80813-00200
The Vijayanagara is one of the greatest empires of Southern India. They prevented a win over south India by northern rulers for about 300 years. The empire was founded by Harihara I and Bukka Raya I who came from the Sangama dynasty. The two brothers established their capital city at Vijayanagara which exists today as Hampi. The construction of temples such as Tirupati and Srisailam and economy as trading benchmark 'Varaha' as gold coins.
The Vijayanagara Empire (1336-1646) preserved Hindu traditions as a robust shield against northern invasions, innovating with Nayankara (military land grants) and Ayagar (village self-rule) systems. It pioneered Raya Gopurams, Carnatic music via Purandara Dasa, global trade in spices and diamonds and superiority in irrigation systems.
List of Important Vijayanagara Dynasties & Kings
| S.No. | Dynasty | Period | Founder | Important Rulers | Major Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sangama Dynasty | 1336 to 1485 CE | Founded by the brothers Harihara I and Bukka I |
|
|
| 2 | Saluva Dynasty | 1485 to 1505 CE | Founded by Saluva Narasimha |
|
|
| 3 | Tuluva Dynasty | 1505 to 1570 CE | Founded by Vira Narasimha |
|
|
| 4 | Aravidu Dynasty | 1570 to 1646 CE | Founded by Tirumala Deva Raya |
|
|
Founder of the Vijaynagara Empire
- The Vijaynagara Empire was founded in 1336 CE by the brothers Harihara I and Bukka Raya I of the sangama dynasty. They had previously had an experience of Deccan political administration under the rulers of Kampili. Harihara I became the first ruler while Bukka Raya I whereas Bukka Raya I later succeeded him and largely expanded the empire.
- The foundation of the Vijayanagara empire took place during a period of political instability in the Southern part of India. The attacks from Delhi Sultanate and the decline of the Hoysala and Kampili kingdom led to the emergence of a strong regional power in south India.
- Harihara and Bukka led to the unification of territories in the Tungabhadra region and formed the Vijayanagara empire that could provide political stability in the region.
- The empire built military strength, strategic alliances, administration and control over trade routes. Under Harihara I and Bukka I, the Vijaynagara empire expanded across a vast region of south India.
- Their kingdom later became one of the wealthiest and most important powerful empires in medieval Indian history. The Vijayanagara empire was known for its trade, strong army, vibrant temples, literature, art and architecture.
List of Important Vijayanagara Temples
| S.No. | Temple | Location | Deity | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Virupaksha Temple | Hampi (Vijayanagara) | Lord Virupaksha (Shiva) | 14th to 16th CE |
| 2 | Vitthala Temple | Hampi | Lord Vittala (Vishnu) | Early 16th century |
| 3 | Hazara Rama Temple | Royal Centre, Hampi | Rama (Vishnu) | 1406 to 1542 CE |
| 4 | Krishna Temple (Balakrishna) | Hampi | Lord Krishna | 1513 |
| 5 | Achyutaraya Temple | Hampi (near Vittala) | Lord Tiruvengalanatha (Vishnu) | 1534 |
| 6 | Pattabhirama Temple | Kamalapur, Hampi | Lord Rama | 16th century |
| 7 | Lakshmi Narasimha (Ugra Narasimha) | Hampi | Lord Narasimha | 1528 |
| 8 | Badavilinga Temple | Hampi | Shiva (Linga) | 15th century |
| 9 | Sasivekalu & Kadalekalu Ganesha | Hampi | Lord Ganesha | 15th to 16th CE |
| 10 | Chandikeshwara Temple | Hampi | Chandikeshwara (Shiva) | 1545 |
| 11 | Hemakuta Group of Temples | Hemakuta Hill, Hampi | Mainly Shiva | Early 14th century onwards |
| 12 | Someshvara Temple | Kolar (Karnataka) | Lord Shiva | Vijayanagara period |
| 13 | Vidyashankara Temple | Sringeri | Shankaracharya / Shiva | 14th century |
| 14 | Varaha Temple | Hampi | Lord Varaha (Vishnu) | 15th century |
| 15 | Raghunatha Temple | Hampi | Lord Rama | 16th century |
Vijayanagara Capital
- The capital of the Vijayanagara empire was 'Vijayanagara'. Their ruins are now known as the Hampi. It lies on the banks of river Tungabhadra in the state of present day Karnataka. It served as an important capital from the 14th to 16th century. The capital city of Vijayanagara was developed into a centre of trade, religion, art and culture.
- The place was chosen as the capital of Vijayanagara due to its natural protection. The granite boulders, hills and the Tungabhadra river surrounded the city and made it difficult for any attack by the enemy state. The tungabhadra river provided water for people, agriculture, irrigation tanks and canals. The strategic location of the empire helped to control important routes in the southern region of India.
- The capital of Vijayanagara was famous for its broad streets, markets, strong fortifications, temples, palaces and efficient water management system.
- The Virupaksha temple, Vittala temple, stone chariot, Lotus Mahal, Elephant stables and Mahanavami Dibba are important remains of the capital city. Hampi reached the height of prosperity and architectural superiority during the reign of 'Krishnadevaraya'.
- The capital city of Viajanagara was attacked and plundered after the Battle of Talikota in 1565. Later the capital was shifted to Penukanoda after the fall of Hampi.
- Today, the monuments at Hampi are protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site which was recognised in 1986.
FAQs about Vijayanagara Kingdom
Who founded the Vijayanagara Empire?
The Vijayanagara Empire was founded by Harihara I and Bukka Raya I of the Sangama Dynasty in 1336.
Who was the famous ruler of Vijayanagara Empire?
Krishna Deva Raya was the famous ruler of Vijaynagara empire. He was known for his military conquests, various administrative reforms and patronage of art.
What was the capital of Vijayanagara empire?
The capital of Vijayanagara empire was Vijayanagara which is presently known as Hampi. It lies in present-day Karnataka near the Tungabhadra River.
