The Vijayanagara Empire (1336–1672 AD) was ruled by four distinct dynasties, each contributing to the rise, expansion, and eventual decline of the empire. These dynasties were the Sangama, Saluva, Tuluva, and Aravidu dynasties. Each of these ruling houses played a pivotal role in shaping the empire’s political, military, and cultural history.
1. Sangama Dynasty (1336–1485 AD)
The Sangama Dynasty was the founding dynasty of the Vijayanagara Empire. It was established by two brothers, Harihara I and Bukka I, who laid the foundation for the empire’s rise to prominence in South India. The dynasty lasted for about 150 years and is marked by both consolidation and expansion of the empire.
Key Rulers and Events:
- Harihara I (1336–1356 AD): One of the co-founders of the empire, Harihara I established the empire’s capital at Vijayanagara (modern-day Hampi) on the southern banks of the Tungabhadra River. He concentrated on consolidating power, forging alliances with local rulers, and expanding control over the region, including parts of the Hoysala and Pandya kingdoms.
- Bukka I (1356–1377 AD): After Harihara I, Bukka I ascended the throne and is considered one of the most effective rulers of the dynasty. He extended the empire’s borders to include most of the Deccan and Southern India, engaging in battles against the Bahmani Sultanate and the Sultanate of Madurai. He also re-established Hindu religious institutions that had been under pressure from Islamic invasions and promoted a revival of Hinduism in the South.
- Harihara II (1377–1404 AD): Harihara II expanded the empire further by capturing Goa and expanding the empire’s influence over the Malabar Coast. He also maintained a strong navy and engaged in trade with foreign nations. The political landscape of South India continued to be dominated by Vijayanagara under his rule.
- Deva Raya I (1406–1422 AD): Known for his military exploits, Deva Raya I secured the empire’s borders by engaging in several campaigns against neighboring Muslim sultanates. He fortified the empire’s capital and strengthened the administration, consolidating its control over vast territories.
- Deva Raya II (1422–1446 AD): Considered one of the greatest rulers of the Sangama Dynasty, Deva Raya II presided over a golden age of prosperity and cultural flourishing. He waged successful military campaigns against the Gajapati rulers of Odisha and repelled attacks from the Bahmani Sultanate. His reign saw an increase in foreign trade and diplomatic relations with other regions, including Persia and Southeast Asia.
- Decline of the Sangama Dynasty: After Deva Raya II’s reign, the Sangama Dynasty began to weaken due to internal strife, inefficient rulers, and external threats from the Bahmani Sultanate and other emerging powers. The dynasty eventually fell in 1485 AD when the empire was usurped by Saluva Narasimha, marking the end of the Sangama rule.
2. Saluva Dynasty (1485–1505 AD)
The Saluva Dynasty was short-lived but played a critical role in stabilizing the empire during a period of crisis. The founder of the dynasty, Saluva Narasimha Deva Raya, was a military commander who rose to power by overthrowing the last ruler of the Sangama Dynasty in order to save the empire from collapse.
Key Rulers and Events:
- Saluva Narasimha Deva Raya (1485–1491 AD): Saluva Narasimha seized power at a time when the empire was facing serious threats from both internal factions and external forces, especially the Bahmani Sultanate. He is credited with restoring order and stabilizing the empire’s political situation. His reign, although brief, was marked by his efforts to safeguard the empire’s territories and strengthen its military forces.
- Narasa Nayaka (Regent, 1491–1505 AD): After Saluva Narasimha’s death, his sons were too young to rule. Narasa Nayaka, a trusted general and loyal minister, assumed the position of regent. He managed the empire’s affairs with great skill and defended it against multiple threats. Narasa Nayaka’s regency laid the groundwork for the rise of the next dynasty.
The Saluva Dynasty did not last long, as Narasa Nayaka’s family transitioned power to the Tuluva Dynasty, marking a new phase in the empire’s history.
