Tamil Nadu under Vijaya Nagar Empire - Social and Cultural Impacts | Tamil Nadu State PSC (TNPSC): Preparation - TNPSC (Tamil Nadu) PDF Download

 Page 1


UNIT – III
The Vijaya Nagar empire was one of the famous empires in India.
Two brothers namely Harihara and Bukka established Vijaya Nagar
empire on the Southern banks of the river Tungabadhra in 1336.  V ijaya
Nagar was the capital of this empire.
Page 2


UNIT – III
The Vijaya Nagar empire was one of the famous empires in India.
Two brothers namely Harihara and Bukka established Vijaya Nagar
empire on the Southern banks of the river Tungabadhra in 1336.  V ijaya
Nagar was the capital of this empire.
51
Sources: Literary, architectural, numismatics and epigraphic sources
are available for the study of Vijaya Nagar empire.  Bagapalli copper
plates, Ramanuja inscription, Srirangam plates Srisailam plates give
details about the geneology , political and socio, economic conditions of
Vijaya Nagar empire. Foreign writers like Ibin Batuta, Abdul Razak,
Nikitin, and Ferno Nuniz give useful informations about the V ijaya Nagar
kingdom.
Establishment of  Vijaya Nagar rule in T amilnadu: Bukka I was
the first Vijaya Nagar ruler to invade Tamilnadu.  Then Vijaya Nagar
ruler Kumarakampana captured Thondaimandalam, Trichy, Madurai,
Kongudesam, Rameswaram and established V ijaya Nagar Government
in T amilnadu.  Kumarakampana’s rule may be regarded as the brightest
chapter in the history of Vijaya Nagar rule in  Tamil country.  After
Kumarakampana, Tamilnadu was ruled by some Vijaya Nagar kings
namely V irupanna, Harihara–II, Devaraya Saluva Narasimha and some
others.
Krishna Devaraya 1509AD. –
1529AD.: Krishna Devaraya was of
medium height and had fair complexion
rather fat than thin.  He had signs of
small pox on his face.  He was
physically so strong.  He was a brave
warrior and a statesman.  He was gentle
and generous in character.Among the
V ijaya Nagar rulers Krishna Devaraya
was the greatest administrator.  He had
extended the boundaries of Vijaya
Nagar empire in T amilnadu by capturing
many new areas. His success over
Udayagiri, Kondapalli were significant.
His expedition against Kalinga and
battle of Raichur are important.
Administration  of the Vijaya Nagar empire: Vijaya Nagar empire
was ruled by the emperors belonging to four dynasties namely Sangama,
Saluva, Thuluva and Araveedu dynasties.  King  was the supreme
authority in civil, military and judicial matters.  There was  an imperial
council of ministers to advice the king on important matters.  In
continuation of V ijaya Nagar rule in the T amil country , Krishna Devaraya
created Nayakship in Madurai and T anjore. A feudal type of Nayankara
administrative system was introduced to replace local self Government
institutions in T amilnadu. They appointed nayaks in their provinces in
Tamil country. The administrative reforms of Vijaya Nagar rulers
continued till they were defeated by the sultans in the battle of Tali
Kotta in 1565.
Social Condition: The economy of the Tamil society under Vijaya
Nagar rule was prosperous.  The flourishment  of inland and foreign
trade had good impact in the T amil society and economy. People with
various cultures and languages lived together happily.  Caste system
was there. Royal family members and nobles led a luxurious life.
Common people led poor life.
Women were respected more.  Some women participated in
Public life.  Some of them were appointed in both civil and military
departments.  Some women were talented in music, dance and poetry
writing.  Marriages had sacred and social importance. Dowry system
was there. Horse riding, hunting, chess, boating, kolattam, kummy were
the favorite games in the society.  Krishna devaraya’s daughter was a
very good chess player . The T elugu, Kannada speaking people migrated
in to Tamilnadu. Sourashtras of Gujarat who came and settled in
Page 3


UNIT – III
The Vijaya Nagar empire was one of the famous empires in India.
Two brothers namely Harihara and Bukka established Vijaya Nagar
empire on the Southern banks of the river Tungabadhra in 1336.  V ijaya
Nagar was the capital of this empire.
