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A Forgotten Empire: Vijayanagar - A Contribution to the History of India
Judge Robert Sewell (1845-1925) was a civil servant in colonial India. He did extensive work on the history of the Vijayanagara Empire, particularly the fall of Hampi, the empire's capital. He translated The Vijayanagar Empire as Seen by Domingo Paes and Fernao Nuniz - described as an eyewitness account of Portuguese travellers to India in the 16th century and report on the Vijayanagar Empire. His other works include: Analytical History of India (1870), Eclipses of the Moon in India (1878), Antiquarian Remains in Presidency of Madras (1882), A Sketch of the Dynasties of S. India (1883), South Indian Chronological Tables (1889) and The Indian Calendar (with S. B. Dikshit) (1896).
360 pages, Paperback
Published January 30, 2009
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About the author
Robert Sewell
60 books8 followers1845-1925
Robert Sewell worked in the civil service of the Madras Presidency during the period of colonial rule in India.
Robert Sewell worked in the civil service of the Madras Presidency during the period of colonial rule in India.
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December 10, 2015
Two Hundred and Thirty Years of Bloodshed.
Is it really possible to write an unbiassed history? Considering the situations Robert Sewell got into. Medieval South Indian period; Tradition of romanticised oral history; Complete ruins left by Islamic invaders as was the norm during that time; And forgotten written records.
Robert Sewell had written this in late nineteenth century. I am sure that quite a few inscriptions must have been unearthed and decrypted since then, and at least a hundred books might have been written on this subject as well. I am not qualified to judge this book for accuracy or whatsoever. However, could’t help appreciating the meticulous effort being put into bringing back the legacy.
In the first part, he had written an approximate factual history of rise and fall of the kingdom, by assimilating facts from a couple of Portuguese chronicles, travelogue of an Italian, writings of a Mogul’s courtesan and of course numerous inscriptions from South India. (Muslims massacred Hindus, Hindus massacred Muslims and Portuguese massacred both and enforced Inquisition; And, juxtapose that killing order a bit more). Then comes his English translation of Domingos Paes’ chronicle of Krishna Deva Rhai’s time of grandiose festival and feast. After that, Fernao Nuniz’s chronicles of whole Vijaya Nagar empire traditional history gathered first hand. As a complete package, all of them had arranged themselves into an amazing read.
Sure, you can’t go back to that period, but it makes you go visit those ruins!
Is it really possible to write an unbiassed history? Considering the situations Robert Sewell got into. Medieval South Indian period; Tradition of romanticised oral history; Complete ruins left by Islamic invaders as was the norm during that time; And forgotten written records.
Robert Sewell had written this in late nineteenth century. I am sure that quite a few inscriptions must have been unearthed and decrypted since then, and at least a hundred books might have been written on this subject as well. I am not qualified to judge this book for accuracy or whatsoever. However, could’t help appreciating the meticulous effort being put into bringing back the legacy.
In the first part, he had written an approximate factual history of rise and fall of the kingdom, by assimilating facts from a couple of Portuguese chronicles, travelogue of an Italian, writings of a Mogul’s courtesan and of course numerous inscriptions from South India. (Muslims massacred Hindus, Hindus massacred Muslims and Portuguese massacred both and enforced Inquisition; And, juxtapose that killing order a bit more). Then comes his English translation of Domingos Paes’ chronicle of Krishna Deva Rhai’s time of grandiose festival and feast. After that, Fernao Nuniz’s chronicles of whole Vijaya Nagar empire traditional history gathered first hand. As a complete package, all of them had arranged themselves into an amazing read.
Sure, you can’t go back to that period, but it makes you go visit those ruins!
August 11, 2024
ವಿಜಯನಗರ ಇತಿಹಾಸ ಅಥವಾ ದಕ್ಕನ್ ಇತಿಹಾಸ ಎಂದಿಗೂ ನನಗೆ ಪ್ರಿಯ, ಇದರ ಬಗೆಗಿನ ಅನೇಕ ಪುಸ್ತಕಗಳನ್ನು, ಕೃತಿಗಳನ್ನು ಓದಿದ್ದೇನೆ, ಆದರೆ ಈ ಭಾರಿ ಪ್ರವಾಸಿಗರ ಕಣ್ಣಿನಲ್ಲಿ ವಿಜಯನಗರವನ್ನು ತಿಳಿಯುವ ಬಯಕೆ ಹೆಚ್ಚಿತ್ತು. ಹಾಗಾಗಿ ಮತ್ತೆ "ಮರೆತುಹೋದ ಸಾಮ್ರಾಜ್ಯ ವಿಜಯನಗರ" ಕೃತಿಯನ್ನೇ ನಾನು ಅವಲಂಬಿಸಬೇಕಾಯ್ತು
ಅಬ್ದುಲ್ ರಜಾಕ್, ನಿಕೊಲೊ-ದೆ-ಕೊಂತಿ, ಅಥನೇಷಿಯಸ್ ನಿಕಿಟಿನ್,ಬಾರ್ಬೊಸಾ, ಡೊಮಿಂಗೊ ಪ್ಯಾಸ್, ನೂನಿಜ್, ಸೀಜರ್ ಫ್ರೆಡೆರಿಕ್, ಲೊಡೊವಿಕೊ ದಿ ವರ್ತೆಮಾ ಹೀಗೆ ಹಲವಾರು ಪ್ರವಾಸಿಗರು ವಿವಿಧ ಕಾಲವಧಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ವಿಜಯನಗರವನ್ನು ಕಂಡಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಇವರು ಕೊಡುವ ವಿವರಗಳ ಮೌಲ್ಯವಿದೆಯಲ್ಲ ಅದು ಸಾಮಾನ್ಯದ್ದಲ್ಲ. ಇವರು ಬರದೇ ಇದ್ದಿದ್ದರೇ ಅಥವಾ ಬಂದು ಬರೆಯದೇ ಇದ್ದಿದ್ದರೇ ಇಂತಹ ವೈಭವಯುತ ಇತಿಹಾಸದ ನೈಜ ಚಿತ್ರಣ ಸಿಗದೇ ಹೋಗುತ್ತಿತ್ತು. ರಾಜರ ವೈಭವದ್ದೇ ಅಂತಲ್ಲ, ಆ ಕಾಲದ ಸಾಮಾಜಿಕ ಚಿತ್ರಣ ಸರ್ವೆ ಸಾಮಾನ್ಯರ ಬದುಕಿನ ಚಿತ್ರಣಕ್ಕು ಇವರೇ ಆಧಾರ. ಹಾಗಾಗಿ ಒಂದು ಮಹಾ ಸಾಮ್ರಾಜ್ಯದ ಪೂರ್ಣ ನೋಟವನ್ನು ಓದುಗನಾಗಿ ಹುಡುಕುತ್ತ ಇದ್ದ ನನಗೆ ಈ ಓದು ನಿಜಕ್ಕೂ ತೃಪ್ತಿ ತಂದಿದೆ.
