📑 Topics on this page (Jump to Topic):
📌 1. Vijayanagara Empire (1336–1646)
- Founded in 1336 by Harihara and Bukka (Sangama brothers) on the Tungabhadra; guru Vidyaranya. Capital Hampi (UNESCO).
- Four dynasties in order: Sangama → Saluva → Tuluva → Aravidu.
| Ruler | Key facts |
|---|---|
| Devaraya II (Sangama) | Greatest Sangama ruler; Persian envoy Abdur Razzaq visited; recruited Muslims in the army. |
| Krishnadevaraya (Tuluva, 1509–29) | Most famous ruler; Telugu work Amuktamalyada; Ashtadiggajas at court (Tenali Rama, Allasani Peddana — "Andhra Kavita Pitamaha"); Portuguese Domingo Paes visited; Vitthala and Hazara Rama temples. |
| Rama Raya (Aravidu regent) | Battle of Talikota (Rakshasi-Tangadi), 1565 — defeated by a league of Deccan Sultanates; Hampi destroyed. |
- Administration: Nayankara system (nayakas got land—amaram—for maintaining troops); Ayagar system (12 hereditary village officers).
- Foreign travellers: Niccolò de' Conti (Italy, Devaraya I), Abdur Razzaq (Persia, Devaraya II), Domingo Paes and Fernão Nuniz (Portugal).
⚠️ Exam Traps:
- Talikota was in 1565; Sadashiva Raya was king but real power lay with Rama Raya.
📌 2. Bahmani Kingdom & Deccan Sultanates
- Founded in 1347 by Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah (Hasan Gangu); capital first Gulbarga, later Bidar.
- Mahmud Gawan — famous wazir; built a madrasa at Bidar.
- Main cause of conflict with Vijayanagara — the Raichur Doab (between Krishna and Tungabhadra).
| Sultanate | Dynasty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Bijapur | Adil Shahi | Gol Gumbaz (tomb of Muhammad Adil Shah) |
| Golconda | Qutb Shahi | Charminar (Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, Hyderabad) |
| Ahmadnagar | Nizam Shahi | Chand Bibi resisted Akbar |
| Berar | Imad Shahi | First to be annexed |
| Bidar | Barid Shahi | — |
💡 Memory Tip: Deccan Sultanates = "Bi-Go-A-Be-Bi" (Bijapur, Golconda, Ahmadnagar, Berar, Bidar).
📌 3. Practice MCQs
📝 Practice MCQs (prepared by SF Prep — not PYQs)
Q1. Who founded the Vijayanagara Empire? Practice
Correct answer: (C)
The Sangama brothers Harihara and Bukka founded it in 1336.
The Sangama brothers Harihara and Bukka founded it in 1336.
Q2. The ruins of the Vijayanagara capital are at: Practice
Correct answer: (A)
Hampi (Karnataka) was the capital; it is a UNESCO site.
Hampi (Karnataka) was the capital; it is a UNESCO site.
Q3. 'Amuktamalyada' was written by: Practice
Correct answer: (B)
Krishnadevaraya wrote Amuktamalyada in Telugu.
Krishnadevaraya wrote Amuktamalyada in Telugu.
Q4. When was the Battle of Talikota fought? Practice
Correct answer: (D)
In 1565 the Deccan Sultanates defeated Vijayanagara.
In 1565 the Deccan Sultanates defeated Vijayanagara.
Q5. Which is the correct order of Vijayanagara dynasties? Practice
Correct answer: (A)
Sangama → Saluva → Tuluva → Aravidu.
Sangama → Saluva → Tuluva → Aravidu.
Q6. Krishnadevaraya belonged to which dynasty? Practice
Correct answer: (C)
He was the most famous ruler of the Tuluva dynasty.
He was the most famous ruler of the Tuluva dynasty.
Q7. Who founded the Bahmani kingdom? Practice
Correct answer: (A)
Hasan Gangu (Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah) founded it in 1347.
Hasan Gangu (Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah) founded it in 1347.
Q8. What was the first capital of the Bahmani kingdom? Practice
Correct answer: (B)
The first capital was Gulbarga, later Bidar.
The first capital was Gulbarga, later Bidar.
Q9. Where is the Gol Gumbaz? Practice
Correct answer: (C)
It is the tomb of Muhammad Adil Shah at Bijapur.
It is the tomb of Muhammad Adil Shah at Bijapur.
Q10. Who built the Charminar? Practice
Correct answer: (D)
Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah of Golconda built it in Hyderabad.
Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah of Golconda built it in Hyderabad.
Q11. Which region was the main cause of conflict between Vijayanagara and the Bahmanis? Practice
Correct answer: (C)
The fertile Raichur Doab between Krishna and Tungabhadra was disputed.
The fertile Raichur Doab between Krishna and Tungabhadra was disputed.
Q12. Persian envoy Abdur Razzaq visited Vijayanagara during the reign of: Practice
Correct answer: (A)
Abdur Razzaq came during Devaraya II's reign.
Abdur Razzaq came during Devaraya II's reign.
Q13. What was the 'Nayankara system' of Vijayanagara? Practice
Correct answer: (D)
Nayakas received amaram land in return for military service.
Nayakas received amaram land in return for military service.
Q14. Who was the famous wazir of the Bahmani kingdom? Practice
Correct answer: (B)
Mahmud Gawan was the able Bahmani wazir; he built the Bidar madrasa.
Mahmud Gawan was the able Bahmani wazir; he built the Bidar madrasa.
Q15. Who is called 'Andhra Kavita Pitamaha'? Practice
Correct answer: (D)
Allasani Peddana of the Ashtadiggajas held this title.
Allasani Peddana of the Ashtadiggajas held this title.
Q16. Which heroine of Ahmadnagar resisted Akbar's army? Practice
Correct answer: (B)
Chand Bibi defended Ahmadnagar against the Mughals.
Chand Bibi defended Ahmadnagar against the Mughals.
Q17. Who is regarded as the guru of Vijayanagara's founders? Practice
Correct answer: (C)
Saint Vidyaranya is said to have guided Harihara and Bukka.
Saint Vidyaranya is said to have guided Harihara and Bukka.
Q18. Which Portuguese traveller visited Vijayanagara under Krishnadevaraya? Practice
Correct answer: (A)
Domingo Paes described Krishnadevaraya's time.
Domingo Paes described Krishnadevaraya's time.
Q19. Vijayanagara stood on the bank of which river? Practice
Correct answer: (B)
Vijayanagara (Hampi) lies on the southern bank of the Tungabhadra.
Vijayanagara (Hampi) lies on the southern bank of the Tungabhadra.
Q20. The system of 12 hereditary village officers was called: Practice
Correct answer: (D)
Vijayanagara villages had 12 officers called Ayagars.
Vijayanagara villages had 12 officers called Ayagars.