Sri
Krishnadeva Raya
Krishnadeva Raya had been the king of the Vijaya Nagar empire in Kaliyuga's 47th
century ( i.e. 16th century A.D.). He had been the son of king Narasimha Raya of
the Tuluva dynasty. By overthrowing Ismail Adilshah he broke the pride of Muslim
supremacy ( sovereignty ) in southern India. He is rememberd as a king who had
been committed to the welfare of the people. Vijaya Nagar's famous quick-witted
member of the assembly, Tenali Ram was a jewel of Krishnadeva Raya's court.
Tuluva dynasty of Vijayanagar kingdom, was founded by Krishna Deva Raya (1509 AD
- 1530 AD). Under him the empire emerged as the strongest military power in the
south.
Vira
Narasimha ruled for four years and in 1509 was succeeded by his younger brother
Krishnadeva Raya. The Vijayanagar kingdom reached the pinnacle of its glory
during the reign of Krishnadeva Raya. He was successful in all the wars he
waged. He defeated the king of Orissa and annexed Vijaywada and Rajmahendri. He
defeated the Sultan of Bijapur in 1512 and took the possession of the Raichur
Doab. The Vijayanagar kingdom extended from Cuttak in east to Goa in the west
and from the Raichur Doab in the north to the Indian Ocean in the south.
Krishnadeva Raya encouraged trade with the western countries. He had a cordial
relationship with the Portuguese who had at that time established trade centres
on the west coast of India. He was not only a great warrior, but was also a
playwright and a great patron of learning. Telugu literature flourished under
him. Painting, sculpture, dance and music were greatly encouraged by him and his
successors. He endeared himself to the people by his personal charm, kindness,
and an ideal administration.
The decline of the Vijayanagar kingdom began with the death of Krishnadeva Raya
in 1529. The kingdom came to an end in 1565, when Ramrai was defeated at
Talikota by the joint efforts of Adilshahi, Nizamshahi, Qutubshahi and
Baridshahi. After this, the kingdom broke into small states.
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