THE IMPERIAL VIJAYANAGARA

THE IMPERIAL VIJAYANAGARA

1. Introduction

The Vijayanagara Empire was one of the greatest and strongest empires of medieval India. It was founded in 1336 CE on the banks of the Tungabhadra River. The empire is named after its capital city, Vijayanagara (modern Hampi).

The empire lasted for almost three centuries and played a major role in protecting South India from foreign invasions. It promoted Hindu culture, temple architecture, trade, art, and literature. Under powerful rulers like Krishnadevaraya, the empire reached its peak and became known for its prosperity and military strength.

2. Sources of Information

To study Vijayanagara, historians use many sources:

a) Ruins of Hampi

The remains of temples, palaces, forts, markets, tanks, and sculptures found at Hampi give us a clear picture of how advanced this empire was in architecture and engineering.

b) Inscriptions

Stone and copper-plate inscriptions tell us about the administration, tax system, donations, land grants, and military activities.

c) Accounts of Foreign Travellers

Many foreign travellers visited Vijayanagara and described its wealth and beauty:

• Domingo Paes – described markets, festivals, and administration

• Nicolo Conti – wrote about the size of the empire

• Abdur Razzaq – admired the beauty of the capital

• Fernao Nuniz – wrote about kings and their achievements

These accounts are very important sources of history.

3. Foundation of the Empire

The empire was founded by Harihara and Bukka, who were earlier associated with the Kakatiya and Kampili kingdoms. With the blessings of the sage Vidyaranya, they established a strong kingdom to protect South India from the attacks of the Delhi Sultanate.

The empire grew quickly due to its strong military, organised administration, and fertile land. Vijayanagara soon became the main centre of power in the south.

The empire was ruled by three dynasties:

1. Sangama Dynasty (1336–1485) – founders

2. Saluva Dynasty (1485–1505)

3. Tuluva Dynasty (1505–1565) – golden period under Krishnadevaraya

4. Urban Development at Vijayanagara

Vijayanagara was a well-planned city, famous for its beauty and strong fortifications.

a) Fortifications

There were double and triple fort walls, high gates, watchtowers, and military checkpoints. The natural rocky landscape around Hampi also helped protect the city.

b) Sacred Centre

This area was near the Tungabhadra River and contained important temples like:

• Virupaksha Temple

• Vittala Temple (with musical pillars and stone chariot)

• Hazara Rama Temple

These temples had large mandapas, tall gopurams, temple tanks, and market streets.

c) Royal Centre

The area contained:

• King’s palace

• Queen’s bath

• Mahanavami Dibba

• Lotus Mahal

• Elephant stables

These buildings show a mix of Dravidian and Indo-Islamic architectural styles.

d) Water Management

The rulers built:

• canals

• tanks

• wells

• reservoirs

This supported agriculture and the growing population of the city.

5. Administration

The administration of Vijayanagara was well-organised and disciplined.

a) King

He was the supreme authority in the empire. He controlled the army, revenue, law and order, and justice.

b) Nayankara System

A special feature of Vijayanagara administration:

• Nayakas were given land called amaram

• In return, they had to maintain troops for the king

• They collected taxes and maintained law and order

• Over time, Nayakas became powerful and later contributed to the empire’s decline

c) Village Administration

Villages were basic units. Village council (panchayat) took care of:

• Irrigation

• Local disputes

• Collection of taxes

• Maintenance of temples

6. Economy

The Vijayanagara economy was strong and prosperous.

a) Agriculture

Main crops: paddy, sugarcane, cotton, pulses, fruits and spices.
Irrigation systems helped increase production.

b) Trade

There was both internal and foreign trade.

• Imported: horses, precious metals

• Exported: cotton cloth, spices, gems, iron, rice

Foreign merchants from Portugal, Persia, and Arabia visited the empire.

c) Craft Production

The empire was famous for:

• silk and cotton weaving

• metal crafts

• jewellery

• stone carving

7. Society and Culture

Society was divided into castes, occupational groups, and communities.
Temples played an important role in social and cultural life.

Women participated in:

• religious activities

• agriculture

• administration of temples

The Devadasi system existed in major temples.

Festivals like Mahanavami were celebrated with great splendour. Literature developed in Telugu, Sanskrit, Kannada, and Tamil.

8. Art & Architecture

Vijayanagara architecture is one of the grandest in India.

Main features:

• Dravidian style

• high gopurams

• carved pillars

• wide courtyards

• mandapas

Important structures:

• Vittala Temple – stone chariot & musical pillars

• Virupaksha Temple

• Lotus Mahal

• Elephant Stables

• Hazara Rama Temple

• Mahanavami Dibba

These structures reflect the empire’s prosperity and artistic excellence.

