Vijayanagara Empire: Dynasties, Art, Architecture & Legacy

The Vijayanagara Empire, founded in 1336 by Harihara I and Bukka Raya I, dominated Southern India for centuries. Ruled by the Sangama, Saluva, Tuluva and Aravidu dynasties, it flourished in trade, administration and culture. Its Dravidian temples, gopurams and Hampi monuments remain remarkable symbols of medieval South Indian heritage.

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 the Vijayanagara Empire

Vijayanagara Empire was 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).

Religious Conversion: The two brothers were taken captive and converted to the Islamic religion when Kampili was conquered by Muhammad bin Tughlaq. They finally went back to the Hindu community later at the behest of the saint Vidyaranya. 

Founding of Vijayanagara City: They also declared their independence and to preserve the memory of their Guru, the brothers established a new city of Vidyanagar or Vijayanagara (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 Rameswaram, 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 all 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 the 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 Vijayanagara 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 Vaishnavite, 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). 
• Construction of Temples: He built some fine stone temples, such as the famous Vittalaswamy and Hazara Ramaswamy temples at Vijayanagar.

Art and Architecture of the Vijayanagara Empire

Vijayanagara architecture and art is a significant period in the art and architecture of medieval South India. The rulers built fantastic temples, palaces, fortified towns, and systems of water control. They were designed in a style that borrowed extensively from the Dravidian temple traditions, but with some elements from other architectural styles.

The empire's former capital, Hampi, has some of the best examples of Vijayanagara architecture and art. The temples, columns, and monumental gateways of its architecture, which patronized religious life and urban development, clarify the artistic capabilities of the empire.

Main Features of Vijayanagara Architecture

The Vijayanagara architectural style evolved out of the older South Indian script of the Cholas, Pandyas, and Hoysalas. It shows its unique characteristics in the form of tall temple complexes, ornate sculptures, and monumental buildings.

1. Dravidian Style of Temple Architecture

The Dravidian style is a significant style of Vijayanagara temples. Many possessed a monumental entrance tower as well as enclosed courtyards and pillared halls, with a main shrine. Temples became places of worship, festivals, learning, and economics.

2. Raya Gopurams

The Raya Gopurams, or large towers at the entrances of the temples, became popular features of the architecture of Vijayanagara. The purpose of these towers was to be viewed from great distances and serve as the entrances to temple complexes. The size and scale of these assured their religious significance and royal sponsorship.

3. Pillared Halls and Mandapas

Religious ceremonies, gatherings, and other functions in the temple were held in pillared halls, called mandapas. Several had elaborately dressed pillars with multiple figures and animals, and even depictions of gods or mythical beings.

4. Sculptural Decoration

Stone sculptures were a vital element of Vijayanagara art, which featured depictions of Hindu deities, Ramayana and Mahabharata scenes, among other animals, dancers, and musicians. These pieces are important art forms and a representation of faith in the time period.

5. Composite Pillars

Representations of horses, riders, warriors, and mythical beings can be found in the elaborately carved composite pillars at some temples. These are the work of the Vijayanagara sculptors in terms of technical skill, and they are especially conspicuous in the great temple complexes at Hampi.

6. Fortifications and Urban Planning

The capital consisted of its walls, gateways, royal enclosures, defence walls, residential and commercial buildings. It embodied in its design the dynamics of political, military, religious, and trade power.

7. Water-Management Structures

Features of the capital included tanks, channels, reservoirs and stepped water structures. These facilities catered for the needs of the urban population, religious activities and agricultural production in the neighbouring area.

Important Monuments of the Vijayanagara Empire

Among Hampi's several major monuments are those that showcase the architectural achievements of the empire. The monuments document various facets of the religious, sculptural, royal, and urban world.

1. Vitthala Temple

Among the various monuments at Hampi, the Vitthala Temple is one of them that is an excellent example of the architecture of the Vijayanagara kings. The temple is dedicated to a form of Vishnu (Kumaramelachar) and is famous for its intricate stone carvings and monumental complex.

The famous features of it include:

• Stone Chariot: A reputable stone wall tied to the Garuda shrine.
• Temple Music: Musical sounds on certain pillars in the musical hall of the temple.
• Kalyana Mandapa: Elaborately designed pillared area for holding celebrations.
• Sculptural Decoration: Finely decorated carvings of deities, animals, and ornaments.

2. Virupaksha Temple

The Virupaksha Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the most important religious sites located at Hampi. Although it dates back to before the zenith of the Vijayanagara Empire, it was developed and patronized greatly during the Vijayanagara period.

High gopuram, temple plazas, pillar halls, and temples are notable characteristics. The temple is still used for religious services today, and it is a testament to the continuity of religious traditions in the region.

3. Hazara Rama Temple

The Hazara Rama Temple at Hampi is housed in the royal centre. The sculptural panels illustrate episodes of the Ramayana, which is particularly renowned.

It has scenes of Rama and royal tours, horses, elephants, and others on its walls. The temple will provide valuable information for research on the connection between narrative and royal art patronage.

4. Krishna Temple

The Krishna Temple is believed to be dedicated to Krishnadevaraya, whom it is commonly connected with after he conquered the eastern Deccan.

The complex features a monumental entrance, sculptural elements, and pillars. Captures the importance of royal triumph and the devotion of the religious in the building and support of temples.

5. Achyutaraya Temple

The Achyutaraya Temple, popularly known as Tiruvengalanatha Temple, is another important monument at Hampi. It dates back to the time of Achyuta Deva Raya.

The temple complex features pillared halls, carved architectural fragments, and the remains of the adjacent market region. The place and size of this suggest a linkage between temple construction and commerce in the capital of Vijayanagara.

6. Lotus Mahal

Lotus Mahal is located in the Zenana enclosure of Hampi. It is known for its uniqueness in architecture, featuring straight arches and symmetrical openings.

The building includes architectural elements noted for their Indo-Islamic and regional context. It is not definitively clear what it was originally used for, and reports of its use should be treated with caution.

7. Elephant Stables

Elephant Stables is one of the most renowned buildings in the royal complex of Hampi. There are monumental entrances and a series of large rooms with domed and/or vaulted roofs.

Its design shows the diversity of architectural forms of the capital of Vijayanagar and displays examples of many fine wares manufactured in the city. It's commonly believed that the structure was used to house royal elephants.

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