The Vijayanagara Empire was a powerful empire in South India that lasted from 1336 to 1646. The empire was establishedbu Harihara I and his brother Bukka Raya I. The empire takes its name from the capital city--Vijayanagara. The city was located to the south of the modern-day Hampi. Today, the city is a World Heritage Site.

Information on the empire, its wealth and culture comes from a number of travelers such as Domingo Paes, Niccolo Da Conti and Fernao Nuniz who visited Viajayanagara during that period. Additionally, archaelogical excavations at Vijayanagara shed more light.

The Viajayanagara empire has left behind a plethora of monuments all over South India. The best known of these monuments are located at Hampi. During this period, various archaeological styles prevalent in South India fused together to give a distinct blend. This style is known as the Vijayanagara Archaelogical style.

During this period, South India saw the mingling of all faiths and languages. Proper administration and good trade links with other kindgoms made the empire very stable. In addition, newer technologies such as water management systems ensure good supply of irrigation water.

The empire was congenial for the development of fine arts and literature. Liteeature in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu and Sanskrit reached the highest levels of development during this period. In addition, music also developed. Carnatic music evolved into its current form during this period.

The Vijayanagara empire is truly one of the golden periods of South India. During this period, almost all of South India came under a common umbrella, transcending regionalism and unified by Hinduism.

Kings of the Vijayanagara Empire:

Sangama Dynasty
Harihara Raya I: 1336-1356
Bukka Raya I: 1356-1377
Harihara Raya II: 1377-1404
Virupaksha Raya: 1404-1405
Bukka Raya II: 1405-1406
Deva Raya I: 1406-1422
Ramachandra Raya: 1422
Vira Vijaya Bukka Raya: 1422-1424
Deva Raya II: 1424-1446
Mallikarjuna Raya: 1446-1465
Virupaksha Raya II: 1465-1485
Praudha Raya: 1485

Saluva Dynasty
Saluva Narasimha Deva Raya: 1485-1491
Thimma Bhupala: 1491
Narasimha Raya II: 1491-1505

Tuluva Dynasty
Tuluva Narasa Nayaka: 1491-1503
Viranarasimha Raya: 1503-1509
Krishna Deva Raya: 1509-1529
Achyuta Deva Raya: 1529-1542
Sadashiva Raya: 1542-1570

Aravidu Dynasty
Aliya Rama Raya: 1542-1565
Tirumala Deva Raya: 1565-1572
Sriranga I: 1572-1586
Venkata II: 1586-1614
Sriranga II: 1614-1614
Ramadeva: 1617-1632
Venkata III: 1632-1642
Sriranga III: 1642-1646

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