The Vijayanagar Empire

The Vijaynagar Empire was founded by the two brothers Harihara and Bukka Raya, who is the founder of vijayanagar empire were the ruler of the Sangama Dynasty in 1336 and stood against the Muslim sultanate in the north as a barrier. The Vijaynagar Empire includes four Dynasties such as Sangama, Saluva and Tuluva, and Aravidu. Arya The Greatest ruler of the Vijaynagar Empire was Krishna Deva Raya, who was the ruler from the Tuluva Dynasty, and he was the bravest king in the entire empire in the opinion of a Portuguese traveller, Damingo Paes, and the ruler also took Odisha as well as West Bengal under his control.

The Vijayanagar kingdom extends from the north starting from river Krishna to the south end of river Kaberi. The emperor, who is the founder of Vijayanagar empire was considered the greatest emperor for its ruling strategy and did a great job in religious as well as politics and archaeology as well as in the administrative field.

The Vijaynagar Empire Administrative System

The Vijaynagar empire established a well organised administrative system and the king empowered the state. They were a Council of ministers who assisted the king, who founded the Vijayanagar empire. The Naik, who managed six territories, is divided into many districts. The districts are divided into villages where many officers were appointed, including accountants, guards, and the officers of forced labour managed the villages’ function. The administrator followed the feudalism ruling system. The officers collected the land revenue from the villagers as per the quality of the agriculture process. Mahanayakach is the link between the village people and the Central Administrator. The Vijaynagar Empire has established a large number of the Army with many elephants and cavalry managed by the Commander-in-Chief. The king has the power to punish the people who act against the law.

The economy of the Vijaynagar Empire

The economic growth of the Vijaynagar empire is based mostly on agriculture, including rice and grams and pulses, coconut, and betel nuts. The land-revenue collection is considered the most income source in the empire. The amount of the collection depends upon the fertility of the soil and the selection of places for agriculture. The officers are also in charge of the construction of dams and canals. The Vijayanagar empire builds many textiles as well as mining and many industries. The income increased from the professional taxes collected by the officers in the Vijaynagar empire, including the shopkeeper and washerman, musician and potters and shoemakers. The people living in the land also paid taxes to the king. The villagers also paid the maintenance charges of the offices. All these taxes are the source of income for the empire.

The Culture and Society of the Vijaynagar empire

The king, who is the founder of vijayanagar empire gives everyone equality to choose their religion with liberty. The society was well organized, and Child marriage and polygamy and evil practice sati were common. Social groups in the society promote less interaction with distant people, and they would allow niece and uncle marriages. The Brahmins who lived in the high localities got freedom of authority which controlled all the tasks related to religion. The lower level of society is divided into two parts, including the people related to agriculture as well as production and the people who belong to non-agriculture trading. Women have been given the freedom to participate in any political as well as social activities. Women are allowed to receive education and can take part in any sport. It has been said that the king itself encourages the higher position of women in society by appointing women accountants and artists.

Literature as well as Architecture of Vijaynagar Empire

The King of the Vijaynagar Empire, who was the founder of vijayanagar empire built many temples and sculptures with strong granite rock, including the famous Hazara Ramaswami temple and Vittalaswami temple, and built the gold sculpture of the greatest ruler in the Vijayanagar empire, the Krishnadeva Raya. The king of the Vijaynagar empire, who founded the vijayanagar empire adopts the architecture style from Pandyas as well as the Cholas and the Chalukya style. Different pavilions and spacious as well as high towers and marriage halls were built in the Vijaynagar Empire. Many languages in writing were developed during this period, including Kannada and Tamil and Telugu literature and Sanskrit. Many writings enhance the golden period of literature during a mediaeval period, including poetry and stories, many biographies, and a religious book. We get much more detail about Indian culture and religion.

Conclusion

In short, we get to know that the Vijaynagar Empire is one of the most important empires in history, which was ruled by four dynasties during the Mediaeval period and later defeated by the Delhi Sultanate in 1566 began to decline. The writings of different Portuguese travellers and poetry provide massive information about the empire. The monuments and temples, including the famous Hampi, spread the Vijayanagara Empire’s legacy. With the architectural work and establishment of many mining industries, the empire enjoyed a rich wealth. Hampi is the place where the remains of vijayanagar empire can be found in.