51
Sources: Literary, architectural, numismatics and epigraphic sources
are available for the study of Vijaya Nagar empire.  Bagapalli copper
plates, Ramanuja inscription, Srirangam plates Srisailam plates give
details about the geneology , political and socio, economic conditions of
Vijaya Nagar empire. Foreign writers like Ibin Batuta, Abdul Razak,
Nikitin, and Ferno Nuniz give useful informations about the V ijaya Nagar
kingdom.
Establishment of  Vijaya Nagar rule in T amilnadu: Bukka I was
the first Vijaya Nagar ruler to invade Tamilnadu.  Then Vijaya Nagar
ruler Kumarakampana captured Thondaimandalam, Trichy, Madurai,
Kongudesam, Rameswaram and established V ijaya Nagar Government
in T amilnadu.  Kumarakampana’s rule may be regarded as the brightest
chapter in the history of Vijaya Nagar rule in  Tamil country.  After
Kumarakampana, Tamilnadu was ruled by some Vijaya Nagar kings
namely V irupanna, Harihara–II, Devaraya Saluva Narasimha and some
others.
Krishna Devaraya 1509AD. –
1529AD.: Krishna Devaraya was of
medium height and had fair complexion
rather fat than thin.  He had signs of
small pox on his face.  He was
physically so strong.  He was a brave
warrior and a statesman.  He was gentle
and generous in character.Among the
V ijaya Nagar rulers Krishna Devaraya
was the greatest administrator.  He had
extended the boundaries of Vijaya
Nagar empire in T amilnadu by capturing
many new areas. His success over
Udayagiri, Kondapalli were significant.
His expedition against Kalinga and
battle of Raichur are important.
Administration  of the Vijaya Nagar empire: Vijaya Nagar empire
was ruled by the emperors belonging to four dynasties namely Sangama,
Saluva, Thuluva and Araveedu dynasties.  King  was the supreme
authority in civil, military and judicial matters.  There was  an imperial
council of ministers to advice the king on important matters.  In
continuation of V ijaya Nagar rule in the T amil country , Krishna Devaraya
created Nayakship in Madurai and T anjore. A feudal type of Nayankara
administrative system was introduced to replace local self Government
institutions in T amilnadu. They appointed nayaks in their provinces in
Tamil country. The administrative reforms of Vijaya Nagar rulers
continued till they were defeated by the sultans in the battle of Tali
Kotta in 1565.
Social Condition: The economy of the Tamil society under Vijaya
Nagar rule was prosperous.  The flourishment  of inland and foreign
trade had good impact in the T amil society and economy. People with
various cultures and languages lived together happily.  Caste system
was there. Royal family members and nobles led a luxurious life.
Common people led poor life.
Women were respected more.  Some women participated in
Public life.  Some of them were appointed in both civil and military
departments.  Some women were talented in music, dance and poetry
writing.  Marriages had sacred and social importance. Dowry system
was there. Horse riding, hunting, chess, boating, kolattam, kummy were
the favorite games in the society.  Krishna devaraya’s daughter was a
very good chess player . The T elugu, Kannada speaking people migrated
in to Tamilnadu. Sourashtras of Gujarat who came and settled in
51
Sources: Literary, architectural, numismatics and epigraphic sources
are available for the study of Vijaya Nagar empire.  Bagapalli copper
plates, Ramanuja inscription, Srirangam plates Srisailam plates give
details about the geneology , political and socio, economic conditions of
Vijaya Nagar empire. Foreign writers like Ibin Batuta, Abdul Razak,
Nikitin, and Ferno Nuniz give useful informations about the V ijaya Nagar
kingdom.
Establishment of  Vijaya Nagar rule in T amilnadu: Bukka I was
the first Vijaya Nagar ruler to invade Tamilnadu.  Then Vijaya Nagar
ruler Kumarakampana captured Thondaimandalam, Trichy, Madurai,
Kongudesam, Rameswaram and established V ijaya Nagar Government
in T amilnadu.  Kumarakampana’s rule may be regarded as the brightest
chapter in the history of Vijaya Nagar rule in  Tamil country.  After
Kumarakampana, Tamilnadu was ruled by some Vijaya Nagar kings
namely V irupanna, Harihara–II, Devaraya Saluva Narasimha and some
others.
