PPT: The Vijayanagar Empire and Bahamani Kingdom | History for UPSC CSE PDF Download

 Page 1


The Vijayanagar 
Empire and 
Bahmani 
Kingdom
Page 2


The Vijayanagar 
Empire and 
Bahmani 
Kingdom
Setting the Stage 3 South 
India in the 14th Century
The 14th century marked a pivotal transition in South Indian history. 
The once-powerful Hoysala and Kakatiya kingdoms were in decline, 
while the Delhi Sultanate's grip on the Deccan had weakened 
following Muhammad bin Tughlaq's disastrous policies.
This power vacuum led to the emergence of two formidable 
kingdoms that would dominate South Indian politics for over two 
centuries:
Vijayanagar Empire (founded 1336)
Bahmani Kingdom (founded 1347)
Both kingdoms fiercely contested the fertile Raichur Doab - the 
triangular region between the Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers, 
critical for its agricultural productivity and strategic trade routes.
Page 3


The Vijayanagar 
Empire and 
Bahmani 
Kingdom
Setting the Stage 3 South 
India in the 14th Century
The 14th century marked a pivotal transition in South Indian history. 
The once-powerful Hoysala and Kakatiya kingdoms were in decline, 
while the Delhi Sultanate's grip on the Deccan had weakened 
following Muhammad bin Tughlaq's disastrous policies.
This power vacuum led to the emergence of two formidable 
kingdoms that would dominate South Indian politics for over two 
centuries:
Vijayanagar Empire (founded 1336)
Bahmani Kingdom (founded 1347)
Both kingdoms fiercely contested the fertile Raichur Doab - the 
triangular region between the Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers, 
critical for its agricultural productivity and strategic trade routes.
Origins of the Vijayanagar Empire
Founded in 1336 on the banks of the Tungabhadra Rive r by brothers Harihara I and Bukka Raya I 
of the Sangama dynasty, the Vijayanagar Empire rose from remarkable circumstances:
1
From Captives to Kings
The founding brothers had been officers 
under the Kakatiya and Kampili kingdoms. 
Captured by Muhammad bin Tughlaq, 
they were converted to Islam and sent to 
suppress revolts in the Deccan.
2
Spiritual Transformation
Under the guidance of sage Vidyaranya, 
they reconverted to Hinduism and 
established an independent kingdom, 
naming their capital Vijayanagara 3 "City 
of Victory."
Page 4


The Vijayanagar 
Empire and 
Bahmani 
Kingdom
Setting the Stage 3 South 
India in the 14th Century
The 14th century marked a pivotal transition in South Indian history. 
The once-powerful Hoysala and Kakatiya kingdoms were in decline, 
while the Delhi Sultanate's grip on the Deccan had weakened 
following Muhammad bin Tughlaq's disastrous policies.
This power vacuum led to the emergence of two formidable 
kingdoms that would dominate South Indian politics for over two 
centuries:
Vijayanagar Empire (founded 1336)
Bahmani Kingdom (founded 1347)
Both kingdoms fiercely contested the fertile Raichur Doab - the 
triangular region between the Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers, 
critical for its agricultural productivity and strategic trade routes.
Origins of the Vijayanagar Empire
Founded in 1336 on the banks of the Tungabhadra Rive r by brothers Harihara I and Bukka Raya I 
of the Sangama dynasty, the Vijayanagar Empire rose from remarkable circumstances:
1
From Captives to Kings
The founding brothers had been officers 
under the Kakatiya and Kampili kingdoms. 
Captured by Muhammad bin Tughlaq, 
they were converted to Islam and sent to 
suppress revolts in the Deccan.
2
Spiritual Transformation
Under the guidance of sage Vidyaranya, 
they reconverted to Hinduism and 
established an independent kingdom, 
naming their capital Vijayanagara 3 "City 
of Victory."
Origins of the Bahmani Kingdom
The Bahmani Kingdom emerged in 1347 when Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah (born Hasan Gangu), an Afghan 
adventurer, declared independence from the weakening Delhi Sultanate:
Military Background
Originally a servant in the Delhi Sultanate, Hasan Gangu rose through military ranks under Muhammad bin 
Tughlaq.
Declaration of Independence
Taking advantage of Muhammad bin Tughlaq's weakening control, he established an independent kingdom in 
the Deccan.
Capital Establishment
Initially established his capital at Gulbarga (modern Kalaburagi), which later shifted to Bidar for strategic 
advantages.
The Bahmani Kingdom represented the first major independent Muslim state in the Deccan, blending Persian, Turkish 
and Indian administrative traditions.
Page 5


