Queens Bath - വിജയനഗര സാമ്രാജ്യ അവിശേഷിപ്പുകൾ | Exploring Hampi Part -1

The Vijayanagara Empire, also known as the Vijayanagara Samrajyam, was a prominent South Indian empire based in the Deccan Plateau region. It was established in 1336 by Harihara I and his brother Bukka Raya I of the Sangama dynasty. The empire is named after its capital city, Vijayanagara, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in present-day Karnataka, India.
Key Highlights of the Vijayanagara Empire:
1. **Founding and Early Expansion**:
The empire was founded to resist the Islamic invasions from the north and to protect Hindu culture and traditions.
Harihara I and Bukka Raya I were initially ministers in the Hoysala Empire before founding Vijayanagara.
2. **Administration and Governance**:
The administration was highly organized, with well-defined roles for ministers and officials.
The empire was divided into provinces, each governed by a Nayaka or governor.
Efficient land revenue system and trade policies helped in the economic prosperity of the empire.
3. **Cultural Contributions**:
The Vijayanagara Empire was a significant center of Hindu culture, art, and architecture.
Notable architectural contributions include the Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple, and Hampi's iconic stone chariot.
The empire fostered a rich tradition of literature, music, and dance.
4. **Military Strength**:
The empire had a powerful and well-organized army, with a cavalry, infantry, and a naval fleet.
The use of advanced military tactics and fortifications helped maintain its dominance in the region.
5. **Economic Prosperity**:
The empire thrived on agriculture, trade, and commerce.
It controlled key trade routes and ports on the west and east coasts of India, facilitating extensive trade with Persia, Arabia, and Southeast Asia.
6. **Decline and Fall**:
The empire faced continuous conflicts with the Bahmani Sultanate and later the Deccan Sultanates.
The Battle of Talikota in 1565 marked a significant turning point, where the combined forces of the Deccan Sultanates defeated the Vijayanagara army, leading to the sacking of the capital.
The empire gradually declined and eventually disintegrated by the early 17th century.
The legacy of the Vijayanagara Empire is evident in its enduring contributions to Indian culture, art, and architecture. Its history continues to be a subject of extensive study and fascination.