The Vijayanagar Empire (1336-1646): An Introduction

The Vijayanagar Empire was founded in 1336 AD by Harihar I and his brother Bukka Raya I in Deccan in the wake of the rebellions against Tughluq rule. The empire is named after its capital city of Vijayanagar. The ruins of this city which surround modern World Heritage site Hampi can be found in modern Karnataka, India. Although the empire continued to exist till 1646 AD, it lost its importance in 1565 AD after a key military defeat (The battle of Talikota) by the Deccan Sultanates.

The empire extended over the southern part of India which included the territories of Trichinopally, Mysore, Kanara, Chingalpet and Kanchivaram . It was on the south bank of Tungabhadra River.

The empire was always at war with Bahamani kingdom and other Muslim rulers of northern Deccan, collectively referred as Deccan sultanates.
There were four dynasties which ruled over Vijayanagar- Sangama Dynasty, Saluva Dynasty, Tuluva Dynasty and Aravidu Dynasty.

Sangama Dynasty

It was the first dynasty to rule over the Vijaynagar empire. The founders of the empire, Harihar I and Bukka belonged to this dynasty. It ruled from 1334 AD to 1485 AD.

Saluva Dynasty

This dynasty succeeded Sangama dynasty as the second dynasty of the empire. It ruled from 1485 to 1505 AD. They ruled over almost the whole South India.

Tuluva Dynasty

This was the third dynasty which ruled Vijayanagar Empire. It ruled from Tuluva dynasty. The most famous king of Vijayanagar empire, Krishna Deva Raya belonged to this dynasty. It ruled from 1491 AD to 1570 AD.

Aravidu Dynasty

It was the fourth and last Hindu dynasty to rule Vijayanagar kingdom in South India.

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The Vijayanagar Empire: Sangama Dynasty

The Vijayanagar Empire: Saluva Dynasty