Empires of the Deccan (1336–1650 AD)

Overview

Deccan Empires Overview	In 14th century, two rival powers emerged in Deccan: Hindu Vijayanagar Empire and Muslim Bahmani Kingdom. Marked by constant conflict over strategic Raichur Doab, Krishna-Godavari delta, and Marathwada. Vijayanagar celebrated for administrative innovations and "Golden Age" under Krishna Deva Raya; Bahmani Kingdom left significant cultural legacy before disintegrating into five Shahi Sultanates.

1. The Vijayanagar Empire (1336–1650 AD)

Foundation & Dynasties	Established by Harihara I and Bukka I (Sangama brothers). Four dynasties: (1) Sangama (1336–1485), (2) Saluva (1485–1505), (3) Tuluva (1505–1570), (4) Aravidu (1570–1650).
Deva Raya I & Deva Raya II	Deva Raya I built dam across Tungabhadra; visited by Nicolo de Conti. Deva Raya II known as Gajabetekara (Elephant Hunter); inducted Muslim archers; visited by Abdur Razzak.
Krishna Deva Raya (1509–29 AD)	Greatest ruler (Tuluva dynasty). Titles: Andhra Bhoj, Abhinava Bhoja. Authored Amuktamalyada (Telugu) and Jambavati Kalyanam (Sanskrit). Patronized Ashtadiggajas (Eight Poets including Allasani Peddana, Tenali Rama).
Battle of Talikota (1565 AD)	Also called Rakshasa-Tangadi. Combined Deccan coalition (Bijapur, Ahmednagar, Golconda, Bidar) defeated Vijayanagar army under Rama Raya, destroying Hampi.

2. Vijayanagar Administration & Society

Nayankar System	Defining feature of provincial administration where military chiefs (Nayakas) were assigned territories in exchange for providing troops.
Ayngar System	Village administration system involving 12 hereditary functionaries managing village affairs.
Economy & Currency	Issued gold coins known as Varahas or Pagodas (subdivisions: Perta, Fanam).
Social Status of Women	Women served as accountants, wrestlers, and went to battlefield. Widow remarriage was actively promoted.

3. The Bahmani Kingdom (1347–1526 AD)

Founding & Capital	Established by Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah (Hasan Gangu) in 1347. Capital at Gulbarga, later shifted to Bidar by Ahmad Shah Wali.
Tajuddin Firoz Shah	Aimed to make Deccan cultural centre of India; inducted Hindus into administration.
Mahmud Gawan	Celebrated Persian minister who introduced administrative reforms, encouraged Persian learning, and built famous Madrasa at Bidar.

4. The Five Shahi Sultanates

Bijapur (Adil Shahi)	Founded by Yusuf Adil Shah; annexed by Aurangzeb in 1686.
Ahmednagar (Nizam Shahi)	Founded by Malik Ahmad; annexed by Shah Jahan in 1633.
Berar (Imad Shahi)	Founded by Fataullah Imad Shah; annexed by Ahmednagar in 1574.
Golconda (Qutub Shahi)	Founded by Quli Qutub Shah; annexed by Aurangzeb in 1687.
Bidar (Barid Shahi)	Founded by Amir Ali Barid; annexed by Bijapur in 1610.

5. Foreign Travellers to Vijayanagar

Nicolo Conti (1420)	Italian traveler visited during Deva Raya I's reign.
Abdur Razzak (1442)	Persian ambassador visited during Deva Raya II's reign; described city as unmatched in world.
Athanasius Nikitin (1470)	Russian traveler explored Bahmani and Vijayanagar regions.
Duarte Barbosa & Domingo Paes (1500-22)	Portuguese travelers provided detailed accounts of Krishna Deva Raya's court and military strength.
Fernao Nuniz (1535-37)	Portuguese traveler visited during Achyuta Deva Raya's reign; documented history and women's professional roles (wrestlers, accountants).

UPSC High-Yield Recall & PYQ Targets

Rakshasa-Tangadi	Alternative name for Battle of Talikota (1565).
Founders Comparison	Harihara & Bukka (Vijayanagar); Hasan Gangu (Bahmani).
Ashtadiggajas Patron	Krishna Deva Raya (Tuluva dynasty).
Nayankar System Nature	Military-land tenure system of Vijayanagar.

Supplemental Asset Directory

• Vijayanagar Stone Chariot:
• Vijayanagar Vittala Temple:
• Vijayanagar Musical Pillars:
• Vijayanagar Horse Pillars:
• Vijayanagar Elephant Stables:
• Gulbarga Fort:
• Bidar Architectural Features:
• Mahmud Gawan Madrasa:
• Golkonda Fort Diamond Gate:
• Hampi Vijayanagar Chariot: