Vijayanagara Empire Timeline
Comprehensive timeline of 42 major events spanning the Vijayanagara Empire (1336-1646), from its foundation by the Sangama brothers to its final dissolution.
Foundation of Vijayanagara Empire
Brothers Harihara I and Bukka Raya I of the Sangama dynasty establish the Vijayanagara Empire on April 18, 1336, creating a Hindu kingdom that would become the dominant power in South India. According to tradition, they were inspired by the sage Vidyaranya to establish a kingdom to protect Hindu dharma against Islamic invasions. The city of Vijayanagara was founded on the banks of the Tungabhadra River in present-day Karnataka.
Earliest Inscriptional Records
The first epigraphic evidence of the Vijayanagara Empire appears in inscriptions dated to 1343, confirming the kingdom's establishment and early administrative structure. These records document land grants, temple endowments, and the empire's expanding territorial control. The inscriptions appear in Kannada, Sanskrit, and Telugu, reflecting the multilingual character of the empire.
Northern Expansion Under Harihara I
Harihara I leads successful military campaigns northward, extending Vijayanagara control over the Tungabhadra doab region and establishing dominance over several feudatory chiefs. The empire begins to emerge as a significant regional power, challenging the authority of the Hoysala remnants and minor sultanates. This expansion lays the foundation for the empire's future territorial growth.
Succession of Bukka Raya I
Following the death of Harihara I in 1356, his brother Bukka Raya I ascends the throne, continuing the expansionist policies of the empire. Bukka proves to be an able administrator and military commander, further consolidating Vijayanagara power in the Deccan. His reign sees the empire expand into the Tamil country and establish control over important port cities on both coasts.
Conquest of Madurai Sultanate
Bukka Raya I defeats the Madurai Sultanate and annexes its territories to Vijayanagara, extending the empire's control deep into Tamil Nadu. This campaign eliminates a major Muslim power in South India and establishes Vijayanagara as the preeminent Hindu kingdom in the peninsula. The conquest brings wealthy temple towns and fertile agricultural lands under Vijayanagara administration.
Death of Bukka Raya I
Bukka Raya I dies after a successful reign of 21 years during which he transformed Vijayanagara from a regional kingdom into a major South Indian empire. His reign saw the empire expand from coast to coast, control lucrative trade routes, and establish a sophisticated administrative system. He is succeeded by his son Harihara II, continuing the Sangama dynasty.
Accession of Harihara II
Harihara II becomes the third ruler of Vijayanagara, inheriting a vast empire from his father Bukka Raya I. His reign is marked by conflicts with the Bahmani Sultanate to the north and efforts to consolidate control over distant provinces. He continues the empire's patronage of Hindu temples and Brahmanical learning, strengthening Vijayanagara's identity as a protector of Hindu culture.
War with Bahmani Sultanate
Major conflict erupts between Vijayanagara and the Bahmani Sultanate over control of the fertile Raichur Doab region between the Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers. This strategic territory would be contested between the two powers for decades. The war demonstrates Vijayanagara's military strength and its role as the primary Hindu resistance to Islamic expansion in the Deccan.
Deva Raya I Becomes Emperor
Deva Raya I ascends the Vijayanagara throne, marking the beginning of a period of military innovation and administrative reforms. He is known for employing Muslim archers and cavalry in his army, demonstrating pragmatic military policy. His reign sees the strengthening of fortifications around Vijayanagara and improved water management systems that support the capital's growing population.
Accession of Deva Raya II
Deva Raya II, one of the most capable Sangama rulers, becomes emperor and initiates a period of military revival and territorial expansion. He reorganizes the army, incorporating advanced military technology and tactics, and successfully campaigns against both the Bahmani Sultanate and the Gajapati kingdom of Orissa. His reign represents a high point of the Sangama dynasty's power.
