24-October-2024-Editorial

KRISHNADEVARAYA AND THE VIJAYANAGARA EMPIRE

The recent discovery of 16th-century copper plate inscriptions at the Sri Singeeswarar temple in Tamil Nadu has brought renewed interest in the Vijayanagara Empire and its most celebrated ruler, King Krishnadevaraya.

King Krishnadevaraya

Reign and Legacy

• Period of Rule: Krishnadevaraya ruled the Vijayanagara Kingdom from 1509 to 1529 AD.
• Titles and Influence: Known as “Kannadaraya” and “Kannada Rajya Ramaramana,” he is considered one of the most influential rulers of medieval South India.
• Successors: After Krishnadevaraya, his brother Achyuta Raya ruled in 1530, followed by Sada Siva Raya in 1542.

Contributions to Literature

• Personal Works: An accomplished scholar, Krishnadevaraya authored works like Madalasa Charita, Satyavedu Parinaya, Rasamanjari, Jambavati Kalyana, and Amuktamalyada.
• Multilingual Support: He encouraged poets writing in Sanskrit, Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada, showcasing his appreciation for diverse cultures and languages.

Patronage of Learning

• Ashtadiggajas: His court included eight renowned scholars, known as the Ashtadiggajas, with Allasani Peddana, also called Andhra-kavitapitamaha, known for his work Manucharitamu.
• Kannada Literature: In Kannada literature, poet Thimmanna, at the request of Krishnadevaraya, completed the Kannada Mahabharata, a work initially begun by Kumara Vyasa.
• Other Poets: Krishnadevaraya also supported Kannada poet Mallanarya (author of Veerasaivamrita and Bhavachintaratna), Chatu Vittalanatha (author of Bhagvatha), and Telugu poet Peddanna for his proficiency in Telugu and Sanskrit.

Cultural Development

• Music and Dance: He promoted the Carnatic music tradition and classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi, nurturing a vibrant cultural scene.

Infrastructure Development

• Temples and Architecture: Krishnadevaraya commissioned impressive temples and added grand gopurams (towers) to existing ones. He established Nagalapuram, a town near Vijayanagara, named after his mother.

About the Vijayanagara Empire

Foundation and Dynasties

• Establishment: Founded in 1336 by brothers Harihara (Hakka) and Bukka Raya, the Vijayanagara Empire was based in the Deccan region.
• Capital City: The capital, Hampi, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site (declared in 1986).
• Dynasties: The empire was ruled by four main dynasties: Sangama, Saluva, Tuluva, and Aravidu, and lasted until about 1660.

Relations with the Portuguese

• Trade and Military Support: In 1510, with Vijayanagara’s support, the Portuguese seized Goa from the Sultan of Bijapur. The Portuguese provided the Vijayanagara Empire with firearms and Arabian horses, while the empire exported cotton, rice, spices, and indigo.

Cultural and Architectural Achievements

• Architectural Flourish: The empire’s peak occurred under Krishnadevaraya, who expanded territories in the eastern Deccan. Notable monuments from this period include the Hazara Rama temple, the Krishna temple, and the Ugra Narasimha idol.
• Temple Construction: Major temples, including the Virupaksha and Vittala Temples, became famous for their elaborate carvings and beautiful design.

Dominance and Defense

• Territorial Reach: At its zenith, the empire covered parts of present-day Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Telangana.
• Defensive Strategy: The Vijayanagara Empire served as a buffer against the northern Sultanates, protecting Southern India from invasions.

Tensions with Northern Sultanates and the Mughals

Origins and Conflicts

• Response to Delhi Sultanate: The empire was partly established as a reaction to the unstable rule of Muhammad bin Tughlaq of the Delhi Sultanate, whose policies had weakened the region.
• Frequent Clashes: Territorial conflicts with the Bahmani Sultanate often centered around the Raichur Doab, motivated more by strategic and economic interests than religious ones.

Decline and Final Years

• Battle of Talikota (1565): The empire suffered a crushing defeat by an alliance of Deccan Sultanates, marking the beginning of its decline as the capital was captured and destroyed.

Role of the Nayakas

• Military Commanders: Nayakas were regional commanders granted land (called amaram) in return for maintaining troops and contributing financially.
• Local Authority: They had considerable control over local administration, including tax collection and land distribution, creating a system resembling feudal governance.
• Power Struggles: As the empire weakened, some Nayakas grew powerful and resisted central control, contributing to internal conflicts that led to the empire’s fragmentation.

Conclusion

The Vijayanagara Empire under King Krishnadevaraya stands out for its military strength, cultural brilliance, and architectural grandeur. Through his support for literature, arts, and infrastructure, Krishnadevaraya left a lasting legacy, contributing to the rich heritage of South India. The empire’s eventual decline highlights the challenges of maintaining vast territories amid regional and political conflicts.