Krishna Devaraya 1509AD. –
1529AD.: Krishna Devaraya was of
medium height and had fair complexion
rather fat than thin.  He had signs of
small pox on his face.  He was
physically so strong.  He was a brave
warrior and a statesman.  He was gentle
and generous in character.Among the
V ijaya Nagar rulers Krishna Devaraya
was the greatest administrator.  He had
extended the boundaries of Vijaya
Nagar empire in T amilnadu by capturing
many new areas. His success over
Udayagiri, Kondapalli were significant.
His expedition against Kalinga and
battle of Raichur are important.
Administration  of the Vijaya Nagar empire: Vijaya Nagar empire
was ruled by the emperors belonging to four dynasties namely Sangama,
Saluva, Thuluva and Araveedu dynasties.  King  was the supreme
authority in civil, military and judicial matters.  There was  an imperial
council of ministers to advice the king on important matters.  In
continuation of V ijaya Nagar rule in the T amil country , Krishna Devaraya
created Nayakship in Madurai and T anjore. A feudal type of Nayankara
administrative system was introduced to replace local self Government
institutions in T amilnadu. They appointed nayaks in their provinces in
Tamil country. The administrative reforms of Vijaya Nagar rulers
continued till they were defeated by the sultans in the battle of Tali
Kotta in 1565.
Social Condition: The economy of the Tamil society under Vijaya
Nagar rule was prosperous.  The flourishment  of inland and foreign
trade had good impact in the T amil society and economy. People with
various cultures and languages lived together happily.  Caste system
was there. Royal family members and nobles led a luxurious life.
Common people led poor life.
Women were respected more.  Some women participated in
Public life.  Some of them were appointed in both civil and military
departments.  Some women were talented in music, dance and poetry
writing.  Marriages had sacred and social importance. Dowry system
was there. Horse riding, hunting, chess, boating, kolattam, kummy were
the favorite games in the society.  Krishna devaraya’s daughter was a
very good chess player . The T elugu, Kannada speaking people migrated
in to Tamilnadu. Sourashtras of Gujarat who came and settled in
Page 4


UNIT – III
The Vijaya Nagar empire was one of the famous empires in India.
Two brothers namely Harihara and Bukka established Vijaya Nagar
empire on the Southern banks of the river Tungabadhra in 1336.  V ijaya
Nagar was the capital of this empire.
51
Sources: Literary, architectural, numismatics and epigraphic sources
are available for the study of Vijaya Nagar empire.  Bagapalli copper
plates, Ramanuja inscription, Srirangam plates Srisailam plates give
details about the geneology , political and socio, economic conditions of
Vijaya Nagar empire. Foreign writers like Ibin Batuta, Abdul Razak,
Nikitin, and Ferno Nuniz give useful informations about the V ijaya Nagar
kingdom.
Establishment of  Vijaya Nagar rule in T amilnadu: Bukka I was
the first Vijaya Nagar ruler to invade Tamilnadu.  Then Vijaya Nagar
ruler Kumarakampana captured Thondaimandalam, Trichy, Madurai,
Kongudesam, Rameswaram and established V ijaya Nagar Government
in T amilnadu.  Kumarakampana’s rule may be regarded as the brightest
chapter in the history of Vijaya Nagar rule in  Tamil country.  After
Kumarakampana, Tamilnadu was ruled by some Vijaya Nagar kings
namely V irupanna, Harihara–II, Devaraya Saluva Narasimha and some
others.
Krishna Devaraya 1509AD. –
1529AD.: Krishna Devaraya was of
medium height and had fair complexion
rather fat than thin.  He had signs of
small pox on his face.  He was
physically so strong.  He was a brave
warrior and a statesman.  He was gentle
and generous in character.Among the
V ijaya Nagar rulers Krishna Devaraya
was the greatest administrator.  He had
extended the boundaries of Vijaya
Nagar empire in T amilnadu by capturing
many new areas. His success over
Udayagiri, Kondapalli were significant.
His expedition against Kalinga and
battle of Raichur are important.