Persian Embassy to Vijayanagara
The Persian ambassador Abdur Razzaq visits Vijayanagara during the reign of Deva Raya II, leaving detailed accounts of the empire's wealth, military might, and sophisticated urban planning. His chronicles describe the magnificence of the capital, its bustling bazaars, and the efficient administration. These foreign accounts provide valuable insights into Vijayanagara's prominence in the medieval Indian Ocean world.
Major Irrigation Infrastructure Development
Under Deva Raya II, the empire undertakes massive irrigation projects including the construction of dams, reservoirs, and canal systems to support agriculture in the semi-arid Deccan region. These hydraulic engineering marvels enable multiple crop cultivation and support the capital's population of hundreds of thousands. The remains of these sophisticated water management systems can still be seen at Hampi today.
War with Gajapati Kingdom
Deva Raya II campaigns against the Gajapati kingdom of Orissa, initially suffering defeat but eventually securing favorable terms through diplomatic negotiations. The conflict demonstrates Vijayanagara's ambitions to control the eastern Deccan and Tamil country. This marks the beginning of a long rivalry between the two major Hindu powers of medieval India.
Death of Deva Raya II
The death of Deva Raya II marks the beginning of a period of instability for the Sangama dynasty, as succession disputes and weak rulers lead to administrative decline. His reign is later remembered as a golden period of military strength and efficient governance. The subsequent rulers prove unable to maintain his achievements, setting the stage for eventual dynastic change.
Portuguese Arrival in India
Vasco da Gama's arrival on the Malabar coast opens a new chapter in Vijayanagara's international trade relations. The empire soon establishes diplomatic and commercial ties with the Portuguese, exchanging horses and other goods. This marks Vijayanagara's entry into the emerging European-Asian trade network, bringing both opportunities and future challenges.
Saluva Dynasty Coup
General Saluva Narasimha seizes power from the declining Sangama dynasty, establishing the short-lived Saluva dynasty and preventing the empire's disintegration. Though technically a usurper, he saves Vijayanagara from collapse by restoring military discipline and administrative order. His actions demonstrate the strength of the empire's institutional structures that could survive dynastic transitions.
Rise of Tuluva Narasa Nayaka
Tuluva Narasa Nayaka, a powerful general, becomes the de facto ruler of Vijayanagara as regent for the young Saluva prince. He successfully defends the empire against invasions and rebellions, restoring order and territorial integrity. His competent military leadership and administration lay the groundwork for the Tuluva dynasty's formal assumption of power.
Trade Treaty with Portuguese
Vijayanagara establishes formal trade relations with the Portuguese Estado da Índia, exchanging horses, textiles, and spices. The Portuguese provide high-quality Arabian horses crucial for Vijayanagara cavalry, while the empire exports cotton textiles and pepper. This relationship gives Vijayanagara access to European military technology and international markets.
Accession of Krishna Deva Raya
Krishna Deva Raya ascends the throne, beginning what would be remembered as the golden age of the Vijayanagara Empire. Considered the greatest ruler of the dynasty, he combines military genius with enlightened patronage of arts, literature, and architecture. His reign sees Vijayanagara reach its zenith in territorial extent, wealth, and cultural achievement.
Decisive Victory at Battle of Raichur
Krishna Deva Raya achieves a stunning victory over the combined forces of the Bahmani successor sultanates at Raichur, decisively defeating Ismail Adil Shah of Bijapur. This victory establishes Vijayanagara's military supremacy in the Deccan and secures control over the contested Raichur Doab region. The battle demonstrates Krishna Deva Raya's brilliant tactical skills and the effectiveness of his reformed army.
Campaign Against Gajapati Kingdom
Krishna Deva Raya launches a major campaign against the Gajapati kingdom of Orissa, conquering the eastern coastal regions and capturing the fortress of Udayagiri. This victory brings the wealthy temple towns of the east coast under Vijayanagara control and eliminates the empire's main Hindu rival. The campaign is commemorated in inscriptions as one of Krishna Deva Raya's greatest military achievements.
