Sambhav-2024

• Give a brief introduction to the Vijayanagara Kingdom.
• Discuss the features of polity, economy, and society under this empire.
• Discuss the factors that led to the disintegration of this empire.
• Conclude suitably.

Introduction

Founded in 1336 AD by Harihara and Bukka, the Vijayanagara Kingdom extended from the river Krishna in the north to the southern tip of Indian peninsula. The empire was marked by its cultural contributions, architectural marvels, religious tolerance, economic prosperity, and its lasting impact on the history and heritage of South India.

Body 

Here is a brief account of the polity, economy, and society under the age of Vijayanagara Kingdom :

• Polity:
  • Centralized Authority: The concept of Kingship among the Vijayanagara rulers was high.
    • The empire had a centralized political structure with a powerful monarch at the helm.
  • Administrative Hierarchy: Governance was organized into administrative units, each headed by officials responsible for revenue collection, law and order, and local administration.
    • The kingdom was divided into mandlam (provinces), below which were nadu (district), sthala (subdistrict), and grama (village).
  • Military Strength: The empire maintained a well-organized military that guarded frontiers, contributing to political stability.
    • The amara-nayaka (military commanders) system was a major political innovation of the Vijayanagara Empire.
• Economy:
  • Agricultural Prosperity: Extensive agricultural practices were supported by an advanced irrigation system, contributing to economic prosperity.
    • The Hiriya canal utilized water sourced from a dam on the Tungabhadra, providing irrigation to the cultivated valley.
  • Strategic Trade Location: The empire's strategic location along major trade routes and control over key ports facilitated vibrant trade, contributing to economic growth.
    • Vijayanagara was noted for its markets dealing in spices, textiles, precious stones, and jewelry.
  • Commerce Hub: Hampi (The capital of the Vijayanagara Kingdom) became a thriving center of commerce, attracting merchants from diverse regions.
• Society:
  • Temple Architecture: Rulers patronized the creation of impressive temples and monuments in the distinctive Vijayanagara style.
    • Krishnadevaraya built the Vijay Mahal, the Hazara Rama Temple, and the Vithal Swami Temple.
  • Literature: This period witnessed a flourishing of literature in various languages, including Sanskrit, Kannada, and Telugu.
    • Ashtadiggajas is the collective title given to the eight great Telugu scholars and poets in the court of Krishnadevaraya.
  • Social Stratification: Society was stratified, with the elite, merchants, farmers, and artisans occupying distinct positions.

Factors Leading to the Disintegration:

The Vijayanagara Empire faced several internal and external challenges that eventually led to its disintegration.

• Battle of Talikota (1565): The Deccan Sultanates, comprising the forces of Bijapur, Ahmadnagar, Golconda, and Bidar, defeated the Vijayanagara forces.
  • The destruction of the capital, Hampi, in the aftermath of this battle, marked a turning point in the empire's fortunes.
• Regional Fragmentation: The aftermath of the Battle of Talikota led to the fragmentation of the empire into smaller principalities.
• Economic Decline: The loss of key ports and the shift of trade routes away from Vijayanagara contributed to economic decline and resource shortages.
• Deccan Sultanate Invasions: The constant threat from the Deccan Sultanates coupled with the Mughal expansion put immense pressure on the Vijayanagara Empire.

Conclusion 

The Vijayanagara Empire, despite its remarkable achievements, succumbed to a combination of internal conflicts and geopolitical shifts. The disintegration of this once-great empire marked a significant chapter in the history of Southern India, paving the way for the emergence of new regional powers and shaping the subsequent course of the Deccan region.