Administration  of the Vijaya Nagar empire: Vijaya Nagar empire
was ruled by the emperors belonging to four dynasties namely Sangama,
Saluva, Thuluva and Araveedu dynasties.  King  was the supreme
authority in civil, military and judicial matters.  There was  an imperial
council of ministers to advice the king on important matters.  In
continuation of V ijaya Nagar rule in the T amil country , Krishna Devaraya
created Nayakship in Madurai and T anjore. A feudal type of Nayankara
administrative system was introduced to replace local self Government
institutions in T amilnadu. They appointed nayaks in their provinces in
Tamil country. The administrative reforms of Vijaya Nagar rulers
continued till they were defeated by the sultans in the battle of Tali
Kotta in 1565.
Social Condition: The economy of the Tamil society under Vijaya
Nagar rule was prosperous.  The flourishment  of inland and foreign
trade had good impact in the T amil society and economy. People with
various cultures and languages lived together happily.  Caste system
was there. Royal family members and nobles led a luxurious life.
Common people led poor life.
Women were respected more.  Some women participated in
Public life.  Some of them were appointed in both civil and military
departments.  Some women were talented in music, dance and poetry
writing.  Marriages had sacred and social importance. Dowry system
was there. Horse riding, hunting, chess, boating, kolattam, kummy were
the favorite games in the society.  Krishna devaraya’s daughter was a
very good chess player . The T elugu, Kannada speaking people migrated
in to Tamilnadu. Sourashtras of Gujarat who came and settled in
51
Sources: Literary, architectural, numismatics and epigraphic sources
are available for the study of Vijaya Nagar empire.  Bagapalli copper
plates, Ramanuja inscription, Srirangam plates Srisailam plates give
details about the geneology , political and socio, economic conditions of
Vijaya Nagar empire. Foreign writers like Ibin Batuta, Abdul Razak,
Nikitin, and Ferno Nuniz give useful informations about the V ijaya Nagar
kingdom.
Establishment of  Vijaya Nagar rule in T amilnadu: Bukka I was
the first Vijaya Nagar ruler to invade Tamilnadu.  Then Vijaya Nagar
ruler Kumarakampana captured Thondaimandalam, Trichy, Madurai,
Kongudesam, Rameswaram and established V ijaya Nagar Government
in T amilnadu.  Kumarakampana’s rule may be regarded as the brightest
chapter in the history of Vijaya Nagar rule in  Tamil country.  After
Kumarakampana, Tamilnadu was ruled by some Vijaya Nagar kings
namely V irupanna, Harihara–II, Devaraya Saluva Narasimha and some
others.
Krishna Devaraya 1509AD. –
1529AD.: Krishna Devaraya was of
medium height and had fair complexion
rather fat than thin.  He had signs of
small pox on his face.  He was
physically so strong.  He was a brave
warrior and a statesman.  He was gentle
and generous in character.Among the
V ijaya Nagar rulers Krishna Devaraya
was the greatest administrator.  He had
extended the boundaries of Vijaya
Nagar empire in T amilnadu by capturing
many new areas. His success over
Udayagiri, Kondapalli were significant.
His expedition against Kalinga and
battle of Raichur are important.
Administration  of the Vijaya Nagar empire: Vijaya Nagar empire
was ruled by the emperors belonging to four dynasties namely Sangama,
Saluva, Thuluva and Araveedu dynasties.  King  was the supreme
authority in civil, military and judicial matters.  There was  an imperial
council of ministers to advice the king on important matters.  In
continuation of V ijaya Nagar rule in the T amil country , Krishna Devaraya
created Nayakship in Madurai and T anjore. A feudal type of Nayankara
administrative system was introduced to replace local self Government
institutions in T amilnadu. They appointed nayaks in their provinces in
Tamil country. The administrative reforms of Vijaya Nagar rulers
continued till they were defeated by the sultans in the battle of Tali
Kotta in 1565.
Social Condition: The economy of the Tamil society under Vijaya
Nagar rule was prosperous.  The flourishment  of inland and foreign
trade had good impact in the T amil society and economy. People with
various cultures and languages lived together happily.  Caste system
was there. Royal family members and nobles led a luxurious life.
Common people led poor life.