ಇದರ ಜೊತೆಗೆ ಡಾ.ಬಿ ಎ ವಿವೇಕ ರೈ ಸಂಪಾದನೆ ಮಾಡಿರುವ ಪ್ರವಾಸಿ ಕಂಡ ವಿಜಯನಗರದ ಕೆಲ ಲೇಖನಗಳು ಈ ವಿಷಯದ ಮೇಲೆ ಇನ್ನೂ ಹೆಚ್ಚು ಸ್ಪಷ್ಟತೆಯನ್ನು ಕೊಡುತ್ತದೆ ಉದಾ: ಮಹಾನವಮಿಯನ್ನು ಪ್ರವಾಸಿಗರು ಕಂಡ ಬಗೆಯನ್ನು ತಿಳಿಸಿಕೊಡುವ ಲೇಖನ, ವಿ.ಸಿ, ಡಿ. ವಿ. ಜಿ, ಬೆಳ್ಳಾವೆ ಮತ್ತು ಇತರರು ನಡೆಸಿದ ಪಂಪಯಾತ್ರೆ, ಕುವೆಂಪುರ ಹಂಪೆ ಭೀಮ ಇವೆಲ್ಲವೂ ಓದಿಗೆ ಹೆಚ್ಚು ಪುಷ್ಟಿ ಕೊಡುತ್ತದೆ.
ಆ ವೈಭವದ ಝಲಕ್ ತಿಳಿಯುವದಕ್ಕೆ ಒಂದು ಉದಾಹರಣೆಗೆ ಕೆಳಗಿನ ಈ ಸಾಲುಗಳನ್ನು ಓದಿ
"ದಿವಾನ್ಖಾನೆಗೆ ಎದುರಾಗಿ ಫಿಲ್ಖಾನೆ (ಗಜಶಾಲೆ) ಇದೆ. ರಾಜನಿಗೆ ಸೇರಿದ ಅನೇಕ ಆನೆಗಳು, ದೇಶದಲ್ಲೆಲ್ಲಾ ಬಹಳ ಭಾರಿಯಾದ ಆನೆಗಳು, ಅರಮನೆಯ ಬಳಿ ಅಂದರೆ ಮೊದಲನೆಯ ಮತ್ತು ಎರಡನೆಯ ಕೋಟೆಗಳ ಮಧ್ಯೆ ಇರುವ ಉತ್ತರ ಪಶ್ಚಿಮ ಜಾಗದಲ್ಲಿರುತ್ತವೆ. ಈ ಆನೆಗಳು ಗರ್ಭವಾಗಿ ಮರಿ ಹಾಕುತ್ತವೆ. ರಾಜನ ಬಳಿ ಅತ್ಯಂತ ದೊಡ್ಡದಾದ ಬಿಳಿಯ ಆನೆ ಇದೆ. ಈ ಆನೆಯ ಮೈಮೇಲೆ ಅಲ್ಲಲ್ಲಿ ನೀರಿನ ಗುಳ್ಳೆಗಳಂತೆ ಬೂದುಬಣ್ಣದ ಮಚ್ಚೆಗಳಿವೆ. ಪ್ರತಿದಿನ ಬೆಳಗ್ಗೆ ಆನೆಯನ್ನು ರಾಜನ ಮುಂದೆ ತೆಗೆದುಕೊಂಡು ಹೋಗುತ್ತಾರೆ. ಇದರ ದರ್ಶನ ತನಗೆ ಒಳ್ಳೆಯದೆಂದು ರಾಜ ಭಾವಿಸುತ್ತಾನೆ. ಅರಮನೆಯ ಆನೆಗಳಿಗೆ ಕಿಚಡಿಯನ್ನು ತಿನ್ನಿಸುತ್ತಾರೆ. ಇದನ್ನು ತಾಮ್ರದ ಹಂಡೆಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಬೇಯಿಸಿ ಆನೆಗಳ ಮುಂದೆಯೇ ಹೊರಕ್ಕೆ ತೆಗೆದು, ಹರಡಿ ಅದರ ಮೇಲೆ ಉಪ್ಪನ್ನೂ ಸಕ್ಕರೆಯನ್ನೂ ಎರಚಿ ಚೆನ್ನಾಗಿ ಕಲಸುತ್ತಾರೆ. ಹೀಗೆ ಕಲಸಿದ ಮೇಲೆ ಅದನ್ನು ಎರಡು ಮಣದಷ್ಟು ತೂಕದ ಉಂಡೆಗಳನ್ನಾಗಿ ಮಾಡುತ್ತಾರೆ. ಈ ಉಂಡೆಗಳನ್ನು ತುಪ್ಪದಲ್ಲಿ ಅದ್ದಿ ಆನೆಯ ಬಾಯೊಳಗೆ ಇಡುತ್ತಾರೆ."
ಅಬ್ದುಲ್ ರಜಾಕ್, ನಿಕೊಲೊ-ದೆ-ಕೊಂತಿ, ಅಥನೇಷಿಯಸ್ ನಿಕಿಟಿನ್,ಬಾರ್ಬೊಸಾ, ಡೊಮಿಂಗೊ ಪ್ಯಾಸ್, ನೂನಿಜ್, ಸೀಜರ್ ಫ್ರೆಡೆರಿಕ್, ಲೊಡೊವಿಕೊ ದಿ ವರ್ತೆಮಾ ಹೀಗೆ ಹಲವಾರು ಪ್ರವಾಸಿಗರು ವಿವಿಧ ಕಾಲವಧಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ವಿಜಯನಗರವನ್ನು ಕಂಡಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಇವರು ಕೊಡುವ ವಿವರಗಳ ಮೌಲ್ಯವಿದೆಯಲ್ಲ ಅದು ಸಾಮಾನ್ಯದ್ದಲ್ಲ. ಇವರು ಬರದೇ ಇದ್ದಿದ್ದರೇ ಅಥವಾ ಬಂದು ಬರೆಯದೇ ಇದ್ದಿದ್ದರೇ ಇಂತಹ ವೈಭವಯುತ ಇತಿಹಾಸದ ನೈಜ ಚಿತ್ರಣ ಸಿಗದೇ ಹೋಗುತ್ತಿತ್ತು. ರಾಜರ ವೈಭವದ್ದೇ ಅಂತಲ್ಲ, ಆ ಕಾಲದ ಸಾಮಾಜಿಕ ಚಿತ್ರಣ ಸರ್ವೆ ಸಾಮಾನ್ಯರ ಬದುಕಿನ ಚಿತ್ರಣಕ್ಕು ಇವರೇ ಆಧಾರ. ಹಾಗಾಗಿ ಒಂದು ಮಹಾ ಸಾಮ್ರಾಜ್ಯದ ಪೂರ್ಣ ನೋಟವನ್ನು ಓದುಗನಾಗಿ ಹುಡುಕುತ್ತ ಇದ್ದ ನನಗೆ ಈ ಓದು ನಿಜಕ್ಕೂ ತೃಪ್ತಿ ತಂದಿದೆ.