The Vijayanagar 
Empire and 
Bahmani 
Kingdom
Setting the Stage 3 South 
India in the 14th Century
The 14th century marked a pivotal transition in South Indian history. 
The once-powerful Hoysala and Kakatiya kingdoms were in decline, 
while the Delhi Sultanate's grip on the Deccan had weakened 
following Muhammad bin Tughlaq's disastrous policies.
This power vacuum led to the emergence of two formidable 
kingdoms that would dominate South Indian politics for over two 
centuries:
Vijayanagar Empire (founded 1336)
Bahmani Kingdom (founded 1347)
Both kingdoms fiercely contested the fertile Raichur Doab - the 
triangular region between the Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers, 
critical for its agricultural productivity and strategic trade routes.
Origins of the Vijayanagar Empire
Founded in 1336 on the banks of the Tungabhadra Rive r by brothers Harihara I and Bukka Raya I 
of the Sangama dynasty, the Vijayanagar Empire rose from remarkable circumstances:
1
From Captives to Kings
The founding brothers had been officers 
under the Kakatiya and Kampili kingdoms. 
Captured by Muhammad bin Tughlaq, 
they were converted to Islam and sent to 
suppress revolts in the Deccan.
2
Spiritual Transformation
Under the guidance of sage Vidyaranya, 
they reconverted to Hinduism and 
established an independent kingdom, 
naming their capital Vijayanagara 3 "City 
of Victory."
Origins of the Bahmani Kingdom
The Bahmani Kingdom emerged in 1347 when Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah (born Hasan Gangu), an Afghan 
adventurer, declared independence from the weakening Delhi Sultanate:
Military Background
Originally a servant in the Delhi Sultanate, Hasan Gangu rose through military ranks under Muhammad bin 
Tughlaq.
Declaration of Independence
Taking advantage of Muhammad bin Tughlaq's weakening control, he established an independent kingdom in 
the Deccan.
Capital Establishment
Initially established his capital at Gulbarga (modern Kalaburagi), which later shifted to Bidar for strategic 
advantages.
The Bahmani Kingdom represented the first major independent Muslim state in the Deccan, blending Persian, Turkish 
and Indian administrative traditions.
Key Rulers and Dynasties of Vijayanagar
1
Sangama Dynasty (1336-1485)
Harihara I (1336-1356): Co-founder who 
consolidated the new kingdom
Bukka Raya I (1356-1377): Expanded territory and 
fought Bahmani rulers
Deva Raya II (1422-1446): Skilled military leader 
who patronized Sanskrit literature
2 Saluva Dynasty (1485-1505)
Saluva Narasimha (1485-1491): Seized power 
during decline of Sangama dynasty, restored 
stability
3
Tuluva Dynasty (1505-1570)
Krishnadevaraya (1509-1529): Greatest ruler of 
Vijayanagar, expanded territory, patron of arts and 
architecture
Achyuta Deva Raya (1529-1542): Maintained 
empire but faced growing challenges
4
Aravidu Dynasty (1570-1646)
Tirumala (1570-1572): Established dynasty after 
Battle of Talikota, ruled diminished empire
Sri Ranga III (d. 1672): Last ruler of a fragmented 
empire