Women were respected more.  Some women participated in
Public life.  Some of them were appointed in both civil and military
departments.  Some women were talented in music, dance and poetry
writing.  Marriages had sacred and social importance. Dowry system
was there. Horse riding, hunting, chess, boating, kolattam, kummy were
the favorite games in the society.  Krishna devaraya’s daughter was a
very good chess player . The T elugu, Kannada speaking people migrated
in to Tamilnadu. Sourashtras of Gujarat who came and settled in
52 53
Tamilnadu had supplied clothes to the royal house and nobles. The
Reddies and other agriculturists migrated to T amilnadu during the V ijaya
Nagar rule. Music and dance were encouraged.
Social Divisions: Vijaya Nagar society was divided into many
divisions. Brahmins and V ellalas were dominant groups. The Portuguese,
the French, the Dutch, the English and the Arab muslims settled here.
These foreigners had their own churches and mosques. They had mixed
response from the native population. Indian muslims, christians formed
another section. Goldsmiths, blacksmiths, carpenters, and weavers
formed sizable group in the society. Fishermen who lived in the east
coast were converted into christianity . V alangai and Idangai groups had
frequent conflicts among themselves. Some times they joined together
on certain issues.
Education: During the Vijaya Nagar rule education was confined only
to certain sections of the Society . Gurukula education was there. Classes
were conducted both in teacher’s houses and temple premises. These
educational institutions had royal support. V edas, astrology, subjects
like medicine were taught.
Gurukula system of education was prevalent in ancient India.
In this system, students of royal family and privileged class
stayed with Guru in his house and learnt lessons from Guru
Food and Dress: Rice and millet were their main food. The habit of
chewing the betel leaf was also there. Free meals were provided in the
choultries. Generally people wore cotton wool and linen dresses. The
nobles wore embroided dresses with golden threads. Rich people wore
shoes and poor people remained bare footed. W omen had the practice
of wearing costly gold ornaments with precious stones and pearls.
CUL TURAL IMPACTS
Religious condition: The V ijaya Nagar rulers encouraged all religious
faiths.  Their most favourable religion was Hinduism.  Many areas of
Tamilnadu were relieved from Muslim sultan’s rule and were placed
under the V ijaya nagar Hindu rulers.
Temples of Madurai, Srirangam, Thiruvarur, Rameswaram,
Chidambaram, Tirunelveli, Thiruvannamali, and Sirvilliputhur were
repaired and rebuilt.  Some of them were enlarged with an additional
gopuras, praharas, entrance towers, corridars and mandapas.  New
temples were built in Kanchipuram, Kumbakonam and Vellore.
Sculptures were carved on pillars. Maharasankaranthi, Mahanavami,
Ugadi, Deepavali, karthigai and holi were celebrated.  Coins issued by
V ijaya Nagar kings proclaim their conviction towards V aishnavism. King
Achyutaraya made liberal grants to the V aradaraja and  Ekmabareswarar
temple at Kanchi. He built the image of Lord Thillai Govindaraja at
Chidambaram. Jain temples were built. Muslim dargas were respected.
Christian missionaries were functioning in Tuticorin, V ellore and other
areas. The  early Vijaya Nagar kings were saivites and the later kings
were vaishnavites.  So both saivism and vaishnavism flourished during
this period.  This reflected in T amil country also.
V adaglai and Thengalai: V adagalai and thengalai groups were there
among the vaishnavites. The V adagali group was led by vedhanta
Desikar.  They followed Sanskrit vedas.  Thengalai group was led by
Manavala Mahamuni.  The Thengalai group followed Tamil
Prabandhams.  V adagalai people believed in caste system but Thengalai
people did not believe in caste system.
Page 5


UNIT – III
The Vijaya Nagar empire was one of the famous empires in India.
Two brothers namely Harihara and Bukka established Vijaya Nagar
empire on the Southern banks of the river Tungabadhra in 1336.  V ijaya
Nagar was the capital of this empire.