ಇದರ ಜೊತೆಗೆ ಡಾ.ಬಿ ಎ ವಿವೇಕ ರೈ ಸಂಪಾದನೆ ಮಾಡಿರುವ ಪ್ರವಾಸಿ ಕಂಡ ವಿಜಯನಗರದ ಕೆಲ ಲೇಖನಗಳು ಈ ವಿಷಯದ ಮೇಲೆ ಇನ್ನೂ ಹೆಚ್ಚು ಸ್ಪಷ್ಟತೆಯನ್ನು ಕೊಡುತ್ತದೆ ಉದಾ: ಮಹಾನವಮಿಯನ್ನು ಪ್ರವಾಸಿಗರು ಕಂಡ ಬಗೆಯನ್ನು ತಿಳಿಸಿಕೊಡುವ ಲೇಖನ, ವಿ.ಸಿ, ಡಿ. ವಿ. ಜಿ, ಬೆಳ್ಳಾವೆ ಮತ್ತು ಇತರರು ನಡೆಸಿದ ಪಂಪಯಾತ್ರೆ, ಕುವೆಂಪುರ ಹಂಪೆ ಭೀಮ ಇವೆಲ್ಲವೂ ಓದಿಗೆ ಹೆಚ್ಚು ಪುಷ್ಟಿ ಕೊಡುತ್ತದೆ.
ಆ ವೈಭವದ ಝಲಕ್ ತಿಳಿಯುವದಕ್ಕೆ ಒಂದು ಉದಾಹರಣೆಗೆ ಕೆಳಗಿನ ಈ ಸಾಲುಗಳನ್ನು ಓದಿ
"ದಿವಾನ್ಖಾನೆಗೆ ಎದುರಾಗಿ ಫಿಲ್ಖಾನೆ (ಗಜಶಾಲೆ) ಇದೆ. ರಾಜನಿಗೆ ಸೇರಿದ ಅನೇಕ ಆನೆಗಳು, ದೇಶದಲ್ಲೆಲ್ಲಾ ಬಹಳ ಭಾರಿಯಾದ ಆನೆಗಳು, ಅರಮನೆಯ ಬಳಿ ಅಂದರೆ ಮೊದಲನೆಯ ಮತ್ತು ಎರಡನೆಯ ಕೋಟೆಗಳ ಮಧ್ಯೆ ಇರುವ ಉತ್ತರ ಪಶ್ಚಿಮ ಜಾಗದಲ್ಲಿರುತ್ತವೆ. ಈ ಆನೆಗಳು ಗರ್ಭವಾಗಿ ಮರಿ ಹಾಕುತ್ತವೆ. ರಾಜನ ಬಳಿ ಅತ್ಯಂತ ದೊಡ್ಡದಾದ ಬಿಳಿಯ ಆನೆ ಇದೆ. ಈ ಆನೆಯ ಮೈಮೇಲೆ ಅಲ್ಲಲ್ಲಿ ನೀರಿನ ಗುಳ್ಳೆಗಳಂತೆ ಬೂದುಬಣ್ಣದ ಮಚ್ಚೆಗಳಿವೆ. ಪ್ರತಿದಿನ ಬೆಳಗ್ಗೆ ಆನೆಯನ್ನು ರಾಜನ ಮುಂದೆ ತೆಗೆದುಕೊಂಡು ಹೋಗುತ್ತಾರೆ. ಇದರ ದರ್ಶನ ತನಗೆ ಒಳ್ಳೆಯದೆಂದು ರಾಜ ಭಾವಿಸುತ್ತಾನೆ. ಅರಮನೆಯ ಆನೆಗಳಿಗೆ ಕಿಚಡಿಯನ್ನು ತಿನ್ನಿಸುತ್ತಾರೆ. ಇದನ್ನು ತಾಮ್ರದ ಹಂಡೆಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಬೇಯಿಸಿ ಆನೆಗಳ ಮುಂದೆಯೇ ಹೊರಕ್ಕೆ ತೆಗೆದು, ಹರಡಿ ಅದರ ಮೇಲೆ ಉಪ್ಪನ್ನೂ ಸಕ್ಕರೆಯನ್ನೂ ಎರಚಿ ಚೆನ್ನಾಗಿ ಕಲಸುತ್ತಾರೆ. ಹೀಗೆ ಕಲಸಿದ ಮೇಲೆ ಅದನ್ನು ಎರಡು ಮಣದಷ್ಟು ತೂಕದ ಉಂಡೆಗಳನ್ನಾಗಿ ಮಾಡುತ್ತಾರೆ. ಈ ಉಂಡೆಗಳನ್ನು ತುಪ್ಪದಲ್ಲಿ ಅದ್ದಿ ಆನೆಯ ಬಾಯೊಳಗೆ ಇಡುತ್ತಾರೆ."
June 9, 2022
In the life of a restrained reader such as yours truly such breathtaking texts appear, as if sent by Athena herself.
British civil servant Robert Sewell, after wide-ranging exploration into the history of the Vijayanagara Empire, has, in this book laid singular stress on the history of the empire and the fall of Hampi. This book in veracity is a translation of ‘The Vijayanagar Empire’ as observed by Domingo Paes and Fernao Nuniz – the Portuguese travellers to India in the 16th century.
The foundation of the Vijayanagara Empire is incontestably the most momentous event in the history of Medieval India. It lasted for three centuries and effectively prevented the extension of Muslim Sultanates in South. The history of Vijayanagara Empire is truly an unbroken era of bloody wars with Bahamani and other Muslim rulers.
Two brothers Harihara and Bukka laid the foundation of the Vijayanagara city on the Southern bank of Tungabhadra River near Anegundi fortress.
A sage Madhav Vidyaranya and his brother Sayana (whose annotations on the Vedas is legendary) were the rousing source for the foundation of this Hindu empire.
Bukka sent an embassy to China in 1374 and after his death was succeeded by Harihara. Harihara II extended this newly founded kingdom by conquering almost whole of Southern India, including Mysore, Kanara, Chingalpet, Trichinopally and Kanchivaram. Harihara II was a devotee of Virupaksha (Shiva), but was tolerant to all other religions. He was the first King of Vijayanagara Empire who assumed the title of Maharajadhiraj Rajaparmeshwara.
In 1486, Vir Narasimha of Chandragiri, who had rose in status, took control of Vijayanagara, leading to the direct rule of the Tuluva Dynasty. His younger son Krishanadev Raya is unquestionably the finest ruler of Vijayanagara and one of the most illustrious kings in the history of India.
He was dauntless warrior and like Vikramaditya, he was always triumphant in the wars which he waged throughout his reign. He was an excellent statesman and treated the defeated enemy with due honour.
His greatest and most celebrated military achievement was crushing defeat of Ismail Adil Shah on 19th March, 1520. This ended the Muslim dominance in South and made him master of whole of South India.
