The Vijayanagara Empire (1336–1646)
As the Delhi Sultanate weakened, a powerful empire emerged in the south. Established in 1336 by two brothers, Harihara and Bukka, Vijayanagara (City of Victory) became a bastion of resistance and cultural renaissance.
Krishnadevaraya (16th Century)
The empire reached its zenith under Krishnadevaraya.
- Military: Secured dominance over the Deccan.
- Culture: Patronized Sanskrit, Telugu, and Kannada scholars. He wrote Amuktamalyada (Telugu epic on statecraft).
- Architecture: Built grand temples like the Vitthala Temple with its musical pillars.
- Trade: Foreign travelers (like Domingo Paes) described the capital (Hampi) as large as Rome, wealthy, and bustling with trade in horses, silk, and gems.
Fall of Vijayanagara
- Battle of Talikota (1565): The Deccan Sultanates formed a coalition and defeated the Vijayanagara army. The city was sacked and left in ruins.
The Bahmani Sultanate
Established in 1347 as a rival to Vijayanagara in the Deccan.
- It eventually fragmented into five independent Deccan Sultanates:
- Bijapur
- Golconda
- Ahmednagar
- Berar
- Bidar
Tip
Titles of Power:
- Vijayanagara Kings: Narapati (Lord of Men)
- Bahmani Rulers: Ashwapati (Lord of Horses)
- Maratha Rulers: Chhatrapati (Lord of the Parasol/Sovereign)
- Gajapati Rulers (Odisha): Gajapati (Lord of Elephants)
