This is the seventh volume of the series on Indian history, From Indus to Independence: A Trek through Indian History, and provides the history of the great Vijayanagara Empire. Named in aspiration of victoryin both the spiritual and temporal realmsVijayanagara more than lived up to its name for more than three centuries, before it was brought down by a number of factors, some of them beyond its control. Vijayanagara was established at a critical juncture in the politico-religious history of Peninsular India. Even though it was not proclaimed as such, there is no doubt that the kingdom was created as the answer to the ferocious Islamic invasions of the 'Deep South' that was becoming a regular feature in Peninsular India. It succeeded in holding back the invading armies, for three long centuries, thereby blunting the zeal and urgency of the Islamic conquest. These three centuries provided the balm to make the interaction between Hinduism and Islam more congenial than at the outset of the Islamic invasion of the Deccan Plateau. This book provides a detailed historical narrative of the great Vijayanagara Empire and carries out an assessment of its successes and failures. The book provides the reader with an in-depth understanding of the irrevocable and fundamental forces of history that have been instrumental in forming the present that we live today.

Authors PrefaceIntroduction SECTION ISOUTH INDIA 14TH CENTURYChapter 1 Islamic Rule Permeates The Deccan Chapter 2 Uprisings, Revolts and RebellionsSECTION DISPUTED ORIGINSChapter 3 Disputed Origins: The Continuing Debate Chapter 4 The Empire and a Matha Vijayanagara and Sringeri Matha: The Intimate ConnectionSECTION IIITHE SANGAMA DYNASTYChapter 5 An Astute Beginning Chapter 6 Territorial Expansion Under Bukka Raya I Chapter 7 Stabilisation: Vira Harihara Raya II Chapter 8 Altering the Balance of Power Chapter 9 Dynastic Greatness Chapter 10 A Whimpering End Chapter 11 Vijayanagara The City of Victory At the Height of Sangama Power SECTION IVTHE SALUVA DYNASTYChapter 12 Antecedents Chapter 13 An Inglorious Demise Section VTHE TULUVA DYNASTYChapter 14 The Third Dynasty Takes Over Chapter 15 Krishna Deva Raya Coming to Power Chapter 16 Krishna Deva Raya On the War Path Chapter 17 Krishna Deva Raya Deccan Campaign and an Inglorious End Chapter 18 Krishna Deva Raya King, Warrior, Statesman Chapter 19 Diminishing Stature Chapter 20 The De Facto Reign of Rama Raya Chapter 21 Rama Raya Establishing Aravidu Rule SECTION VICOLLAPSE OF AN EMPIREChapter 22 The Battle of Rakshasa-Tangadi Chapter 23 The Aftermath Chapter 24 Rama Raya A Retrospective Analysis Chapter 25 Recouping The Kingdom After the Defeat SECTION VIITHE ARAVIDU DYNASTYChapter 26 Aravidu Rule is Formalised Chapter 27 Sri Ranga Deva Raya I Chapter 28 The Viceroyalties Chapter 29 Venkata Deva Raya II Chapter 30 Rebellions and Declining Fortunes Chapter 31 A Civil War and Succession Decay Sets in Chapter 32 Venkata Deva Raya III Racing Towards Oblivion Chapter 33 Sri Ranga Deva Raya III - The Curtain Falls SECTION VIIIAN EMPIRE CALLED VIJAYANAGARAChapter 34 The Concept of The King-Emperor Chapter 35 On Society, Religion and Other Aspects Chapter 36 Revenue Management and Judicial Administration Chapter 37 War and Diplomacy CONCLUDING ANALYSISConclusion Epilogue: Post Imperial Oblivion Postscript: Song Celestial: The Ruins of Hampi Bibliography Index