During his last days, Krishanadev devoted all his concentration in organisation of his empire and improving the administration. He maintained sociable relationship with the Portuguese and granted some concessions to governor Albuquerque.
The reign of Krishanadev Raya reached to its peak not only in terms of expanse of the empire, but also in terms of growth and expansion of literature, music, art and culture. Raya himself was a skilled poet, musician, scholar and was glib in Sanskrit, Telugu and Kannada (and perhaps Tamil too).
He wrote an immeasurably important (both historically and religiously) book ‘Amuktamalyada’ in Telugu. He patronized many poets which includes Ashtadiggajas (eight elephants, the great poets of Telugu) and scholars like Tenalirama.
His reign also saw the remarkable development in art and architecture. The famous Hazara Temple built during his reign is one of the most ideal instances of Hindu temple architecture. Raya and all other rulers of this empire were pious Hindus and were devoted to Dharma, but they had very non-interventionist outlook for other religions. Sewell quotes Barbosa, who says: ‘the kings allowed such freedom that every man would live without suffering and annoyance, whether he is a Christian, Jew, Moor or Hindu'.
Achyut Raya succeeded as the ruler of empire, but soon lost control to his brother-in-law Tirumala. In due course, the power was transferred to Prime Minister Ram Raya who seized the throne for himself. Finally, three Muslim Sultanates of Deccan, Bijapur, Ahmadnagar and Golconda formed a coalition and met the massive Vijayanagara Army near village Tagdi on 23rd January, 1565.
Vijayanagara lost the war to the allied forces. A group of Muslim soldiers separated the elephant of Ram Raya from his army in a swift move. He was at once beheaded by Husain Nizam Shah. What followed was one of the greatest plunders in the history of India.
To quote Sewell: 'After victory, Muslims reached capital and for next five month they destroyed and plundered relentlessly. Nothing seemed to escape them. They burned magnificent buildings, pavillions and finally the beautiful Vithalswami temple near the river. With swords, crowbars and axes they smashed exquisite stone sculptures. Never perhaps in history of the world such havoc has been wrought on so splendid ciry, teeming with a wealthy and industrious population. Ciry was seized, pillages and reduced to ruins, amid scenes of savage massacre and horrors beggaring description'.
This so called Battle of Talikota was one of the decisive battles in the History of India. It decimated the Hindu superiority in Southern India till ascend of Marathas in the 17th century. Despite the incredible harm, Vijayanagara did endure but, the early sumptuousness was lost. Coalition Muslim forces did not gain much in spite of triumph. Alliance was soon dissolved and the brother of Rama Raya took this chance and tried to redeem the erstwhile glory.
I would like to end this discussion by highlighting on the administrative system of the Empire as discussed by Sewell. Vijayanagar's administrative policy is best understood as a centralized bureaucratic policy and it is considered as a centralized bureaucratic empire. In Vijayanagara, the king was the ultimate authority and he was assisted by a cabinet of pradhanas headed by a Mahpradhana. The palace administration was divided into departments, each of which was liable for administrative matters. The whole empire was divided into five main rajyas each of which was further divided into regions. The regions were divided into countries with the subdivision of municipalities. The successful military deeds of the Vijayanagara rulers led them to assume the title of Dikvijayans.
Vijayanagara kingship was emblematic in the sense that the rulers exercised their power through their overlords over a region beyond the prime centre of their authority. This symbolism was manifested through the instrument of religion which was used to ensure loyalty from the people. This kind of an empire was prevalent in other part of the world as well. This type of empire were usually established through the military and other exploits of individuals, commonly in period of chaos, discord and turbulence of an assortment of kinds and thus the establishment of their rule is considered to have brought about tranquility and order. The Vijayanagara had this type of system, hence, it is considered as an Empire.
A must read for history buffs. A bit doctrinaire and arcane at times, but a momentous experience for me personally.
British civil servant Robert Sewell, after wide-ranging exploration into the history of the Vijayanagara Empire, has, in this book laid singular stress on the history of the empire and the fall of Hampi. This book in veracity is a translation of ‘The Vijayanagar Empire’ as observed by Domingo Paes and Fernao Nuniz – the Portuguese travellers to India in the 16th century.
The foundation of the Vijayanagara Empire is incontestably the most momentous event in the history of Medieval India. It lasted for three centuries and effectively prevented the extension of Muslim Sultanates in South. The history of Vijayanagara Empire is truly an unbroken era of bloody wars with Bahamani and other Muslim rulers.
Two brothers Harihara and Bukka laid the foundation of the Vijayanagara city on the Southern bank of Tungabhadra River near Anegundi fortress.
A sage Madhav Vidyaranya and his brother Sayana (whose annotations on the Vedas is legendary) were the rousing source for the foundation of this Hindu empire.
Bukka sent an embassy to China in 1374 and after his death was succeeded by Harihara. Harihara II extended this newly founded kingdom by conquering almost whole of Southern India, including Mysore, Kanara, Chingalpet, Trichinopally and Kanchivaram. Harihara II was a devotee of Virupaksha (Shiva), but was tolerant to all other religions. He was the first King of Vijayanagara Empire who assumed the title of Maharajadhiraj Rajaparmeshwara.
In 1486, Vir Narasimha of Chandragiri, who had rose in status, took control of Vijayanagara, leading to the direct rule of the Tuluva Dynasty. His younger son Krishanadev Raya is unquestionably the finest ruler of Vijayanagara and one of the most illustrious kings in the history of India.
He was dauntless warrior and like Vikramaditya, he was always triumphant in the wars which he waged throughout his reign. He was an excellent statesman and treated the defeated enemy with due honour.
His greatest and most celebrated military achievement was crushing defeat of Ismail Adil Shah on 19th March, 1520. This ended the Muslim dominance in South and made him master of whole of South India.
During his last days, Krishanadev devoted all his concentration in organisation of his empire and improving the administration. He maintained sociable relationship with the Portuguese and granted some concessions to governor Albuquerque.
The reign of Krishanadev Raya reached to its peak not only in terms of expanse of the empire, but also in terms of growth and expansion of literature, music, art and culture. Raya himself was a skilled poet, musician, scholar and was glib in Sanskrit, Telugu and Kannada (and perhaps Tamil too).
He wrote an immeasurably important (both historically and religiously) book ‘Amuktamalyada’ in Telugu. He patronized many poets which includes Ashtadiggajas (eight elephants, the great poets of Telugu) and scholars like Tenalirama.
His reign also saw the remarkable development in art and architecture. The famous Hazara Temple built during his reign is one of the most ideal instances of Hindu temple architecture. Raya and all other rulers of this empire were pious Hindus and were devoted to Dharma, but they had very non-interventionist outlook for other religions. Sewell quotes Barbosa, who says: ‘the kings allowed such freedom that every man would live without suffering and annoyance, whether he is a Christian, Jew, Moor or Hindu'.
