Page 1 - #1812070101

ss 12 History Notes Chapter 7 An

Imperial Capital: Vijayanagara

June 3, 2019 by Bhagya

Class 12 History Notes Chapter 7 An Imperial

Capital: Vijayanagara

• The Vijayanagara Empire was the most dignified and glorious empire of South
India. Its Capital was Hampi.
• Hampi was discovered by Colin Mackenzie, the first Surveyor General of India in
1815.
• His (Colin Mackenzie’s) arduous work, gave a new direction to all the future
researcher.
• Alexander Greenlaw took the first detailed photography of Hampi in 1856, which
proved quite useful for the scholar.
• J.F. Fleet in 1876, began compilation and documentation of the inscription from
the walls of the walls of temples in Hampi.
• John Marshall began the conservation of Hampi in 1902.
• In 1976, Hampi was declared as a site of national importance and in 1986 it was
declared as world Heritage centre.
• Vijayanagara Empire was founded by the two brothers, Harihara and Bukka in
14th century.
• The ruler of Vijayanagara empire were called Rayas.
• The most powerful ruler of Vijayanagara empire was Krishnadeva Raya. During
his tenure, the empire touched its glory.
• Administration of the Vijayanagara Empire was very good and its people were
very happy.
• The Vijayanagara Empire began to decline by 16th century and this might empire
ended in 17th century.
• Four dynasties ruled over Vijayanagara:
o The Sangama Dynasty
o The Saluvas Dynasty
o The Tuluva Dynasty
o The Aravidu Dynasty
• The Sangama Dynasty founded the empire, Saluva expanded it, Saluva took it to
the pinnacle of its glory, but it begun declined under Aravidu.
• Various causes such as weak central government, weak successors of
Krishnadeva Raya, different dynasties struggles against the Bahamani Empire,
weak empire, etc. contributed in the downfall of the empire.
• The most striking feature of the empire was its water requirement were met from
natural barn formed by the Tungabhadra river.