Question

Analyse the causes of the decline of the Vijayanagara Empire.

Answer 1

The causes of the decline of the Vijayanagara Empire:

• After the death of Krishnadeva Raya in 1529, internal unrest intensified due to the rebellious behaviour of the nayakas, the military commanders.
• In 1565, Rama Raya led the Vijayanagara forces at the Battle of Rakshasi-Tangadi (Talikota) but was defeated by a combined alliance of the Deccan Sultanates.
• Following their victory, the invading armies plundered Vijayanagara, and the city was abandoned within a few years.
• Although the Aravidu dynasty later shifted the capital eastward, the empire’s central authority was greatly weakened thereafter.