The Vijayanagara Empire, founded by Harihara I and Bukka Raya I in 1336, was a dominant Southern India empire until the late 17th century. It was ruled by four dynasties—Sangama, Saluva, Tuluva, and Aravidu. Known for its administrative structure, the empire had a well-organized polity with governors overseeing provinces, and its economy thrived on agriculture, trade, and industry. 

Foundation of Vijayanagara Empire

Vijayanagara Empire is a powerful empire, located in Southern India, which existed between 1336 and the conclusion of the 17 th century. It was established by the Sangama Dynasty in 1336 by the brothers Harihara (Hakka) and Bukka Raya I who were feudatories of the Kakatiyas of Warangal, and when they fell, they worked as ministers in the Kampili state (modern Karnataka).

Religion Conversion: - The two brothers were taken captive and converted to the Islamic religion when Kampala was conquered by Muhammad bin Tughla. They finally went back to the Hindu community later at the bequest of the saint Vidyaranya. 

Founding of Vijayanagara City: They also declared their independence and to memorize the memory of their Guru, the brothers established a new city of Vidyanagar orVijayanagara (meaning city of victory) on the south bank of the river Tungabhadra.

The Vijayanagara Empire was ruled by four important dynasties:

The Vijayanagara kingdom covered all of Southern India, up to Rameshwaram, including Tamil Nadu and the region of the Cheras in the area of today's Kerala. It was governed by sixteen kings from four dynasties from 1336 to 1646 AD.

1.Sangama Dynasty (1336-1485): The First dynasty to rule over the Vijayanagara empire. The founders of the empire, Harihar I and Bukka, belonged to this dynasty.

2. Saluva Dynasty (1485-1505): Founded by Narasimha, it succeeded the Sangama dynasty as the second dynasty of the empire. They ruled over almost the whole of South India.

3. Tuluva Dynasty (1505-1570): Founded by Vir Narsimha, the most famous king of the Vijayanagar Empire, Krishna Deva Raya belonged to this dynasty. 

4. Aravidu Dynasty (1570-1650): Founded by Tirumala, this was the fourth and last Hindu dynasty to rule the Vijayanagar kingdom in South India.

Important Kings of Vijayanagara Empire

Vijayanagara Empire Harihara

Harihara I, or Hakka or Viraharihara, was the eldest son of Bhavana Sangama and also a son of the Kuruba clan. He developed the Sangama Dynasty and the Vijayanagara Empire. He ruled the Northern parts of the Hoysala Empire until he assumed the empire in 1343 with the demise of Hoysala Veera Ballala III.

• After coming to power, he constructed a fort at Barkuru in the western coast (Karnataka).
• Nayankaka system: He instituted the Nayankaka system under which military officers became known as the nayakas (local administrators) who would oversee the affairs of the estates and mobilization of troops.
• Administration: He reformed the civil administration together with his minister Anantarasa Chikka Udaiya. The kingdom was subdivided into sthalas, nidus and simas with officers appointed to oversee the collection of revenue as well as administration.

Vijayanagara Empire Bukka

During his 21-year rule, Bukka Raya (1356 to 1377) increased the size of the empire, conquering the Kingdom of Arcot and the Reddis of Kondavidu by 1360 and annexing Penukonda. He made Vijayanagara the new capital of the empire, and not Anegondi, due to inadequate security. 

• As early as 1371, he conquered the Sultanate of Madurai, which was followed by his son Kumara Kampana in his conquests and these conquests were documented in a Sanskrit work, Madura Vijayam.
• Bukka had numerous conflicts with the Bahmani Sultanate, mainly when Mohammed Shah I and Mujahid Shah Bahmani were on the throne.
• Literature: He named a Telugu poet, Nachana Soma, as the court poet, and himself contributed to intellectuals such as Vidyaranya and Sayana. During his reign, there was the production of the Vedas' commentaries.

Vijayanagara Empire Krishnadevaraya

Krishnadevaraya (1509-1529), the greatest of the Vijayanagar rulers, was also known as ‘Abhinava Bhoja,’ ‘Andhra Pitamah,’ and ‘Andhra Bhoja’ (as he was a great patron of literature and art). He was a great commander and an efficient administrator. Though a Vaishnavaite, he respected all religions. 

• Ashta Diggajas: Eight eminent Telugu scholars, known as the 'Ashta Diggajas,' graced his court, including Allasani Peddanna, Tenali Ramakrishna, and Pingali Suranna, among others. 
• Books: He authored Amukthamalyadha (Telugu), Jambavati Kalyanam and Ushaparinayam (Sanskrit). 
• Constructions of Temples: He built some fine stone temples, such as the famous Vittalaswamy and Hazara Ramaswamy temples at Vijayanagar.

Art and Architecture of Vijayanagar Empire

• The rulers of the Vijayanagara empire built many temples and palaces.
• The temples were adorned with beautiful sculptures. According to Domingo Paes, a Portuguese traveller, the city of Vijayanagara was surrounded by seven walls covering an area of about 96 kilometers.
• Inside the city, there were magnificent palaces and temples.
• The temple enclosures became more spacious.
• The temple walls ex

Conclusion

The Vijayanagara Empire (1336–1646 AD) marked a golden era in South Indian history, excelling in administration, art, architecture, and literature. Founded by Harihara and Bukka, it unified southern India, promoted trade and culture, and left an enduring legacy through its magnificent temples and efficient governance system.