Best History Notes on Vijayanagar and Bahmani Kingdoms available for BPSC and for other Competitive Exams aspirants in 2025
History-8
Vijayanagar and Bahmani Kingdoms (14th–17th Century)
Theme: Medieval South Indian Polities – Cultural & Political Significance
These two powerful kingdoms emerged in peninsular India during the decline of the Delhi Sultanate. They preserved regional autonomy, promoted cultural syncretism, encouraged trade, and played a major role in temple building and urban growth.
Vijayanagar Empire (1336–1646 CE)
“Defender of Hindu culture in the South”
Foundation
- Founded in 1336 by Harihara I and Bukka Raya I of the Sangama dynasty, with the guidance of Sage Vidyaranya.
- Capital: Hampi (Karnataka) – now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- It rose as a bulwark against Turko-Afghan invasions in the South.
Major Dynasties
| Dynasty | Period |
| Sangama | 1336–1485 |
| Saluva | 1485–1505 |
| Tuluva | 1505–1570 (Most glorious) |
| Aravidu | 1570–1646 (Decline phase) |
Key Rulers and Achievements
Krishnadeva Raya (1509–1529 CE) – Tuluva Dynasty
“Greatest ruler of Vijayanagar – Era of cultural and economic prosperity”
| Domain | Contribution |
| Military | Defeated Bahmanis, Gajapatis (Orissa), and captured Raichur Doab |
| Literature | Patron of Telugu, Sanskrit, Kannada, Tamil; wrote Amuktamalyada |
| Architecture | Expanded Hampi, built Vittala Temple, Hazara Rama Temple |
| Economy | Promoted trade with Portuguese, Arabs, Persians |
Architecture & Culture
- Dravidian temple architecture: Tall gopurams, pillared halls
- Integration of secular and religious art
- City of Hampi known for urban planning, water tanks, royal platforms
- Foreign travellers like Nicolo Conti, Abdul Razzaq, Domingo Paes admired its wealth
Decline
- 1565: Battle of Talikota – combined Muslim Sultanates (Deccan) defeated Vijayanagar
- Hampi was plundered → Gradual decline of the empire
Bahmani Sultanate (1347–1527 CE)
“First independent Islamic kingdom in South India”
Foundation
- Founded by Ala-ud-Din Bahman Shah in 1347 after revolting against Delhi Sultanate (Muhammad bin Tughlaq).
- Capital: Gulbarga, later Bidar.
Key Rulers and Contributions
| Ruler | Contributions |
| Firuz Shah Bahmani | Patron of Persian culture; encouraged education and Indo-Islamic art |
| Mahmud Gawan (Prime Minister) | Reformed administration, expanded empire, promoted Madrasas, encouraged trade |
Cultural Synthesis
- Promoted Persian and Indo-Islamic culture
- Architectural blend: domes, arches, minarets + Deccan styles
- Notable structures: Madarsa of Mahmud Gawan, tombs at Bidar and Gulbarga
Administration
- Divided into Tarafs (provinces) under tarafdars
- Strong military aristocracy (Deccani vs Afaqis – internal tensions)
Decline and Fragmentation
- Internal conflicts and factionalism weakened the Sultanate
- By 1527, it fragmented into five Deccan Sultanates:
- Bijapur, Golconda, Ahmadnagar, Berar, Bidar
Interaction Between Vijayanagar & Bahmani
- Fought regular wars over Raichur Doab (rich and fertile region)
- Despite religious differences, both kingdoms were culturally rich and promoted trade
- Contributed to regional identity formation in peninsular India
Trade and Economy
| Aspect | Vijayanagar | Bahmani |
| Agriculture | Improved irrigation (tanks, canals) | Strong agrarian base |
| Trade | With Arabia, China, Portugal | Persian Gulf, Indian Ocean trade |
| Currency | Gold coins (Pagoda) | Silver coins (Tankas) |
Model Mains Answer Framework (BPSC/UPSC)
“The rise of the Vijayanagar and Bahmani kingdoms in the 14th century ensured the continuity of indigenous and Indo-Islamic traditions in the Deccan. While Vijayanagar became the defender of Hindu art, architecture, and temple economy, the Bahmanis promoted Persian culture, architectural innovation, and trade. Their rivalry over Raichur Doab shaped regional politics for over two centuries and laid the foundation for the later Deccan Sultanates and regional kingdoms.”
Keywords for Mains Answer
- Hampi, Indo-Islamic culture, Raichur Doab, Amuktamalyada, Gopurams, Mahmud Gawan, Battle of Talikota, Madarsa system, Tuluva dynasty, Iqta & Tarafdari system, Urban planning in Hampi
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