Construction of Vitthala Temple Begins
Krishna Deva Raya initiates construction of the magnificent Vitthala Temple complex at Vijayanagara, dedicated to Lord Vitthala (Vishnu). This architectural masterpiece, featuring the famous stone chariot and musical pillars, represents the pinnacle of Vijayanagara temple architecture. The temple becomes a symbol of the empire's artistic achievements and religious devotion.
Patronage of Ashtadiggajas (Eight Poets)
Krishna Deva Raya assembles the Ashtadiggajas (Eight Elephants), a group of eight Telugu poets at his court, marking a golden age of Telugu literature. The most famous among them is Allasani Peddana, author of Manucharitamu. The emperor himself composes the Sanskrit work Jambavati Kalyanam and the Telugu work Amuktamalyada, demonstrating his own literary accomplishments and commitment to cultural patronage.
Portuguese Embassy of Domingo Paes
The Portuguese traveler Domingo Paes visits Vijayanagara during Krishna Deva Raya's reign, leaving detailed chronicles describing the empire at its zenith. His accounts marvel at the city's size (larger than Rome), its organized bazaars, magnificent palaces, and the splendor of royal ceremonies. These chronicles provide invaluable historical records of Vijayanagara's glory days.
Completion of Hazara Rama Temple
The Hazara Rama Temple, serving as the royal chapel within the palace complex, is completed with exquisite bas-reliefs depicting scenes from the Ramayana. The temple walls feature intricate carvings showing royal processions, military parades, and festival celebrations, providing visual documentation of court life. This monument exemplifies the sophisticated artistic patronage of Krishna Deva Raya's reign.
Death of Krishna Deva Raya
The death of Krishna Deva Raya marks the end of Vijayanagara's golden age, though the empire remains powerful for several more decades. His 20-year reign transformed Vijayanagara into the most powerful kingdom in India, with a thriving economy, magnificent architecture, and flourishing culture. Later historians and poets remember him as the model of an ideal Hindu monarch.
Achyuta Deva Raya Becomes Emperor
Achyuta Deva Raya, younger brother of Krishna Deva Raya, ascends the throne amid succession disputes. Though less celebrated than his brother, he maintains the empire's strength and continues patronage of temples and literature. His reign sees the beginning of increased pressure from the Deccan sultanates forming alliances against Vijayanagara.
Succession Crisis and Aliya Rama Raya's Rise
Following Achyuta Deva Raya's death, a succession crisis erupts with multiple claimants to the throne. Aliya Rama Raya, son-in-law of Krishna Deva Raya, emerges as the power behind the throne, becoming the de facto ruler while maintaining puppet emperors. His diplomatic maneuvering and military skills initially preserve Vijayanagara's power, but his aggressive policies toward the sultanates prove fateful.
Rama Raya's Interventionist Diplomacy
Aliya Rama Raya pursues an aggressive policy of playing the Deccan sultanates against each other, intervening in their internal conflicts and demanding tribute. While initially successful in keeping the sultanates divided, this strategy creates resentment among all five sultanates. His arrogance and interference in their affairs eventually unite the traditionally rival Muslim kingdoms against Vijayanagara.
Formation of Deccan Sultanate Alliance
The five Deccan sultanates—Bijapur, Ahmadnagar, Golconda, Bidar, and Berar—form an unprecedented military alliance specifically to destroy Vijayanagara. Setting aside their mutual rivalries and religious differences (some rulers were Shia, others Sunni), they unite under a common cause. This coalition assembles a massive army estimated at over 100,000 soldiers with hundreds of cannons and thousands of cavalry.
Catastrophic Defeat at Battle of Talikota
On January 23, 1565, the combined forces of the Deccan sultanates decisively defeat the Vijayanagara army at the Battle of Talikota (also called Battle of Rakshasa-Tangadi). Aliya Rama Raya is captured and beheaded during the battle, causing panic and the collapse of Vijayanagara forces. This catastrophic defeat marks the beginning of the empire's rapid decline. The sultanate armies subsequently march on the capital city, sacking and destroying Vijayanagara in an orgy of destruction that lasts several months.