51
Sources: Literary, architectural, numismatics and epigraphic sources
are available for the study of Vijaya Nagar empire.  Bagapalli copper
plates, Ramanuja inscription, Srirangam plates Srisailam plates give
details about the geneology , political and socio, economic conditions of
Vijaya Nagar empire. Foreign writers like Ibin Batuta, Abdul Razak,
Nikitin, and Ferno Nuniz give useful informations about the V ijaya Nagar
kingdom.
Establishment of  Vijaya Nagar rule in T amilnadu: Bukka I was
the first Vijaya Nagar ruler to invade Tamilnadu.  Then Vijaya Nagar
ruler Kumarakampana captured Thondaimandalam, Trichy, Madurai,
Kongudesam, Rameswaram and established V ijaya Nagar Government
in T amilnadu.  Kumarakampana’s rule may be regarded as the brightest
chapter in the history of Vijaya Nagar rule in  Tamil country.  After
Kumarakampana, Tamilnadu was ruled by some Vijaya Nagar kings
namely V irupanna, Harihara–II, Devaraya Saluva Narasimha and some
others.
Krishna Devaraya 1509AD. –
1529AD.: Krishna Devaraya was of
medium height and had fair complexion
rather fat than thin.  He had signs of
small pox on his face.  He was
physically so strong.  He was a brave
warrior and a statesman.  He was gentle
and generous in character.Among the
V ijaya Nagar rulers Krishna Devaraya
was the greatest administrator.  He had
extended the boundaries of Vijaya
Nagar empire in T amilnadu by capturing
many new areas. His success over
Udayagiri, Kondapalli were significant.
His expedition against Kalinga and
battle of Raichur are important.
Administration  of the Vijaya Nagar empire: Vijaya Nagar empire
was ruled by the emperors belonging to four dynasties namely Sangama,
Saluva, Thuluva and Araveedu dynasties.  King  was the supreme
authority in civil, military and judicial matters.  There was  an imperial
council of ministers to advice the king on important matters.  In
continuation of V ijaya Nagar rule in the T amil country , Krishna Devaraya
created Nayakship in Madurai and T anjore. A feudal type of Nayankara
administrative system was introduced to replace local self Government
institutions in T amilnadu. They appointed nayaks in their provinces in
Tamil country. The administrative reforms of Vijaya Nagar rulers
continued till they were defeated by the sultans in the battle of Tali
Kotta in 1565.
Social Condition: The economy of the Tamil society under Vijaya
Nagar rule was prosperous.  The flourishment  of inland and foreign
trade had good impact in the T amil society and economy. People with
various cultures and languages lived together happily.  Caste system
was there. Royal family members and nobles led a luxurious life.
Common people led poor life.
Women were respected more.  Some women participated in
Public life.  Some of them were appointed in both civil and military
departments.  Some women were talented in music, dance and poetry
writing.  Marriages had sacred and social importance. Dowry system
was there. Horse riding, hunting, chess, boating, kolattam, kummy were
the favorite games in the society.  Krishna devaraya’s daughter was a
very good chess player . The T elugu, Kannada speaking people migrated
in to Tamilnadu. Sourashtras of Gujarat who came and settled in
51
Sources: Literary, architectural, numismatics and epigraphic sources
are available for the study of Vijaya Nagar empire.  Bagapalli copper
plates, Ramanuja inscription, Srirangam plates Srisailam plates give
details about the geneology , political and socio, economic conditions of
Vijaya Nagar empire. Foreign writers like Ibin Batuta, Abdul Razak,
Nikitin, and Ferno Nuniz give useful informations about the V ijaya Nagar
kingdom.
Establishment of  Vijaya Nagar rule in T amilnadu: Bukka I was
the first Vijaya Nagar ruler to invade Tamilnadu.  Then Vijaya Nagar
ruler Kumarakampana captured Thondaimandalam, Trichy, Madurai,
Kongudesam, Rameswaram and established V ijaya Nagar Government
in T amilnadu.  Kumarakampana’s rule may be regarded as the brightest
chapter in the history of Vijaya Nagar rule in  Tamil country.  After
Kumarakampana, Tamilnadu was ruled by some Vijaya Nagar kings
namely V irupanna, Harihara–II, Devaraya Saluva Narasimha and some
others.