Achyut Raya succeeded as the ruler of empire, but soon lost control to his brother-in-law Tirumala. In due course, the power was transferred to Prime Minister Ram Raya who seized the throne for himself. Finally, three Muslim Sultanates of Deccan, Bijapur, Ahmadnagar and Golconda formed a coalition and met the massive Vijayanagara Army near village Tagdi on 23rd January, 1565.
Vijayanagara lost the war to the allied forces. A group of Muslim soldiers separated the elephant of Ram Raya from his army in a swift move. He was at once beheaded by Husain Nizam Shah. What followed was one of the greatest plunders in the history of India.
To quote Sewell: 'After victory, Muslims reached capital and for next five month they destroyed and plundered relentlessly. Nothing seemed to escape them. They burned magnificent buildings, pavillions and finally the beautiful Vithalswami temple near the river. With swords, crowbars and axes they smashed exquisite stone sculptures. Never perhaps in history of the world such havoc has been wrought on so splendid ciry, teeming with a wealthy and industrious population. Ciry was seized, pillages and reduced to ruins, amid scenes of savage massacre and horrors beggaring description'.
This so called Battle of Talikota was one of the decisive battles in the History of India. It decimated the Hindu superiority in Southern India till ascend of Marathas in the 17th century. Despite the incredible harm, Vijayanagara did endure but, the early sumptuousness was lost. Coalition Muslim forces did not gain much in spite of triumph. Alliance was soon dissolved and the brother of Rama Raya took this chance and tried to redeem the erstwhile glory.
I would like to end this discussion by highlighting on the administrative system of the Empire as discussed by Sewell. Vijayanagar's administrative policy is best understood as a centralized bureaucratic policy and it is considered as a centralized bureaucratic empire. In Vijayanagara, the king was the ultimate authority and he was assisted by a cabinet of pradhanas headed by a Mahpradhana. The palace administration was divided into departments, each of which was liable for administrative matters. The whole empire was divided into five main rajyas each of which was further divided into regions. The regions were divided into countries with the subdivision of municipalities. The successful military deeds of the Vijayanagara rulers led them to assume the title of Dikvijayans.
Vijayanagara kingship was emblematic in the sense that the rulers exercised their power through their overlords over a region beyond the prime centre of their authority. This symbolism was manifested through the instrument of religion which was used to ensure loyalty from the people. This kind of an empire was prevalent in other part of the world as well. This type of empire were usually established through the military and other exploits of individuals, commonly in period of chaos, discord and turbulence of an assortment of kinds and thus the establishment of their rule is considered to have brought about tranquility and order. The Vijayanagara had this type of system, hence, it is considered as an Empire.
A must read for history buffs. A bit doctrinaire and arcane at times, but a momentous experience for me personally.
March 17, 2017
The Vijayanagara Empire was one of India's most glorious empires in history. It was founded by Harihara and Bukka under the guidance of Sri Vidyaranya in 1336. It rose from the ashes of the Hoysala and the Kakatiya empires, which had been destroyed by the Delhi Sultanate.
It went on to become one of India's greatest empires and reached the pinnacle during the reign of Krishnadevaraya (1509-1529). This book describes the empire in detail and its glories. It also describes the conflict of the empire with its arch rivals, Bahmanis and the Deccan Sultanate, the tragic defeat in the Battle of Talikota and the subsequent decline, and finally the end in 1642.
Robert Sewell was a British government official in India who wrote this epic work after coming across the ruins of Hampi. The book is a must read for all history lovers.
It went on to become one of India's greatest empires and reached the pinnacle during the reign of Krishnadevaraya (1509-1529). This book describes the empire in detail and its glories. It also describes the conflict of the empire with its arch rivals, Bahmanis and the Deccan Sultanate, the tragic defeat in the Battle of Talikota and the subsequent decline, and finally the end in 1642.
Robert Sewell was a British government official in India who wrote this epic work after coming across the ruins of Hampi. The book is a must read for all history lovers.
January 2, 2014
I read this book to get a sense of the Vijayanagar empire because I spent a few days in Hampi last month. The book was interesting to read in some ways--especially the way that Sewell uses a kind of meta-narrative to describe the historiography process given the scant information accessible or available to him at the time of writing. So there is a self-consciousness about the history writing process that I appreciated. I also thought it was interesting to see so many different descriptions of the region from Persian or Portuguese people exploring or invading. Actually the way that the part of the book explains how the Vijayanagar empire led to further colonisation by the Portuguese was quite fascinating to read about, including the extreme brutality of the Portuguese colonists that ensued as a result of that age old 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend' policy. But ultimately most of the book moves from battle to battle, from war to war. I haven't read that type of a historical book in ages and I don't much like it. So I'll need to find a better, and more recent, book that can give me a broader sense of the period and its people, its culture.
October 10, 2014
Though written in academic tone, book immediately takes grip on your mind like suspense/thriller novel.
March 14, 2025
* ಅದ್ಭುತವಾದ ಪುಸ್ತಕ : ಇತ್ತೀಚೆಗೆ ವಿಜಯನಗರ ಸಾಮ್ರಾಜ್ಯದ ವೈಭವ ಮತ್ತು ಶ್ರೀ ಕೃಷ್ಣ ದೇವರಾಯನ ಆಡಳಿತದ ವೈಖರಿಯ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಹೆಚ್ಚು ಆಸಕ್ತಿ ಹುಟ್ಟಿಸಿಕೊಂಡ ನನಗೆ ಈ ಸಾಮ್ರಾಜ್ಯದ ಉದ್ದಗಲ, ಆಳವಾದ ತಿಳುವರಿಕೆಗೆ ಮತ್ತು ಕಣ್ಣಿಗೆ ಕಟ್ಟುವಂತೆ ನೋಡಿಸಿಕೊಡುವ ಇತಿಹಾಸದ ಆಧಾರಿತ ಪುಸ್ತಕದ ಅನ್ಸ್ವೇಷಣೆಯಲ್ಲಿದ್ದಾಗ ಸಿಕ್ಕಂತ ಈ ಗ್ರಂಥ ವಿಜಯನಗರ ಸಾಮ್ರಾಜ್ಯವನ್ನು ಕಟ್ಟಿದವರಿಂದ ಹಿಡಿದು ಬೆಳೆಸಿ ಪೋಷಿಸಿ ಅಂತ್ಯವಾಗುವರೆಗಿನ ಇತಿಹಾಸವನ್ನು ಶಾಶನ,ಮುಸ್ಲಿo ಇತಿಹಾಸಕಾರರ ಅಪ ಭ್ರoಶಿಯ ಶಬ್ದಗಳು ಮತ್ತು ಹೊರದೇಶಿಯ ಪ್ರವಾಸಿಗರ ಉತ್ಪ್ರೇಕ್ಷಿತ ಲೇಖನಗಳು ಓದುಗರಿಗೆ ಬೋರು ಹೊಡೆಸುವ ಆದರೂ ಓದುತ್ತಾ ಸಾಮ್ರಾಜ್ಯದ ಕಲ್ಪನೆಗೆ ಇಂಬು ಕೊಡುವ ಬಹಳಷ್ಟು ವಿಷಯಗಳು ,ವಿಚಾರಗಳು ಗ್ರಂಥದಲ್ಲಿವೆ.