3. Tuluva Dynasty (1505–1565 AD)
The Tuluva Dynasty was one of the most significant ruling dynasties of the Vijayanagara Empire, and under its rulers, the empire reached its zenith, particularly during the reign of Krishna Deva Raya. This dynasty is remembered for its strong administration, military campaigns, and cultural patronage.
Key Rulers and Events:
- Vira Narasimha (1505–1509 AD): The first ruler of the Tuluva Dynasty, Vira Narasimha, was the son of Narasa Nayaka. He took control after the decline of the Saluva Dynasty and began efforts to stabilize and expand the empire. Although his reign was relatively short, he set the stage for the rise of his half-brother, Krishna Deva Raya.
- Krishna Deva Raya (1509–1529 AD): The greatest ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire, Krishna Deva Raya, presided over a golden era. He is known for his military conquests, administrative reforms, and support for the arts. His reign saw the successful expansion of the empire through campaigns against the Bahmani Sultanate, the Gajapati rulers of Odisha, and the capture of Raichur Doab from Bijapur. He was a patron of art and literature, encouraging the growth of Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, and Sanskrit literature. Krishna Deva Raya also built many temples, including the famous Vittala Temple at Hampi.
- Achievements under Krishna Deva Raya:
- Military Conquests: Expanded the empire to its greatest territorial extent.
- Cultural Flourishing: Patronized poets and scholars, fostering a vibrant court culture.
- Architectural Splendor: Oversaw the construction of grand temples and infrastructure.
- Achyuta Deva Raya (1529–1542 AD): After Krishna Deva Raya’s death, Achyuta Deva Raya succeeded him but was unable to maintain the empire’s power. His reign was marked by internal strife, and the empire began to lose its stability. However, Achyuta Deva Raya managed to keep the empire largely intact despite external threats.
- Sadashiva Raya (1542–1567 AD): Sadashiva Raya was a puppet ruler controlled by the powerful regent, Aliya Rama Raya. Although Sadashiva Raya held the throne, Rama Raya was the de facto ruler. Rama Raya engaged in complex diplomacy and military alliances with the Deccan Sultanates, which eventually led to the Battle of Talikota in 1565 AD.
- Battle of Talikota (1565 AD): This was a pivotal battle that marked the beginning of the decline of the Vijayanagara Empire. A coalition of Deccan Sultanates decisively defeated the Vijayanagara forces, killing Rama Raya and sacking the capital of Hampi. The defeat at Talikota severely weakened the empire, and the Tuluva Dynasty came to an end soon after.
4. Aravidu Dynasty (1565–1672 AD)
The Aravidu Dynasty was the last ruling dynasty of the Vijayanagara Empire. Although it attempted to restore the empire’s former glory, it could not recover from the devastating defeat at Talikota, and the empire gradually disintegrated over the next century.
Key Rulers and Events:
- Tirumala Deva Raya (1565–1572 AD): After the catastrophic Battle of Talikota, Tirumala Deva Raya, a loyal commander and brother of Rama Raya, fled to Penukonda and declared himself the new emperor, founding the Aravidu Dynasty. He tried to restore the empire’s power but was unable to regain full control over the lost territories. Nevertheless, he managed to keep the remnants of the empire intact for a few more years.
- Shift of Capitals: After Hampi was destroyed, the Aravidu rulers shifted the capital first to Penukonda and later to Chandragiri and Vellore. Despite the shift, the empire was weakened by constant wars with the Deccan Sultanates and internal revolts.
- Sriranga I (1572–1586 AD): Sriranga I ruled over a declining empire that was under constant pressure from its Muslim neighbors. Despite his best efforts, he could not prevent further fragmentation.
- Venkata II (1586–1614 AD): Venkata II is considered one of the last effective rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire. He managed to maintain control over parts of the empire and made significant efforts to strengthen it. His rule saw relative peace and stability, but the empire was a shadow of its former self.
- Sriranga III (1642–1672 AD): Sriranga III was the last ruler of the Aravidu Dynasty. His reign saw the final collapse of the Vijayanagara Empire, as its territories were fragmented into smaller kingdoms and the empire lost its significance as a major power
