Question

Examine the apogee and decline of the Vijayanagar Empire.

Answer 1

1. The first dynasty, known as the Sangama dynasty, exercised control till 1485. They were supplanted by the Saluvas, military commanders, who remained in power till 1503 when the Tuluvas replaced them.
2. The Krishnadeva Raya family originated from the Tuluva dynasty. His reign was characterised by expansion and consolidation.
3. Krishnadeva Raya is credited with building some fine temples and adding impressive gopurams to many important South Indian temples.
4. The Vijayanagara Empire reached its pinnacle during the many developments during Krishnadeva Raya's reign. After Krishnadeva Raya passed away in 1529, tensions within the imperial system began to show. His successors had to deal with nayakas or military chiefs who disagreed.
5. During this period, as indeed earlier, the military ambitions of the rulers of Vijayanagara and those of the Deccan Sultanates resulted in shifting alignments. Eventually, this led to an alliance of the Sultanates against Vijayanagara.
6. Although the armies of the Sultans were responsible for the destruction of the city of Vijayanagara, relations between the Sultans and the Rayas were not always or inevitably hostile, despite religious differences.
7. In reality, they valued the stability of both the Vijayanagara kings and the Sultanates.