ಇದನ್ನು ಓದಿ ಹಂಪಿಯ ಪ್ರವಾಸ ಕೈಗೊಂಡ ನನಗೆ ಈ ಗ್ರಂಥ ಒಂದು ವಿಶಿಷ್ಟ ಅನುಭವ.
ಇದನ್ನು ಓದಿ ಹಂಪಿಯ ಪ್ರವಾಸ ಕೈಗೊಂಡ ನನಗೆ ಈ ಗ್ರಂಥ ಒಂದು ವಿಶಿಷ್ಟ ಅನುಭವ.
January 11, 2016
Robert Sewell (1845 – 1925) was a British civil servant employed at the Madras Record Office as a Keeper entrusted with documenting ancient inscriptions and remains in the region. This book is the first ever attempt to decipher the puzzle of history hidden in the stony ruins of Hampi. Basing his research mainly on three sixteenth century historians of the region, Sewell unveils a preliminary montage of a forgotten dynasty that fired up the imagination of folklore, but hardly left any historical references of its own. The author describes the birth of the empire in 1336 and its eclipse in 1565 in which the combined military might of the Deccani sultanates comprehensively decimated them at the Battle of Talikota. The two centuries of Vijayanagara prominence was a defining point in South Indian history, though they hardly made any impact north of the Vindhyas. The entire south accepted their tutelage and consolidation of Hindu monarchs helped stem the tide of Muslim invasions to a limited extent. Sewell’s historiography might look a little odd in the light of present standards, as in its emphasis on religious differences between the winners and vanquished as the root cause of all strife. But we should not lose sight of the fact that the book was written at the height of colonial power and his natural inclination was to paint the alien rulers in a better light when the reader is indirectly to make a comparison between the times his story narrates to the then existing conditions prevailing in British India.
Mohammed bin Tughlaq’s invasion of Anegundi, which was the ancestral seat of the Sangama brothers who were ministers of the ruling monarch provided the spur for establishing the dynasty. Its early phase was marred with frequent collisions with Bahmani sultans who established their headquarters at Gulbarga. The invasions were frequent and every time we read about a debacle on the part of Vijayanagara rulers and their having to part with gold, jewels and their daughters to the sultans. The dynasty itself was also not free from internecine strife and fratricidal intrigues for obtaining the throne by deceitful means. Vijayanagara’s star turned when Krishna Devaraya ascended the throne in 1509, who ruled till 1530. His rule was legendary and completely stemmed the alien tide as long as he reigned. Personal valour, efficient military administration and liberal assistance from the Portuguese with whom the King was in cordial relations helped him vanquish the opponents. The historical sky of Vijayanagara was illuminated by the lone star of Krishna Devaraya. The empire began to crumble right from his death. His successors were either weak or harsh on the nobles which drove them to sideline the monarch with titular powers. The haughty demeanour exhibited by Krishna himself prompted the five sultanates to join forces and defeat Vijayanagara in a convincing rout in the year 1565.
The writer leans on the historical narratives of two Portuguese historians Fernao Nuniz and Domingo Paes who travelled and wrote about Vijayanagara in 1535-37 and 1520 respectively. Being chroniclers of a foreign potentate, they look at the spectacle of Indian royalty with an open mind and makes frank comparisons with what they were familiar with, in Europe and elsewhere. Vijayanagara had a monopoly on buying horses traded by Portuguese ships which transported the animals from Yemen to Goa and then overland to Hampi. It is said that the demise of the empire after 1565 was one of the direct causes of the darkening of Portuguese prominence around this period. The sudden loss of a lucrative item of trade which never regained its old scale proved to be one of the nails in the Portuguese coffin.
Nuniz’s description of the life in Vijayanagara makes interesting reading. Generally, it is believed that the upper castes among the Hindus observe a strict diet of vegetarianism. But what we learn from the traveler is quite contrary, as he asserts that “these Kings of Bisnaga eat all sorts of things, but not the flesh of oxen or cows, which they never kill in all the country of the heathen because they worship them. They eat mutton, pork, venison, partridges, hares, doves, quail and all kinds of birds; even sparrows, and rats, and cats, and lizards, all of which are sold in the markets of the city of Bisnaga (Vijayanagara)” (p.308). Would the present-day Hindu revivalists be able to ‘stomach’ these hard facts?
The book is highly recommended.
Rating: 3 Star
Mohammed bin Tughlaq’s invasion of Anegundi, which was the ancestral seat of the Sangama brothers who were ministers of the ruling monarch provided the spur for establishing the dynasty. Its early phase was marred with frequent collisions with Bahmani sultans who established their headquarters at Gulbarga. The invasions were frequent and every time we read about a debacle on the part of Vijayanagara rulers and their having to part with gold, jewels and their daughters to the sultans. The dynasty itself was also not free from internecine strife and fratricidal intrigues for obtaining the throne by deceitful means. Vijayanagara’s star turned when Krishna Devaraya ascended the throne in 1509, who ruled till 1530. His rule was legendary and completely stemmed the alien tide as long as he reigned. Personal valour, efficient military administration and liberal assistance from the Portuguese with whom the King was in cordial relations helped him vanquish the opponents. The historical sky of Vijayanagara was illuminated by the lone star of Krishna Devaraya. The empire began to crumble right from his death. His successors were either weak or harsh on the nobles which drove them to sideline the monarch with titular powers. The haughty demeanour exhibited by Krishna himself prompted the five sultanates to join forces and defeat Vijayanagara in a convincing rout in the year 1565.
The writer leans on the historical narratives of two Portuguese historians Fernao Nuniz and Domingo Paes who travelled and wrote about Vijayanagara in 1535-37 and 1520 respectively. Being chroniclers of a foreign potentate, they look at the spectacle of Indian royalty with an open mind and makes frank comparisons with what they were familiar with, in Europe and elsewhere. Vijayanagara had a monopoly on buying horses traded by Portuguese ships which transported the animals from Yemen to Goa and then overland to Hampi. It is said that the demise of the empire after 1565 was one of the direct causes of the darkening of Portuguese prominence around this period. The sudden loss of a lucrative item of trade which never regained its old scale proved to be one of the nails in the Portuguese coffin.
Nuniz’s description of the life in Vijayanagara makes interesting reading. Generally, it is believed that the upper castes among the Hindus observe a strict diet of vegetarianism. But what we learn from the traveler is quite contrary, as he asserts that “these Kings of Bisnaga eat all sorts of things, but not the flesh of oxen or cows, which they never kill in all the country of the heathen because they worship them. They eat mutton, pork, venison, partridges, hares, doves, quail and all kinds of birds; even sparrows, and rats, and cats, and lizards, all of which are sold in the markets of the city of Bisnaga (Vijayanagara)” (p.308). Would the present-day Hindu revivalists be able to ‘stomach’ these hard facts?