9. Decline of the Empire

The main reason for decline was the Battle of Talikota (1565 CE).
The Deccan Sultanates united and defeated Vijayanagara. The capital Hampi was destroyed.

Other reasons include:

• rising power of Nayakas

• weak successors

• internal conflicts

• loss of resources

After this defeat, the empire continued in small form but never regained its old glory.

Q1. When was the Vijayanagara Empire founded?

Ans. In 1336 CE.

Q2. Which river flows near the city of Vijayanagara?

Ans. River Tungabhadra.

Q3. Who was the last powerful ruler of Vijayanagara?

Ans. Krishnadevaraya.

Q4. What was the capital city of Vijayanagara?

Ans. Hampi (Vijayanagara).

Q5. Name any one dynasty of the Vijayanagara Empire.

Ans. Sangama Dynasty / Saluva / Tuluva (any one).

Q6. Who wrote Amuktamalyada?

Ans. Krishnadevaraya.

Q7. Name the famous festival celebrated at Vijayanagara.

Ans. Mahanavami festival.

Q8. Which structure is famous for musical pillars?

Ans. Vittala Temple.

Q9. What is ‘Amaram’?

Ans. Land given to Nayakas in the Nayankara System.

Q10. What was imported by Vijayanagara?

Ans. Horses.

Short Answer Questions (2 Marks)

Q1. What was the main purpose of founding Vijayanagara Empire?

Ans.
To protect South India from the invasions of the Delhi Sultanate, to bring political stability, and to promote Hindu culture and administration.

Q2. Name any two foreign travellers who visited Vijayanagara.

Ans.
Domingo Paes and Abdur Razzaq visited Vijayanagara and described its wealth, festivals, markets, and administration.

Q3. What was the role of temples in Vijayanagara?

Ans.
Temples were centres of religion, culture, economy, and social activities. They also had markets, land grants, and administrative powers.

Q4. What is the significance of the Virupaksha Temple?

Ans.
It is one of the oldest living temples of India, located in the sacred centre of Hampi, still used for worship today.

Q5. What are the main features of Vijayanagara architecture?

Ans.
High gopurams, pillared halls, temple tanks, carved pillars, mandapas, and huge fortifications.

Q6. Mention two reasons for the prosperity of Vijayanagara.

Ans.
Strong agriculture with good irrigation system and flourishing internal and foreign trade.

Q7. State any two causes responsible for the decline of Vijayanagara.

Ans.
Defeat in the Battle of Talikota (1565 CE) and increasing power of the Nayakas.

Q8. What was the Mahanavami Dibba?

Ans.
A large platform in the royal centre used for royal ceremonies, festivals, and celebrations.

Q9. What were the main crops grown in Vijayanagara?

Ans.
Paddy, sugarcane, cotton, pulses, and spices.

Q10. What is the Nayankara system?

Ans.
A system in which Nayakas were granted land (amaram) and in return they provided military support and maintained law and orderl

LONG ANSWERS 

Q1. Describe the Sacred Centre of Vijayanagara.

Ans.
The Sacred Centre was located near the Tungabhadra River in Hampi. It included important temples such as the Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple, and Krishna Temple. These temples had large courtyards, tall gopurams, and beautifully carved pillars. The area also had temple tanks, markets, and pilgrim paths. Many festivals and religious activities took place here. It was the spiritual heart of the city.

Q2. Explain the significance of the Royal Centre.

Ans.
The Royal Centre contained palaces, courts, audience halls, and administrative buildings. Important structures include the Mahanavami Dibba, Lotus Mahal, Queen’s Bath, and Elephant Stables. The area reflected royal power and luxury with Indo-Islamic architectural style. It was the political and administrative centre of the empire.

Q3. Give an account of foreign travellers’ descriptions of Vijayanagara.

Ans.
Foreign travellers like Domingo Paes, Nicolo Conti, Abdur Razzaq, and Fernao Nuniz visited Vijayanagara. They praised its rich markets, strong military, huge population, and grand temples. They wrote about festivals, irrigation systems, trade of horses, and disciplined administration. Their accounts prove that Vijayanagara was a prosperous and well-organised empire.

Q4. Write a short note on Krishnadevaraya’s achievements.

Ans.
Krishnadevaraya was the greatest ruler of the Tuluva dynasty. He defeated the Bahmani Sultans and expanded the empire. He improved agriculture by building tanks and canals. Trade flourished during his rule. He patronised art and literature, wrote Amuktamalyada, and encouraged poets known as the Ashtadiggajas. His reign is called the Golden Age of Vijayanagara.

Q5. How did Vijayanagara decline?

Ans.
The major reason was the Battle of Talikota in 1565 CE, where the Deccan Sultanates defeated Vijayanagara. The capital Hampi was destroyed. The growing independence of the Nayakas further weakened the empire. After the death of strong rulers, weak successors and internal conflicts caused further decline.