynagar

Empire of Vijaynagar 1336 - 1565 AD

After Tughlaqs lost power in Deccan, Sangma brothers: Harihar and Bukka founded the kingdom of Vijaynagar. Bukka succeeded Harihar. He was an able ruler. He and his son Harihar II extended the boundaries of the empire.

In 1486, one of their chiefs Narasimha Saluva seized the throne. In 1505, Sulva sons were deposed by Taluva chief Vira Narasimha.

Reign of Krishnadev Rai (1509-1529)

Vira Narasimha was succeeded by his younger brother Krishnadev Rai. The Vijayanagar kingdom reached the pinnacle of its glory during the reign of Krishnadev Rai. He was successful in all the wars he waged. His greatest military achievement was defeat of Ismail Adil Shah. He was a kind king and a very able administrator. The scholar, poet, musician king was fluent in Sanskrit, Telugu and Kannada.

Telgu and Kannada languages were used as court languages. Telugu literature flourished during this time. Painting, sculpture, dance and music were greatly encouraged by the Vijayanagar kings. Sayanacharya (who calculated speed of light from a Rg Veda rucha) was king Bukka's minister. The scholar, Tenali Ramakrishna adorned the courts of king Krishna Dev Rai.

In 1565, Ramrai was defeated and killed at Talikota by the joint efforts of Adilshahi, Nizamshahi, Qutubshahi and Baridshahi. His brother Tirumalaraya, fled to Penukonda. The victorious Muslim armies looted the city for months. The wealthy and industrious city was reduced to ruins.