Vijayanagara Empire, 1336–1646

Key Pointers

Founded in 1336 by brothers Harihara I and Bukka (Sangama dynasty) with the inspiration of Vidyaranya; capital Hampi on the Tungabhadra.
Four dynasties: Sangama, Saluva, Tuluva, Aravidu.
Krishnadevaraya (1509–29, Tuluva): Greatest ruler. Wrote Amuktamalyada (Telugu). Court of Ashtadiggajas; patronised Allasani Peddana (Manucharitam). Built Hazara Rama and Vitthala temples at Hampi. Defeated Gajapatis of Orissa and Bijapur Sultan. Foreign visitors: Domingo Paes and Fernao Nuniz (Portuguese).
Battle of Talikota (Rakshasi-Tangadi), 1565: Alliance of Deccan Sultanates (Ahmadnagar, Bijapur, Golconda, Bidar) defeated Rama Raya; Hampi sacked.
Administration: Hierarchy of Rajya/Mandalam → Nadu → Sthala → Grama. Nayankara system (military chiefs, nayakas/amaramnayakas, held land in return for service). Ayagar system for village officials (12 per village).
Economy: Land revenue; trade through Malabar ports; gold coin Varaha/Pagoda/Hon.
Foreign visitors: Nicolo de Conti, Abdur Razzaq (Persian), Domingo Paes, Nuniz.
Architecture: Dravidian style; Virupaksha Temple; large pillared halls (kalyana mandapas) and Stone Chariot at Hampi (UNESCO World Heritage Site).

MCQs

Q1. Who wrote Amuktamalyada? (a) Allasani Peddana (b) Krishnadevaraya (c) Tenali Ramakrishna (d) Harihara Answer: (b).

Q2. The Battle of Talikota was fought in: (a) 1526 (b) 1556 (c) 1565 (d) 1576 Answer: (c).

Q3. The Nayankara system of Vijayanagara refers to: (a) Land granted to military chiefs for maintaining troops (b) Village-level officials (c) A system of temple taxation (d) Naval organisation Answer: (a).