Vijayanagara Empire Facts for Kids

Extent of the Vijayanagara Empire

The Vijayanagara Empire was a powerful kingdom in India. It was located in the southern part of India, in a region called the Deccan Plateau. This empire started in 1336 and lasted until about 1660.

Two brothers, Harihara (also known as Hakka) and Bukka Raya, founded this great empire. Its name comes from its capital city, Vijayanagara. Today, the ruins of this city can be found near Hampi in the state of Karnataka, India.

Even though the empire lost some of its strength in its final century, it was known for being very rich and powerful. European travelers like Domingo Paes, Nuniz (from Portugal), and Niccolò Da Conti (from Venice) wrote about the empire's amazing wealth and strength.

Who Ruled the Vijayanagara Empire?
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Who Ruled the Vijayanagara Empire?

The Vijayanagara Empire was ruled by several different families, called dynasties. Here are the main dynasties and some of their important kings. This list is based on historical records, like the book "A Forgotten Empire" by Robert Sewell.

Sangama Dynasty: The First Rulers

The Sangama Dynasty was the first family to rule the Vijayanagara Empire.

Harihara I (Deva Raya): 1336-1343/56
Bukka I: 1343/56-1379
Harihara II: 1379-1399
Bukka II: 1399-1406
Deva Raya I: 1406-1412
Vira Vijaya: 1412-1419
Deva Raya II: 1419-1444
Mallikarjuna: 1452-1465 (Dates are not fully certain)
Praudha Deva Raya: 1476-? (Dates are not fully certain)

Saluva Dynasty: A New Era

After the Sangama Dynasty, the Saluva family took control.

Narasimha: 1490-?
Narasa (Vira Narasimha): ?-1509
Krishna Deva: 1509-1529
Achyuta: 1529-1542
Sadasiva: 1542-1567 (He was a king, but another powerful leader named Rama Raya held the real power.)

Tuluva Dynasty: Powerful Kings

The Tuluva Dynasty followed the Saluva rulers.

Rama: 1542-1565 (He was not officially crowned king but ruled the empire.)
Tirumala: 1565-1567 (He also ruled without being officially crowned.)
Tirumala: 1567-1575 (Later, he became the crowned ruler.)
Ranga II: 1575-1586
Venkata I: 1586-1614

Aravidu Dynasty: The Final Rulers

The Aravidu family was the last dynasty of the Vijayanagara Empire. The exact dates for these rulers are not well known, and there were often several rulers with the same name.

Ranga
Venkata
Rama

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Map of South India, 1400 CE.
Natural fortress at Vijayanagara.
Royal Insignia: boar, sun, moon, and dagger.
Kannada inscription of King Krishnadeva Raya, dated 1509, at the Virupaksha temple in Hampi. It describes his coronation and the building of a large open hall.
Ancient market place and plantation at Hampi.
Horizontal carvings on the outer wall of Hazara Rama temple, showing daily life in the empire.
Nāga (snake) stone worship at Hampi.
Painted ceiling from the Virupaksha temple showing Hindu mythology, from the 14th century.
Virupaksha Temple, Hampi.
Ornate pillars, Virupaksha temple Hampi.
Poetic inscription in Kannada by Vijayanagara poet Manjaraja (1398 CE).
Yali pillars in Aghoreshwara Temple at Ikkeri in Shimoga District.
An aerial view of the Meenakshi Temple from the top of the southern gopuram. This temple was rebuilt by the Nayaks, who were part of the Vijayanagar Empire.