Question

Analyse the causes that led to the ruin of the Vijayanagara Empire.

Answer 1

• Krishnadeva Raya’s death in 1529 weakened central authority.
• His successors faced rebellions from the nayakas (military chiefs).
• In 1542, power shifted from the Tuluva dynasty to the Aravidu dynasty.
• Conflicts with the Deccan Sultanates intensified.
• In 1565, the Battle of Talikota led to the defeat of the Vijayanagara forces by the combined Sultanates.
• The city was plundered and abandoned, causing the collapse of centralized rule.
• Later, the nayakas formed independent kingdoms, speeding up the empire’s decline.