Krishna Devaraya 1509AD. –
1529AD.: Krishna Devaraya was of
medium height and had fair complexion
rather fat than thin.  He had signs of
small pox on his face.  He was
physically so strong.  He was a brave
warrior and a statesman.  He was gentle
and generous in character.Among the
V ijaya Nagar rulers Krishna Devaraya
was the greatest administrator.  He had
extended the boundaries of Vijaya
Nagar empire in T amilnadu by capturing
many new areas. His success over
Udayagiri, Kondapalli were significant.
His expedition against Kalinga and
battle of Raichur are important.
Administration  of the Vijaya Nagar empire: Vijaya Nagar empire
was ruled by the emperors belonging to four dynasties namely Sangama,
Saluva, Thuluva and Araveedu dynasties.  King  was the supreme
authority in civil, military and judicial matters.  There was  an imperial
council of ministers to advice the king on important matters.  In
continuation of V ijaya Nagar rule in the T amil country , Krishna Devaraya
created Nayakship in Madurai and T anjore. A feudal type of Nayankara
administrative system was introduced to replace local self Government
institutions in T amilnadu. They appointed nayaks in their provinces in
Tamil country. The administrative reforms of Vijaya Nagar rulers
continued till they were defeated by the sultans in the battle of Tali
Kotta in 1565.
Social Condition: The economy of the Tamil society under Vijaya
Nagar rule was prosperous.  The flourishment  of inland and foreign
trade had good impact in the T amil society and economy. People with
various cultures and languages lived together happily.  Caste system
was there. Royal family members and nobles led a luxurious life.
Common people led poor life.
Women were respected more.  Some women participated in
Public life.  Some of them were appointed in both civil and military
departments.  Some women were talented in music, dance and poetry
writing.  Marriages had sacred and social importance. Dowry system
was there. Horse riding, hunting, chess, boating, kolattam, kummy were
the favorite games in the society.  Krishna devaraya’s daughter was a
very good chess player . The T elugu, Kannada speaking people migrated
in to Tamilnadu. Sourashtras of Gujarat who came and settled in
52 53
Tamilnadu had supplied clothes to the royal house and nobles. The
Reddies and other agriculturists migrated to T amilnadu during the V ijaya
Nagar rule. Music and dance were encouraged.
Social Divisions: Vijaya Nagar society was divided into many
divisions. Brahmins and V ellalas were dominant groups. The Portuguese,
the French, the Dutch, the English and the Arab muslims settled here.
These foreigners had their own churches and mosques. They had mixed
response from the native population. Indian muslims, christians formed
another section. Goldsmiths, blacksmiths, carpenters, and weavers
formed sizable group in the society. Fishermen who lived in the east
coast were converted into christianity . V alangai and Idangai groups had
frequent conflicts among themselves. Some times they joined together
on certain issues.
Education: During the Vijaya Nagar rule education was confined only
to certain sections of the Society . Gurukula education was there. Classes
were conducted both in teacher’s houses and temple premises. These
educational institutions had royal support. V edas, astrology, subjects
like medicine were taught.
Gurukula system of education was prevalent in ancient India.
In this system, students of royal family and privileged class
stayed with Guru in his house and learnt lessons from Guru
Food and Dress: Rice and millet were their main food. The habit of
chewing the betel leaf was also there. Free meals were provided in the
choultries. Generally people wore cotton wool and linen dresses. The
nobles wore embroided dresses with golden threads. Rich people wore
shoes and poor people remained bare footed. W omen had the practice
of wearing costly gold ornaments with precious stones and pearls.
CUL TURAL IMPACTS
Religious condition: The V ijaya Nagar rulers encouraged all religious
faiths.  Their most favourable religion was Hinduism.  Many areas of
Tamilnadu were relieved from Muslim sultan’s rule and were placed
under the V ijaya nagar Hindu rulers.
Temples of Madurai, Srirangam, Thiruvarur, Rameswaram,
Chidambaram, Tirunelveli, Thiruvannamali, and Sirvilliputhur were
repaired and rebuilt.  Some of them were enlarged with an additional
gopuras, praharas, entrance towers, corridars and mandapas.  New
temples were built in Kanchipuram, Kumbakonam and Vellore.
