Why this matters now
Vijayanagara is a high-yield UPSC topic — for its four dynasties, the Hampi UNESCO site and temple architecture, the rich foreign travellers’ accounts, the nayankara and amaram administrative-military system, and the pivotal Battle of Talikota (1565).
Founding and the four dynasties
The empire was founded in 1336 by Harihara I and Bukka Raya on the Tungabhadra, with the guidance of the sage Vidyaranya. Four dynasties ruled in succession:
- Sangama (1336-1485) — the founding line;
- Saluva (1485-1505);
- Tuluva (1505-1570) — the dynasty of Krishnadevaraya;
- Aravidu (1570-1646) — the last line, after Talikota.
The golden age — Krishnadevaraya
Krishnadevaraya (reigned 1509-1529) of the Tuluva dynasty was the empire’s greatest ruler — a brilliant general and patron of arts and letters. He authored the Telugu classic Amuktamalyada, patronised the ashtadiggajas (eight poets) at his court, and built the Hazara Rama and Vitthala temples at Hampi. Portuguese travellers like Domingo Paes described the splendour of his capital.
Administration and economy
The empire ran a nayankara system — military chiefs (nayakas) were assigned land revenue (amaram) in return for maintaining troops for the king. Provinces were governed by such chiefs, and the ayagar system organised village administration. A flourishing economy rested on irrigation tanks, a strong textile and spice trade through ports on both coasts, and dealings with the Portuguese.
The Battle of Talikota (1565)
In 1565, a confederacy of the Deccan Sultanates (Bijapur, Ahmadnagar, Golconda and Bidar) decisively defeated Vijayanagara at the Battle of Talikota (Rakshasi-Tangadi). The capital Hampi was sacked and the empire never recovered its former power, though the Aravidu dynasty ruled a reduced state for decades. Hampi’s magnificent ruins are today a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
UPSC angle
Memorise the four dynasties in order, Krishnadevaraya (Tuluva, Amuktamalyada, ashtadiggajas), the nayankara/amaram system, and the Battle of Talikota (1565) against the Deccan Sultanate confederacy.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded the Vijayanagara Empire?
Harihara I and Bukka Raya founded it in 1336 on the Tungabhadra, guided by the sage Vidyaranya.
Who was the greatest ruler of Vijayanagara?
Krishnadevaraya (reigned 1509-1529) of the Tuluva dynasty — a great general and patron of literature who wrote the Telugu work Amuktamalyada.
What were the four dynasties of Vijayanagara?
The Sangama, Saluva, Tuluva and Aravidu dynasties, in that order.
What was the Battle of Talikota?
The 1565 battle in which a confederacy of the Deccan Sultanates decisively defeated Vijayanagara and sacked its capital Hampi, breaking the empire’s power.