The book is highly recommended.
Rating: 3 Star
March 10, 2015
Salute to the bravehearts of Vijaynagara. People can manipulate certain historical facts to fragment India, but the true fact is that people from southern India have emerged as the saviour of Hindutva in medieval era when we in northern India were fighting for geographical pockets.
Excellent attempt by an author to remind coming generations about the pride and valour of Vijaynagara.
Excellent attempt by an author to remind coming generations about the pride and valour of Vijaynagara.
June 24, 2012
Not bad for a translation written in the 1800's but not the most exciting book in the world. I think I'd rather read in the original language or find a book that does more than practically dictate ambassador type reporting.
May 29, 2017
Nice read on the Vijayanagara Empire
August 15, 2017
Excellent! Must read.
March 2, 2023
Spotlight on the rise, the consolidation and the fall of one the greatest empires of Southern India.
The impact of the Vijayanagara kings on the history, society and religion of South India has been almost unparalleled. At a time, when most of the North was ruled by Islamic dynasties, Vijayanagara rose as a response to their repeated incursions to the South, pervaded by horrific pillage, murder and wanton destruction of Hindu temples. For three centuries (1336-1646), the Vijayanagara kings were the bulwark that shielded the South, and ensured a rule that accorded with the Dharmashastras. By the time the sun set on this magnificent power, the Marathas had established themselves in a position to further the work started by Vijayanagara.
Coming to the book, British civil servant Robert Sewell, has consolidated data from inscriptions, letters, court documents of the Muslim rulers, and first-hand eye witness accounts from Portuguese travelers and traders who visited Vijayanagara at its peak, to present a captivating picture. The descriptions of the capital, the lavish court, the bustling markets and fairs, the magnificent temples, the water harvesting techniques, the fertile orchards and groves, the well-planned streets, the luxurious houses, the pomp and spectacle of the Dusshera festival; all come alive and leap off the page at you. If you are planning a trip to Hampi, carry a copy with you to better visualize the ruins in their heyday.
The most accomplished king of this empire was Krishna Deva Raya (1509-1530), a contemporary of Henry VIII in England and Alfonso Albuquerque, the Portuguese Viceroy in Goa. His prodigious talents in statecraft, diplomacy, military strategy, town planning, religious affairs etc. are well known and well documented in the book. The only omission in my view, was a description of his literary and artistic accomplishments.
We also get to read translations of the travelogues written by Domingo Paes and Fernando Nuniz; two Portuguese travelers who visited Vijayanagara and recorded their experiences. Paes even describes KDR’s daily routine and his physical appearance (‘of medium height, fair complexion and good figure…’)
While this book concentrates mainly on the succession of Vijayanagara kings and the many battles fought to consolidate power, not much attention is paid to the social and economic life in the kingdom. For readers keen on exploring this aspect, I would also recommend the two-volume ‘Social and Political Life in the Vijayanagara Empire’ by B.A.Saletore.
The impact of the Vijayanagara kings on the history, society and religion of South India has been almost unparalleled. At a time, when most of the North was ruled by Islamic dynasties, Vijayanagara rose as a response to their repeated incursions to the South, pervaded by horrific pillage, murder and wanton destruction of Hindu temples. For three centuries (1336-1646), the Vijayanagara kings were the bulwark that shielded the South, and ensured a rule that accorded with the Dharmashastras. By the time the sun set on this magnificent power, the Marathas had established themselves in a position to further the work started by Vijayanagara.
Coming to the book, British civil servant Robert Sewell, has consolidated data from inscriptions, letters, court documents of the Muslim rulers, and first-hand eye witness accounts from Portuguese travelers and traders who visited Vijayanagara at its peak, to present a captivating picture. The descriptions of the capital, the lavish court, the bustling markets and fairs, the magnificent temples, the water harvesting techniques, the fertile orchards and groves, the well-planned streets, the luxurious houses, the pomp and spectacle of the Dusshera festival; all come alive and leap off the page at you. If you are planning a trip to Hampi, carry a copy with you to better visualize the ruins in their heyday.
The most accomplished king of this empire was Krishna Deva Raya (1509-1530), a contemporary of Henry VIII in England and Alfonso Albuquerque, the Portuguese Viceroy in Goa. His prodigious talents in statecraft, diplomacy, military strategy, town planning, religious affairs etc. are well known and well documented in the book. The only omission in my view, was a description of his literary and artistic accomplishments.
We also get to read translations of the travelogues written by Domingo Paes and Fernando Nuniz; two Portuguese travelers who visited Vijayanagara and recorded their experiences. Paes even describes KDR’s daily routine and his physical appearance (‘of medium height, fair complexion and good figure…’)
While this book concentrates mainly on the succession of Vijayanagara kings and the many battles fought to consolidate power, not much attention is paid to the social and economic life in the kingdom. For readers keen on exploring this aspect, I would also recommend the two-volume ‘Social and Political Life in the Vijayanagara Empire’ by B.A.Saletore.
July 30, 2023
Written by a British Historian Robert Sewell who worked in the Imperial Civil services in the 19th century. The book focuses on the Political history of Vijayanagar empire from its foundations to its sudden death on 23rd of January 1565 at the Battle of Tallikota/Rakshasa Tangadi .
Robert Sewell analyzes multiple dimensions , multiple sources (mostly inscriptions and previous writers on the subject ) . He clearly brings the out multidimensional aspect of looking at the Vijayanagar history.
It is heartening to see a British historian in the 19th century has put an effort to write a entire book on Viajayanagara , one of the important epochs of Indian history and which is completely missing in the post independent history of India. Our history books just glosses over the Vijaaynagara empire in 2 pages at the most. An till today Robert Sewells books remains the only authority on Vijayanagar history . Moghul history of 200 years covers major parts of our history books whereas Vijayanagar empire which at its peak ruled entire southern peninsula , srilanka etc and the reign is longer than 300 years hardly finds mention.
Sewells history of Viajayanagara no doubt focuses on the political aspects with a excessive indulgence in dates and years which was predominant way of history writing of those days . It also has to be seen in the light of colonial administrations interest on native political and governance landscape .
The Vijayanagara political saga with its twists and turns is no less than a Game of Thrones . In the hands of good director the material is worth crores.
Robert Sewell analyzes multiple dimensions , multiple sources (mostly inscriptions and previous writers on the subject ) . He clearly brings the out multidimensional aspect of looking at the Vijayanagar history.
It is heartening to see a British historian in the 19th century has put an effort to write a entire book on Viajayanagara , one of the important epochs of Indian history and which is completely missing in the post independent history of India. Our history books just glosses over the Vijaaynagara empire in 2 pages at the most. An till today Robert Sewells books remains the only authority on Vijayanagar history . Moghul history of 200 years covers major parts of our history books whereas Vijayanagar empire which at its peak ruled entire southern peninsula , srilanka etc and the reign is longer than 300 years hardly finds mention.