Sculptures were carved on pillars. Maharasankaranthi, Mahanavami,
Ugadi, Deepavali, karthigai and holi were celebrated.  Coins issued by
V ijaya Nagar kings proclaim their conviction towards V aishnavism. King
Achyutaraya made liberal grants to the V aradaraja and  Ekmabareswarar
temple at Kanchi. He built the image of Lord Thillai Govindaraja at
Chidambaram. Jain temples were built. Muslim dargas were respected.
Christian missionaries were functioning in Tuticorin, V ellore and other
areas. The  early Vijaya Nagar kings were saivites and the later kings
were vaishnavites.  So both saivism and vaishnavism flourished during
this period.  This reflected in T amil country also.
V adaglai and Thengalai: V adagalai and thengalai groups were there
among the vaishnavites. The V adagali group was led by vedhanta
Desikar.  They followed Sanskrit vedas.  Thengalai group was led by
Manavala Mahamuni.  The Thengalai group followed Tamil
Prabandhams.  V adagalai people believed in caste system but Thengalai
people did not believe in caste system.
52 53
Tamilnadu had supplied clothes to the royal house and nobles. The
Reddies and other agriculturists migrated to T amilnadu during the V ijaya
Nagar rule. Music and dance were encouraged.
Social Divisions: Vijaya Nagar society was divided into many
divisions. Brahmins and V ellalas were dominant groups. The Portuguese,
the French, the Dutch, the English and the Arab muslims settled here.
These foreigners had their own churches and mosques. They had mixed
response from the native population. Indian muslims, christians formed
another section. Goldsmiths, blacksmiths, carpenters, and weavers
formed sizable group in the society. Fishermen who lived in the east
coast were converted into christianity . V alangai and Idangai groups had
frequent conflicts among themselves. Some times they joined together
on certain issues.
Education: During the Vijaya Nagar rule education was confined only
to certain sections of the Society . Gurukula education was there. Classes
were conducted both in teacher’s houses and temple premises. These
educational institutions had royal support. V edas, astrology, subjects
like medicine were taught.
Gurukula system of education was prevalent in ancient India.
In this system, students of royal family and privileged class
stayed with Guru in his house and learnt lessons from Guru
Food and Dress: Rice and millet were their main food. The habit of
chewing the betel leaf was also there. Free meals were provided in the
choultries. Generally people wore cotton wool and linen dresses. The
nobles wore embroided dresses with golden threads. Rich people wore
shoes and poor people remained bare footed. W omen had the practice
of wearing costly gold ornaments with precious stones and pearls.
CUL TURAL IMPACTS
Religious condition: The V ijaya Nagar rulers encouraged all religious
faiths.  Their most favourable religion was Hinduism.  Many areas of
Tamilnadu were relieved from Muslim sultan’s rule and were placed
under the V ijaya nagar Hindu rulers.
Temples of Madurai, Srirangam, Thiruvarur, Rameswaram,
Chidambaram, Tirunelveli, Thiruvannamali, and Sirvilliputhur were
repaired and rebuilt.  Some of them were enlarged with an additional
gopuras, praharas, entrance towers, corridars and mandapas.  New
temples were built in Kanchipuram, Kumbakonam and Vellore.
Sculptures were carved on pillars. Maharasankaranthi, Mahanavami,
Ugadi, Deepavali, karthigai and holi were celebrated.  Coins issued by
V ijaya Nagar kings proclaim their conviction towards V aishnavism. King
Achyutaraya made liberal grants to the V aradaraja and  Ekmabareswarar
temple at Kanchi. He built the image of Lord Thillai Govindaraja at
Chidambaram. Jain temples were built. Muslim dargas were respected.
Christian missionaries were functioning in Tuticorin, V ellore and other
areas. The  early Vijaya Nagar kings were saivites and the later kings
were vaishnavites.  So both saivism and vaishnavism flourished during
this period.  This reflected in T amil country also.
V adaglai and Thengalai: V adagalai and thengalai groups were there
among the vaishnavites. The V adagali group was led by vedhanta
Desikar.  They followed Sanskrit vedas.  Thengalai group was led by
Manavala Mahamuni.  The Thengalai group followed Tamil
Prabandhams.  V adagalai people believed in caste system but Thengalai
people did not believe in caste system.