3.2.2. The apogee and decline of the empire

Within the polity, claimants to power included Krishnadeva Raya (ruled 1509-29), members of the ruling lineage as well as military commanders. The first dynasty, known as the Sangama dynasty, exercised control till 1485. They were supplanted by the Saluvas, military commanders, who remained in power till 1503 when they were replaced by the Tuluvas. Krishnadeva Raya belonged to the Tuluva dynasty.

The Vijayanagara Empire saw a succession of rulers from different dynasties. Initially, the Sangama dynasty was in power until 1485, followed by the Saluva dynasty until 1503, and then the Tuluva dynasty, to which Krishnadeva Raya belonged, took over. This illustrates how leadership roles were often contested, influencing the stability and direction of the empire.

Think of an organization or a game team where leadership changes hands among various players based on their performance. Similarly, different dynasties took control in Vijayanagara based on their strength and strategies, impacting the empire's governance.

Krishnadeva Raya’s rule was characterised by expansion and consolidation. This was the time when the land between the Tungabhadra and Krishna rivers (the Raichur doab) was acquired (1512), the rulers of Orissa were subdued (1514) and severe defeats were inflicted on the Sultan of Bijapur (1520). Although the kingdom remained in a constant state of military preparedness, it flourished under conditions of unparalleled peace and prosperity. Krishnadeva Raya is credited with building some of the fine temples and adding impressive gopurams to many important south Indian temples.

Krishnadeva Raya's reign marked a golden age for the Vijayanagara Empire. He expanded its territory by acquiring lands and defeating opposing rulers, specifically focusing on maintaining a strong military. His contributions to architecture, especially temples with grand towers (gopurams), reflect his commitment to cultural and religious development in the empire during a period of peace.

Imagine a successful business leader who not only expands their company's reach but also invests in beautiful offices and employee welfare. Just like that leader, Krishnadeva Raya fortified his empire not just through military might but also by enhancing its cultural identity.

Strain began to show within the imperial structure following Krishnadeva Raya’s death in 1529. His successors were troubled by rebellious nayakas or military chiefs. By 1542 control at the centre had shifted to another ruling lineage, that of the Aravidu, which remained in power till the end of the seventeenth century. During this period, as indeed earlier, the military ambitions of the rulers of Vijayanagara as well as those of the Deccan Sultanates resulted in shifting alignments.

After the death of Krishnadeva Raya, the stability of the Vijayanagara Empire began to erode due to internal conflicts, primarily from military leaders called nayakas who resisted central authority. This led to new rulers from the Aravidu lineage stepping in. The continuous military struggles with neighboring Sultanates further strained resources and unity within the empire.

This situation is akin to a sports team losing its star player. Without strong leadership and unity, the team may struggle to maintain its performance, leading to disputes and eventual leadership changes. Similarly, the Vijayanagara Empire faced such challenges after its strong leader’s demise.

Eventually, this led to an alliance of the Sultanates against Vijayanagara. In 1565 Rama Raya, the chief minister of Vijayanagara, led the army into battle at Rakshasi-Tangadi (also known as Talikota), where his forces were routed by the combined armies of Bijapur, Ahmadnagar and Golconda. The victorious armies sacked the city of Vijayanagara. The city was totally abandoned within a few years. Now the focus of the empire shifted to the east where the Aravidu dynasty ruled from Penukonda and later from Chandragiri (near Tirupati).

The decline of the Vijayanagara Empire culminated with the defeat of Rama Raya at the battle of Talikota. This decisive defeat led to the sacking of their capital, Vijayanagara, and triggered its abandonment. Following this, the focus shifted to a different region where their rulers tried to maintain power albeit weakened.

Consider a once-thriving company that faces a major loss due to competitive pressures. After losing a key market, the company may shift its operations elsewhere, trying to hold on but often without the same strength or influence as before. In a similar manner, the Vijayanagara rulers attempted to survive but with diminished authority after their capital was lost.

Although the armies of the Sultans were responsible for the destruction of the city of Vijayanagara, relations between the Sultans and the rayas were not always or inevitably hostile, in spite of religious differences. Krishnadeva Raya, for example, supported some claimants to power in the Sultanates and took pride in the title “establisher of the Yavana kingdom”. Similarly, the Sultan of Bijapur intervened to resolve succession disputes in Vijayanagara following the death of Krishnadeva Raya.

Despite the violent end to Vijayanagara, historical relations between the Sultanates and Vijayanagara rulers were complex and could sometimes lead to cooperation. For instance, Krishnadeva Raya maintained alliances and even supported Sultans when it suited his strategies, revealing a pragmatic approach to governance that allowed for shifting allegiances.

Think of two rival companies that sometimes collaborate on mutual interests, even though they compete fiercely in the market. Similar to this, Vijayanagara rulers in times of need leaned on the Sultanates for support, indicating that relationships in politics can be both adversarial and cooperative based on circumstances.

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