Vijayanagar Empire (1336-1672)

Prominent languages → Kannada, Telegu, Sanskrit
Consist of four major dynasties viz.

Sangam Dynasty

Saluva Dynasty

Tulva Dynasty

Aravidu Dynasty

Sangam Dynasty

Founded by Harihara & Bukka
Greatest Ruler Devaraya 2 → Srirangam Copper Plate inscription ascribed to him

Saluva Dynasty

Founded by Saluva Narsimha

Tulva Dynasty

Founded by Vir Narsimha
Greatest Ruler Krishanadeva Raya

Friendly with Portuguese

Known as Andhra Bhoja

Patronized 8 eminent scholars in his court (Astadiggaja)

Greatest of them was Peddana (Also known as Andhra Kavita Pitamah)

Literature

Pedanna wrote Manucharitam, Harikatha Saram (both in Telegu)
Krishanadeva Raya wrote: Amukhamaldaya (Telegu), Jambavti kalyanam + Ushaparinayam (Sanskrit)

Architecture by Krishanadeva Raya

Vitthalswami & Hazara Ramswami Temple @ Vijayanagar @ Hamphi
Built city Nagalapuram in memory of her queen Nagaladevi

Points of Prominence (Vijayanagar Empire)

Sangam Dynasty → Saivite with Chief Deity – Virupaksha
Other Dynasties → Vaisnavite (Saluva, Tuluva & Aravidu) mainly follower of Ramanujam
Tolerant towards other religions → Borbosa referred to religious freedom to everyone.
Madurvijayam → Written by Ganagadevi for Kumarkampana’s expedition of Madurai.
Abdul Razzak (Persian traveler) gave an account of Vijayanagar Empire

Vijaynagar empire was divided in to Mandalams (Headed by Mandaleshwara / nayaks), which was further divided into Nadus, which was further divided into Sthalas & finally into Gramas

Empire —- Mandalams —– Nadus —– Sthalas —– Grama

Land revenue was 1/6^th of the produce.
Gold coin → Varaha
Port → Connanore (Malabar Coast)

Foreign Travelers

Ibn Batuta → Moroccan
Nicolo-de-Conti → Venetian
Abdul Razzak → Persian
Domingos Paes → Portuguese

Temple Building Style of Vijayanagar Empire

Vesara style of temple architecture → Tall gopurams with large kalyanmandapam along with pillars
Example → Vradhraja & Ekam Parantha temple @ Kanchipuram
Famous Elephant chariot architecture belongs to Hampi Ruins