🏰 Vijayanagara Empire and Bahmani Sultanate – Notes for Competitive Exams
Introduction:
In medieval India, two major powers emerged in the history of South India –
the Vijayanagara Empire (1336–1646 AD) and the Bahmani Sultanate (1347–1527 AD).
Both states influenced not only politics but also art, architecture, and culture.
Questions from this topic are frequently asked in competitive examinations such as SSC, Railway, UPSC, and State Exams.
🌟 Vijayanagara Empire (1336–1646 AD)
- Founders – Harihara and Bukka Raya (Sangama dynasty).
- Capital – Hampi (Karnataka).
- Major dynasties – Sangama, Saluva, Tuluva, and Aravidu.
- The greatest ruler – Krishnadevaraya (1509–1529 AD).
- Book written by Krishnadevaraya – Amuktamalyada.
- Vijayanagara architecture – Vittalaswamy Temple and Hazara Rama Temple at Hampi.
📌 The Portuguese traveler Domingo Paes described the prosperity of the Vijayanagara Empire.
⚔️ Bahmani Sultanate (1347–1527 AD)
- Founder – Ala-ud-din Hasan Gangu Bahmani.
- Capital – Gulbarga, later shifted to Bidar.
- Main objective – to establish Muslim rule in South India.
- Architecture – forts and mosques of Bidar and Gulbarga.
- In 1518 AD, the Bahmani Sultanate was divided into five Deccan Sultanates – Ahmadnagar, Bijapur, Golconda, Berar, and Bidar.
📌 The most powerful figure of the Bahmani Sultanate was Mahmud Gawan (Prime Minister).
⚖️ Conflict between Vijayanagara and Bahmani Sultanate
- Both kingdoms fought prolonged wars over the Tungabhadra River region.
- The decline of the Vijayanagara Empire occurred after its defeat by the Deccan Sultanates in the Battle of Talikota (1565 AD).
🎯 Important Points for Exams:
✦ Founders of the Vijayanagara Empire – Harihara and Bukka.
✦ Capital – Hampi.
✦ Krishnadevaraya – greatest ruler, author of Amuktamalyada.
✦ Founder of the Bahmani Sultanate – Hasan Gangu Bahmani.
✦ Bahmani capital – Gulbarga, later Bidar.
✦ 1518 AD – Bahmani Sultanate divided into five Deccan Sultanates.
✦ 1565 AD – Battle of Talikota, fall of Vijayanagara.
✦ Founders of the Vijayanagara Empire – Harihara and Bukka.
✦ Capital – Hampi.
✦ Krishnadevaraya – greatest ruler, author of Amuktamalyada.
✦ Founder of the Bahmani Sultanate – Hasan Gangu Bahmani.
✦ Bahmani capital – Gulbarga, later Bidar.
✦ 1518 AD – Bahmani Sultanate divided into five Deccan Sultanates.
✦ 1565 AD – Battle of Talikota, fall of Vijayanagara.
❓ Expected MCQs
Q1. Who founded the Vijayanagara Empire?
➡️ Answer: Harihara and Bukka Raya
Q2. What was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire?
➡️ Answer: Hampi
Q3. Who founded the Bahmani Sultanate?
➡️ Answer: Hasan Gangu Bahmani
Q4. Into how many Sultanates was the Bahmani Empire divided?
➡️ Answer: Five
Q5. When was the Battle of Talikota fought?
➡️ Answer: 1565 AD
🏆 Conclusion
The Vijayanagara Empire and the Bahmani Sultanate are two major chapters in the history of South India. One promoted Hindu culture and architecture, while the other established Islamic influence. Questions related to their rulers, wars, and architecture are frequently asked in competitive examinations.
📝 Practice Quiz
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