The King of Vijayanagar at the time of the Battle of Talikota was Sadasiva Raya.

The Battle of Talikota, also known as the Battle of Rakkasa-Tangadi, took place on January 26, 1565, near the village of Talikota in present-day Karnataka. It was a significant event in Indian history as it resulted in the downfall of the Vijayanagara Empire, one of the most powerful kingdoms in South India.

Background:
- The Vijayanagara Empire was established in 1336 by Harihara I and his brother Bukka Raya I.
- The empire reached its peak under the rule of Krishnadevaraya in the early 16th century.
- However, after Krishnadevaraya's death, the empire faced internal conflicts and external threats from the Deccan Sultanates.

Key Points:
1. King Sadasiva Raya: Sadasiva Raya was the king of Vijayanagar at the time of the Battle of Talikota. He ascended the throne in 1542 after the death of his predecessor, Achyuta Raya.
2. Alliance with the Deccan Sultanates: Sadasiva Raya made the mistake of forming an alliance with the Deccan Sultanates, particularly the sultanates of Bijapur and Ahmadnagar. This alliance was primarily aimed at countering the rising power of the Adil Shahi Sultanate of Bijapur.
3. Conflicts with the Deccan Sultanates: The alliance with the Deccan Sultanates did not last long as conflicts arose between them due to territorial disputes and conflicting interests.
4. Imperial Expansion: Sadasiva Raya attempted to expand his empire through military campaigns but faced several setbacks. His attempt to capture the Raichur Doab region from the Bijapur Sultanate resulted in a humiliating defeat in 1558.
5. Coalition of Deccan Sultanates: Taking advantage of the internal conflicts within the Vijayanagara Empire, the Deccan Sultanates formed a coalition to bring down the empire once and for all. The coalition included the sultanates of Bijapur, Ahmadnagar, Golconda, and Bidar.
6. The Battle of Talikota: The decisive battle took place on January 26, 1565. The Vijayanagara forces, led by Sadasiva Raya, were outnumbered and outmaneuvered by the united Deccan Sultanates. The Vijayanagara army suffered a crushing defeat, and the capital city of Vijayanagara (Hampi) was plundered and destroyed.
7. Aftermath: The Battle of Talikota marked the end of the Vijayanagara Empire's dominance in South India. The empire disintegrated, and the region fell into political chaos. The Deccan Sultanates became the new power players in the region.

Conclusion:
Sadasiva Raya was the king of Vijayanagar at the time of the Battle of Talikota. His ill-fated alliance with the Deccan Sultanates and his military setbacks ultimately led to the downfall of the Vijayanagara Empire. The Battle of Talik