Origin and Expansion

There are different traditions regarding the foundation of the Vijayanagar kingdom. It is now generally accepted, on the basis of contemporary inscriptions, that the two brothers Harihara and Bukka, the eldest sons of one Sangama, earlier serving the Hoysala rulers of Karnataka, asserted their independence and laid foundation for a new kingdom in about 1336. This happened soon after the death of the Hoysala king Ballala III at the hands of the Madurai Sultan. Initially the capital was in or near about Anegondi on the north bank of the Tungabhadra river.But soon it was shifted to the Hoysala town Hosapattana (near Hampi) on the south bank. The capital was expanded and renamed Vijayanagara, the city of Victory. Thereafter, they proclaimed themselves the rulers of Vijayanagara or of Karnataka-Vijayanagara. Harihara celebrated his coronation in 1346 at this city. Historians call this dynasty started by Harihara and Bukka Sangama after the name of his father or forefather. Vijayanagara rulers adopted the emblem of the Chalukyas, the boar, or varahaas their royal insignia.

Dynasties of Vijayanagar (1336–1650):

1. Sangama Dynasty (1336–1485) – Founded by Harihara and Bukka.
2. Saluva Dynasty (1485–1505)
3. Tuluva Dynasty (1505–1570)
4. Aravidu Dynasty (1570–1650)

Political Context of Formation:

• Emerged during a political vacuum in South India after the fall of:
  • Pandyas (Tamil Nadu)
  • Hoysalas (Karnataka)
  • Kakatiyas (Andhra Pradesh)
• Caused by Delhi Sultanate’s military campaigns (early 14th century)

Founding of Vijayanagar:

• Founded by the five Sangama brothers, led by Harihara.
• Took advantage of:
  • Decline of Delhi Sultanate
  • Rise of Madurai Sultanate and Bahmani Sultanate (1347)
• Delhi Sultanate’s weakening helped Vijayanagar grow unchecked.

Early Expansion (1336–1370s):

• Core Hoysala territory in Karnataka incorporated.
• Coastal Karnataka acquired — key for maritime trade via port towns.
• Administered by a succession of pradhanis (governors).

Campaigns in Tamil Country:

• Bukka I expanded into Tondaimandalam (Northern Tamil Nadu).
• His son Kumara Kampana, with general Maraya-Nayak, defeated Madurai Sultanate (~1370).
• Victory described in Madura-vijayam by Gangadevi (Kampana’s wife).
• Pandya country (including Madurai) was not annexed in 1370.
• It became part of Vijayanagar only around 1500 (during Saluva/Tuluva period).
• Until then, only northern & central Tamil Nadu up to the Kaveri delta were ruled directly.