In the second half of 16th century, the Vijayanagara Empire has suffered from several rude shocks.
A major military defeat on the battle field of Talikota in 1565 and the deaths of two supreme commanders – Aliya Ramaraya and Venkatadri coupled with the total destruction of their capital city – Hampi, have devastated the Empire beyond measures.
The mysterious flight of the surviving commander Tirumalaraya from Hampi along with the puppet emperor Sadashiva has further worsened the morale of the mighty Empire. Even after Tirumalaraya set up the Empire’s capital at Penugonda, he was not spared from the attacks of his enemies. His short rule of 3 years has witnessed continuous loss of Vijayanagara territories.
The glorious Vijayanagara Empire was thus sliding towards its destruction, dissolution and dismemberment. The Empire was in need of a savior who can turn the tide, who can restore the glory and reinforce the dwindling glimmer of hope.
Who is he?
Watch Anveshi’s “The Never To Be Forgotten Emperor” documentary series that presents the achievements of a Vijayanagara Emperor whose contributions have not been acknowledged as they must have been.
At the time of Venkata’s grandfather Tirumalaraya’s death in 1578, Vijayanagara lost considerable number of provinces to Golconda and Bijapur. Strategic forts such as Kondavidu, Gandikota and Adoni, on northern frontier were lost to Golconda and on western frontier critical forts such as Dharwad, Turkal and Bankapura were lost to Bijapur.
The reign of Sriranga – I who took over the kingship from his father Tirumala too saw the downslide of the Empire on account of its territorial losses. At the very beginning of Ranga’s reign, the whole of West coast in Karnataka offered its allegiance to Ali Adil Shah of Bijapur. There were disturbances on the east coast in Tamil Nadu where few tribes have stopped acknowledging Ranga’s sovereignty.
In addition to these troubles, Rangaraya had to face the Bijapur forces at the gates of his capital itself. Penugonda was attacked by Ali Adil Shah and Ranga with a brilliant diplomatic move not only stopped the collapse of his capital but could eject Bijapur forces with a tactical military maneuver. Nevertheless, the reign of Ranga-I that ended in 1586 could not take back the strategic territories such as Kondavidu, Gandikota & Dharwad etc that were lost to his Islamic adversaries.
Both Tirumalaraya & his son Sriranga adopted a defensive policy and have tried shielding their throne and the new capital Penugonda from the attacks of Islamic forces. This does not mean they didn’t have the intent to restore the pristine glory of Vijayanagara. But they were handicapped with no assistance from their feudatories. Most of Vijayanagara’s satraps were taking the advantage of their imperial lord’s defeat in Battle of Talikota and were trying to become independent. Many palegars were on a rampage and were pillaging the towns and villages to fill their coffers.
In such chaotic and calamitous period, Venkata-II was asked to head the empire.
Watch Anveshi’s “The Never To Be Forgotten Emperor” documentary series.