The Establishment of Vijayanagara Kingdom

The Vijayanagara Kingdom was established in 1336 by two brothers, Harihara and Bukka. They were appointed as governors of the Hoysala Empire by the Delhi Sultanate, but they rebelled against their overlords and established their own independent kingdom.

Factors that Led to the Establishment of Vijayanagara Kingdom

There were several factors that led to the establishment of the Vijayanagara Kingdom, including:

1. The Decline of the Hoysala Empire: The Hoysala Empire had been a dominant regional power in South India for several centuries, but it began to decline in the early 14th century. This created a power vacuum that the Vijayanagara Kingdom was able to fill.

2. The Delhi Sultanate's Expansion: The Delhi Sultanate had been expanding into South India, and the Hoysala Empire was one of its vassal states. The Sultanate's attempts to impose its authority on the Hoysalas led to resentment and rebellion.

3. The Rise of Local Chieftains: As the Hoysala Empire declined, local chieftains began to assert their authority in different parts of South India. Harihara and Bukka were able to tap into this trend and build alliances with these chieftains.

4. The Founding of a New Capital: The Vijayanagara Kingdom's founders chose a strategic location for their capital, on the banks of the Tungabhadra River. This allowed them to control the region's trade routes and defend against invaders.

Conclusion

The Vijayanagara Kingdom was established in 1336 by Harihara and Bukka, who rebelled against their Delhi Sultanate overlords and established their own independent kingdom. Several factors, including the decline of the Hoysala Empire and the rise of local chieftains, contributed to the kingdom's establishment. The founders' strategic choice of a new capital also played a role in the kingdom's success.