Trace the rise and decline of Vijayanagara.
(a) Vijayanagara was founded by the Sangama dynasty which remained in power till 1485. They were deposed by the Saluvas who ruled till 1503.
(b) The next dynasty ruled was the Tuluva dynasty whose most famous king was Krishnadeva Ray. During his reign, the empire reached the peak of its prosperity.
(c) After Krishnadeva Ray’s death, the empire began to collapse. Rebellious military chiefs harassed his successors.
(d) By 1542, power slipped into the hands of the Aravidu dynasty which ruled till the 17th century.
(e) In 1565, the Battle of Talikota took place. Rama Ray, the chief minister alienated the rulers of Bijapur, Ahmadnagar and Golconda. These three rulers formed an alliance, decisively defeated the Vijayanagara army and sacked the city. The power centre of the empire now shifted eastwards under the Aravidu dynasty.
