An Imperial Capital: Vijaynagara — Important Questions

Natural basin formed by river Tungabhadra, Surrounded by granite hills, Had numerous streams flowing to the river

Vijayanagara was strategically located in a natural basin formed by the Tungabhadra river, surrounded by stunning granite hills, with numerous streams flowing down from rocky outcrops. It was not on the coast or flat plains.

A political and military administrative system

The amara-nayaka system was a major political innovation of the Vijayanagara Empire where military commanders were given territories to govern, collect taxes, and maintain contingents of horses and elephants.

1565

In 1565, at the Battle of Rakshasi-Tangadi (also known as Talikota), the combined armies of Bijapur, Ahmadnagar and Golconda defeated Vijayanagara forces and subsequently sacked the city.

Hampi

The ruins of Vijayanagara are now known as Hampi, a name derived from Pampadevi, the local mother goddess. This name was preserved in the memories of people living in the Krishna-Tungabhadra doab.