Vijayanagara Empire

Who founded the Vijayanagara Empire?

According to tradition and epigraphic evidence two brothers, Harihara and Bukka,

founded the Vijayanagara Empire in 1336 on the inspiration from their Guru

Vidhyaranya. This empire included different people who spoke different languages

and followed different religious traditions.

How was the horse trading done during the Vijayanagara rule?

Cavalry was a very important part of warfare during this time. The import of horses

from Arabia and Central Asia was very important for rival kings of India. Horse trade

was initially controlled by Arab traders. Local merchants who were involved in the

horse trade were known as kudirai chettis or horse merchants. From 1498 other actors

such as Portuguese, appeared on the scene.

Name the first dynasty of the Vijayanagara Empire and how did it decline?

The first dynasty of the Vijayanagara Empire was the Sangama dynasty founded by

Harihara and Bukka and derived its name from their father's name 'Sangam' who ruled

the empire till 1485. They were supplanted by the Saluvas, the military commanders

who remained in power till 1503.

When was the Vijayanagara Empire founded?

Vijayanagara or “city of victory” was the name of both a city and an empire. The

empire was founded in the fourteenth century by Harihara and Bukka for insistence of

Hinduism on inspiration of Vidhyaranya. The Empire stretched from the

river Krishna in the north to the extreme south of the peninsula.

From where is the name Hampi derived?

Hampi is another name for Vijayanagara Empire. The name Hampi is derived

from the local mother goddess, Pampadevi. This is how the local people remember

the Vijayanagara Empire. The remains of Vijayanagara Empire have been found at

the modern Hampi in Karnataka.

Who was Colin Mackenzie?

Colin Mackenzie was born in 1754 and became an engineer, surveyor and

cartographer. In 1815 he was appointed as the first Surveyor General of India and

remained in the post till his death in 1821. In order to understand India’s past to make

governance of the colony easier, he surveyed many historic sites. He was of the view

that regional custom and traditions will benefit the EEIC in its administration.