The Age of Vijayanagara and the Bahmanids, and the Coming of the Portuguese (Circa 1350–1565)

Learning Outcomes:

1. Understand the dominance of the Vijayanagara and Bahmani kingdoms in South India.
2. Explore the establishment and growth of the Vijayanagara empire.
3. Examine the conflicts between Vijayanagara and Bahmani kingdoms.
4. Analyze the advent of the Portuguese and its impact on Indian politics.

Vijayanagara and Bahmani Kingdoms

The Vijayanagara kingdom was established by Harihara and Bukka, members of a family of five brothers. According to legend:

1. They initially served the Kakatiyas of Warangal.
2. They became ministers in the Kampili kingdom.
3. Following a military defeat, the brothers were imprisoned, converted to Islam, and later appointed to manage rebellions.
4. They eventually returned to Hinduism, guided by their guru Vidyaranya, and founded Vijayanagar.

Important Note:

Despite debates over their conversion, the foundation of Vijayanagara remains a pivotal moment in the history of South India.

The Vijayanagara kingdom expanded rapidly, especially after the dissolution of the Hoysala kingdom. Bukka succeeded Harihara, continuing the expansion and establishing a cooperative commonwealth. The Bahmani kingdom, founded by Alauddin Hasan (also known as Hasan Gangu), emerged as a powerful rival in the north. The interests of the Vijayanagara rulers and the Bahmani sultans clashed primarily in three areas:

1. The Tungabhadra doab—a region of great economic wealth between the Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers.
2. The Krishna-Godavari delta—fertile lands with strategic ports.
3. The Maratha country—contested for control of the Konkan and its vital ports like Goa.

Military conflicts between these kingdoms were frequent. For example, in 1367, Bukka I attacked Mudkal in the Tungabhadra doab, leading to prolonged warfare that ended with a treaty sharing the disputed region.

Expansion and Conflict

Harihara II (1377–1404) pursued an expansionist policy, targeting the eastern sea coast and extending his control over Belgaum and Goa. His successor, Deva Raya I (1404–1422), faced renewed conflict with the Bahmani kingdom and Orissa. Despite initial setbacks, Deva Raya I:

1. Built alliances, such as with Warangal, altering the balance of power in the region.
2. Constructed a dam across the Tungabhadra to alleviate water shortages and increase agricultural revenue.

Deva Raya II (1425–1446), considered the greatest ruler of the Vijayanagara dynasty, reorganized the military by incorporating elements from the Delhi Sultanate. He also introduced Muslim cavalrymen into his army and strengthened his position through conquests and strategic alliances. His reign marked the height of Vijayanagara’s power, with the empire extending its influence across South India and engaging in diplomatic relations with distant kingdoms.

The Bahmani Kingdom—Its Expansion and Disintegration

Firuz Shah Bahmani (1397–1422), a remarkable figure in the Bahmani kingdom, was an accomplished scholar and patron of the arts and sciences. His reign was marked by:

1. Efforts to make the Deccan a cultural center of India.
2. The induction of Hindus into the administration, particularly in revenue roles.
3. The encouragement of astronomy and construction of an observatory near Daulatabad.

Firuz Shah’s defeat in 1419 by Deva Raya I of Vijayanagara led to his abdication. His successor, Ahmad Shah I, avenged this by annexing Warangal, expanding the Bahmani kingdom’s territory. Under Mahmud Gawan, the Bahmani kingdom reached its zenith, extending its influence over the western coastal areas, including Dabhol and Goa, enhancing overseas trade.

Climax of The Vijayanagara Empire and its Disintegration

Following the death of Deva Raya II (1446), Vijayanagara faced internal strife, with several civil wars among contenders for the throne. Eventually, the throne was usurped by the minister Saluva, who founded a new dynasty, later replaced by the Tuluva dynasty under Krishna Deva Raya (1509–1530).

Krishna Deva Raya is considered one of the greatest rulers of Vijayanagara. He:

1. Restored internal law and order.
2. Expanded the empire, recapturing territories from Orissa.
3. Defeated the Bijapur ruler, securing dominance over the Tungabhadra doab.

His reign marked a golden era for Telugu literature, and he was a significant patron of the arts. Despite Vijayanagara’s military strength, the kingdom eventually fell in the Battle of Bannihatti (1565), leading to its decline.

State and Economy Under Vijayanagara

The Vijayanagara kingdom was administratively organized into rajyas (provinces), nadu (districts), sthala (sub-districts), and grama (villages). However, village self-government weakened under Vijayanagara rule due to the rise of hereditary nayakships. The provincial governors enjoyed considerable autonomy, with the ability to impose taxes and maintain their own armies.

In the centrally controlled areas, the king granted amaram (territory) to military chiefs, known as palaiyagar or nayaks, who were responsible for maintaining troops for the state. The urbanization under Vijayanagara saw towns growing around temples, which played a significant role in trade and the economy.

The Advent of The Portuguese

The Portuguese arrived in India during a period of rapid European economic growth. Their primary objectives were:

1. To dominate the eastern trade, especially in pepper and spices.
2. To counter the growing power of the Ottoman Turks.

Vasco da Gama‘s arrival in Calicut in 1498 marked the beginning of direct trade between India and Europe. The Portuguese established their dominance in the Indian Ocean, capturing Goa in 1510 and setting up forts at strategic locations like Colombo and Malacca.

Portuguese Impact on Indian Trade, Society, and Politics

The Portuguese attempted to monopolize certain trades, such as in pepper and war horses, declaring them royal monopolies. Despite their efforts, they were unable to significantly alter established Asian trade networks, with Gujarati and Arab traders continuing to dominate. The Portuguese also failed to transmit European scientific advancements to India, largely due to their own limited engagement with the Renaissance.

After the fall of Vijayanagara in 1565, the Deccani states attempted to dislodge the Portuguese from the Deccan coast but were unsuccessful, allowing the Portuguese to maintain their dominance over the Indian seas.

MCQ: What was the primary objective of the Portuguese when they arrived in India?

a) To establish a cultural exchange with India
b) To dominate the eastern trade, especially in pepper and spices
c) To form alliances with Indian rulers against the Mughals
d) To spread Christianity through peaceful missions

Answer: b) To dominate the eastern trade, especially in pepper and spices