Sack and Destruction of Vijayanagara
Following the Battle of Talikota, the victorious sultanate armies systematically loot and destroy the magnificent capital city of Vijayanagara. The destruction lasts for months, with palaces burned, temples desecrated, and monuments demolished. The once-glorious city with hundreds of thousands of inhabitants is reduced to ruins. Foreign travelers visiting decades later describe only desolation and ruins where a great metropolis once stood.
Capital Moved to Penukonda
The surviving members of the royal family flee south and establish a new capital at Penukonda, marking the beginning of the empire's rump state period. Though Vijayanagara continues to exist as a political entity, it never recovers its former glory. The rulers maintain control over reduced territories in southern Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, but face constant pressure from the sultanates and rebellious nayakas.
Venkata II Becomes Emperor
Venkata II, also known as Venkatapati Raya, ascends the throne and proves to be a capable ruler who partially restores Vijayanagara authority in the south. His long reign sees relative stability and even some territorial recovery. He shifts focus to controlling the wealthy Tamil territories and maintaining diplomatic relations with European powers, particularly the Portuguese and emerging Dutch presence.
Capital Shifted to Chandragiri
Due to continued military pressure and strategic considerations, Emperor Venkata II moves the capital from Penukonda to Chandragiri, further south near present-day Tirupati. This relocation reflects the empire's shrinking territorial base and shift southward. Chandragiri serves as capital for just over a decade before another move becomes necessary.
Final Capital Established at Vellore
The imperial capital is moved to Vellore, which becomes the last seat of the Vijayanagara emperors. By this time, the empire is essentially a regional kingdom controlling parts of Tamil Nadu and southern Andhra Pradesh. The powerful nayaka governors of Madurai, Thanjavur, and other regions operate increasingly independently, though nominally acknowledging Vijayanagara suzerainty.
Death of Venkata II
The death of Venkata II after a 28-year reign marks the end of effective Vijayanagara imperial authority. His successors are weak rulers unable to control ambitious nayakas or resist external pressures from the Bijapur and Golconda sultanates. The empire enters its final phase of existence, increasingly fragmented and powerless.
Effective Independence of Nayaka Kingdoms
The major nayaka governors of Madurai, Thanjavur, Gingee, and Keladi effectively become independent rulers, though they continue to nominally recognize the Vijayanagara emperor. These successor states preserve elements of Vijayanagara administrative and cultural traditions, serving as cultural heirs to the fallen empire. The fragmentation accelerates the empire's decline into irrelevance.
Intensified Bijapur Campaigns
The Bijapur Sultanate under Sultan Muhammad Adil Shah launches renewed campaigns against the remnant Vijayanagara territories, capturing key fortresses and further reducing the empire's domain. The weak Vijayanagara rulers are unable to mount effective resistance. The empire's territory continues to shrink to just a small region around Vellore.
Last Emperor Sriranga III
Sriranga III becomes the last emperor of the Vijayanagara dynasty, ruling over a tiny kingdom that is merely a shadow of the once-mighty empire. His reign is marked by constant struggles against the Bijapur and Golconda sultanates, as well as rebellious former vassals. Despite his efforts to revive imperial authority, the historical trajectory toward extinction is irreversible.
Final Dissolution of the Empire
The Vijayanagara Empire formally ends in 1646 with the death or disappearance of Emperor Sriranga III. After 310 years, the dynasty that once ruled most of South India ceases to exist as even a nominal authority. The former Vijayanagara territories are divided among the nayaka kingdoms, the Bijapur and Golconda sultanates, and emerging Maratha and Mysore powers. Despite its political extinction, Vijayanagara's cultural, architectural, and administrative legacy profoundly influences South Indian civilization for centuries to come.