Sewells history of Viajayanagara no doubt focuses on the political aspects with a excessive indulgence in dates and years which was predominant way of history writing of those days . It also has to be seen in the light of colonial administrations interest on native political and governance landscape .
The Vijayanagara political saga with its twists and turns is no less than a Game of Thrones . In the hands of good director the material is worth crores.
December 2, 2021
From the time I read part of “Madhura Vijaya” by Gangadevi,
ಸತತಾಧ್ವರಧೂಮಸೌರಭೈಃ ಪ್ರಾಙ್ನಿಗಮೋದ್ಧೋಷಣವಧ್ಭಿರಗ್ರಹಾರೈಃ।
ಅಧುನಾಜನಿ ವಿಸ್ರಮಾಂಸಗನ್ಧೈರಧಿಕಕ್ಷೀಬತುಲುಷ್ಕಸಿಂಹನಾದೈಃ।।
Translation: Where once, due to the continuous performance of yagnas, there was the fragrance of burnt clarified butter, and the sound of the chants of the Vedas, in the villages, now, there is the smell of burnt raw flesh and the world is split by the roars of the Turushkas.
ಸ್ತನಚನ್ದನಪಾಣ್ಡು ತಾಮ್ರಪರ್ಣ್ಯಾಸ್ತರುಣೀನಾಮಭವತ್ಪುರಾ ಯದಮ್ಭಃ।
ತದಸೃಗ್ಭಿರುಪೈತಿ ಶೋಣಿಮಾನಂ ನಿಹತಾನಾಮಭಿತೋ ಗವಾಂ ನೃಶಂಸೈಃ।। (೮)
Translation: The river Tamraparni, which was once white due to the sandal paste applied by the women to their bodies, is today, red due to the flowing blood of the cows that have been slaughtered by the wicked men.
I wanted to know more about the Vijayanagar Empire. This book is just one of the link to understand the reality that are never thought to us in school.
ಸತತಾಧ್ವರಧೂಮಸೌರಭೈಃ ಪ್ರಾಙ್ನಿಗಮೋದ್ಧೋಷಣವಧ್ಭಿರಗ್ರಹಾರೈಃ।
ಅಧುನಾಜನಿ ವಿಸ್ರಮಾಂಸಗನ್ಧೈರಧಿಕಕ್ಷೀಬತುಲುಷ್ಕಸಿಂಹನಾದೈಃ।।
Translation: Where once, due to the continuous performance of yagnas, there was the fragrance of burnt clarified butter, and the sound of the chants of the Vedas, in the villages, now, there is the smell of burnt raw flesh and the world is split by the roars of the Turushkas.
ಸ್ತನಚನ್ದನಪಾಣ್ಡು ತಾಮ್ರಪರ್ಣ್ಯಾಸ್ತರುಣೀನಾಮಭವತ್ಪುರಾ ಯದಮ್ಭಃ।
ತದಸೃಗ್ಭಿರುಪೈತಿ ಶೋಣಿಮಾನಂ ನಿಹತಾನಾಮಭಿತೋ ಗವಾಂ ನೃಶಂಸೈಃ।। (೮)
Translation: The river Tamraparni, which was once white due to the sandal paste applied by the women to their bodies, is today, red due to the flowing blood of the cows that have been slaughtered by the wicked men.
I wanted to know more about the Vijayanagar Empire. This book is just one of the link to understand the reality that are never thought to us in school.
March 14, 2018
Quite comprehensive. Chronologically confusing sometimes because the history is stitched from the accounts of various travelers of those times but you won't really be interested in the names and dates anyway. I personally wanted to read about the time of Sri Krishna Deva Raya, the greatest of them all. On that front and about the lives of people of that city during his reign, Sewell does a good job. The savageries of that time and the state of affairs of the Deccan kingdoms from the Bahmanis to the Shahs who rebelled from the former are all well documented too. The account of Domingo Paes (he came to India during KrishnaDevaRaya's reign) was the most interesting for me.
July 5, 2024
Amazing book if one is a fan of history and of Vijaynagar empire.
This book is about the rise and fall of vijaynagar, it is a translated work of several travellers of that time.
It is a bit boring sometimes because the chapters are not organized, it opens up a world of imagination of how the empire was during its peak.
Really grateful for the author who found the ruins and collected facts. Otherwise it would have been long forgotten!
This book is about the rise and fall of vijaynagar, it is a translated work of several travellers of that time.
It is a bit boring sometimes because the chapters are not organized, it opens up a world of imagination of how the empire was during its peak.
Really grateful for the author who found the ruins and collected facts. Otherwise it would have been long forgotten!
November 17, 2020
Unbiased research and work on Vijayanagar empire. A bit dry but overall provides a detailed a beautiful overview over one of the greatest empires. A beautiful description of the city of Vijayanagar, which now lays in ruins.
July 21, 2021
Good but dry read with lots of primary sources. More details on various wars between Vijayanagara empire and mughals rather than general history of the empire. Definitely needs a native perspective on a lot of things mentioned or exaggerated here.
Want to read
August 16, 2019Need to check
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2019
Great inform information
July 4, 2020
Detailed collection of facts accepted ....one stop solution of the history shaping in South india's mightiest empire...must read for south indian friends ...
July 26, 2020
Excellent book but would've been better with more maps
January 1, 2021
A very boring book. It is neither an interesting read nor a book where one can learn something.
April 29, 2025
The book starts slowly and then it becomes quite amazing. The author quotes 3 historians from different eras and brings together this narrative. I learnt a lot about history is written and how difficult it is to make sense of what different historians have written - from how proper nouns are mangled to how they understood things based on their own context - a fascinating glimpse into 2 centuries of the Vijayanagar empire. All we learnt was about Krishna Deva Raya and that was one paragraph in the history text book.
Torture methods are described in detail and it was very gory.
The wealth of India seems incredible - and I keep wondering where it all went!
Torture methods are described in detail and it was very gory.
The wealth of India seems incredible - and I keep wondering where it all went!
May 29, 2015
This book is quite engaging, at least as compared to other histories of India. It describes battles, tales of megalomania and political machinations in an almost reverential manner, as if alluding to the mighty, and therefore justifiable, British empire.
A major shortcoming is that it is more of an account than a history as it's narration is only concerned with the depiction of events, with scant mention of the stuff that makes history interesting. If, like me, you prefer to read about how people lived, worked and ate or about how class structure, gender relations and culture exhibited themselves in a certain time period, this book is probably not for you.
A major shortcoming is that it is more of an account than a history as it's narration is only concerned with the depiction of events, with scant mention of the stuff that makes history interesting. If, like me, you prefer to read about how people lived, worked and ate or about how class structure, gender relations and culture exhibited themselves in a certain time period, this book is probably not for you.
December 31, 2022
An enjoyable and enlightening read
I very much enjoyed reading this book as it shed light on a period of Indian history to which I had only sketchy knowledge.
I very much enjoyed reading this book as it shed light on a period of Indian history to which I had only sketchy knowledge.
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