Key Points

The Vijayanagara Empire, meaning 'city of victory', was founded in the fourteenth century (1336) by two brothers, Harihara and Bukka.

The ruins of Vijayanagara, known locally as Hampi, were brought to light in 1800 by Colonel Colin Mackenzie, the first Surveyor General of India.

The empire stretched from the Krishna river in the north to the southern peninsula. The capital was located on the banks of the Tungabhadra river, and was known as Hampi, named after the local mother goddess Pampadevi.

The empire was ruled by four successive dynasties: the Sangama, Saluva, Tuluva, and Aravidu.

Krishnadeva Raya (ruled 1509-29) of the Tuluva dynasty was the most famous ruler. His reign was marked by military expansion, consolidation, and the construction of fine temples and gopurams.

In 1565, at the Battle of Rakshasi-Tangadi (Talikota), the Vijayanagara army was defeated by the combined forces of the Deccan Sultanates. The city of Vijayanagara was sacked and subsequently deserted.

A major political innovation, the amara-nayaka system involved military commanders (nayakas) who were given territories to govern. They collected revenue and maintained contingents of troops for the king (raya).

Vijayanagara had an elaborate water management system to cope with its arid location. It included reservoirs like the Kamalapuram tank and canals like the Hiriya canal, which drew water from the Tungabhadra river.

The city was defended by a massive seven-layered fortification. A distinctive feature was the enclosure of agricultural lands and forests within the walls to ensure food supply during long sieges.

The Royal Centre, located in the south-western part of the city, contained over 60 temples and 30 palace complexes. Key structures include the Audience Hall and the Mahanavami dibba.

This was a massive platform where the king displayed his power and prestige during the Mahanavami festival. The ceremonies included worship, processions, and receiving tribute from the nayakas.

Buildings like the Lotus Mahal and the Elephant Stables show the influence of Indo-Islamic architectural styles, indicating cultural exchange with the Deccan Sultanates.

Located on the rocky northern bank of the Tungabhadra, the Sacred Centre included important temples. Its location was likely chosen due to the presence of pre-existing shrines of Virupaksha and Pampadevi.

Vijayanagara temple architecture is characterized by towering royal gateways called 'raya gopurams' and ornate pillared halls known as 'mandapas' for various ritual purposes.

The two most important temples were the Virupaksha temple, dedicated to a form of Shiva, and the Vitthala temple, dedicated to a form of Vishnu, which famously features a shrine designed as a stone chariot.

Our knowledge of Vijayanagara is greatly enriched by the accounts of foreign travellers. These include Nicolo de Conti (Italy), Abdur Razzaq (Persia), Afanasii Nikitin (Russia), and Domingo Paes (Portugal).