Welcome to Ithihasa, an Indic History Podcast that explores India’s past. I will take you back in time to examine what I think has either been overlooked or misunderstood. I want to nudge People and make them appreciate our past. Want them to be surprised by the fact that the world today isn't much different from the past. And to explore it in a way that hopefully enlightens us. This is my humble attempt to make it easier for you, to learn India's past in small yet manageable chunks and come out of it with a basic understanding that will enable you to form a coherent opinion when confronted with conflicting narratives. India's past is littered with gracious amounts of intrigue, drama, tragedy and glory. I will get my hands dirty for you, by digging through the sands of time. And together we shall unearth and look at the fascinating fossils of India’s rich, painful and glorious past. This podcast will unfold in seasons. Each season will go in depth into different periods of India's history. We will kickoff the show with the first season on the mighty Vijayanagara Empire and follow it up other exciting eras and empires that have lasting impact on the India we know today. Understand how India interacted with rest of the world in our ancient past, how warfare evolved on the subcontinent, how its culture spread & how it infused outside influence. We will go where the history books in school and TRP driven News outlets rarely go. And in the process get in touch with our own civilizational roots and identity. Hopefully we shall discover what it truly means to be an Indian.
We delve into an episode that combines the intrigue of an unsolved mystery with the enduring legacy of one of India's greatest rulers—Sri Krishna Deva Raya.This episode was inspired by an interesting question from a handful of the listeners of this podcast and also something I have seen floating around on the internet forums and comment sections related to Vijayanagara or Sri Krishna Deva Raya.In the heart of Hampi, amidst the grandeur of temples and palaces that once echoed with the sounds of a thriving empire, lies a tantalizing enigma: the lost tomb of Emperor Sri Krishna Deva Raya. His reign, a golden age of prosperity and artistic brilliance, left a monumental legacy, yet the location of his final resting place has eluded historians and adventurers for centuries. Could it be hidden beneath the 64 pillar mandapam in Hampi on the banks of Tungabhadra; a structure whose intricate carvings might conceal the emperor's final resting place?
The tension and strife in Venkata Raya's family life accelerated the fall of the Empire itself, and his relatives' personal affairs were a major factor in this.The birth of a false heir was part of a cunning plan, and King Venkata Raya knew all about it. He kept the secret, though, because he cared about Queen Venkatamba and did not want the scandal to get out.
Contrary to misconceptions, the Vijayanagara Empire did not crumble entirely after the Battle of Talikota in 1565. Such beliefs are not only far from the truth but also result from false propaganda. This Hindu Empire didn't collapse like a house of cards; it engaged in a fierce clash of civilizations and defended itself with unwavering determination. Like its predecessors, it stood resolute against fanatical Deccan Sultanates, fighting until its last breath to preserve its existence and cherished way of life. On the contrary, it's the Vijayanagara Empire that outlasts it's Deccan rivals when one looks at it's longevity and most importantly the former's cultural legacy and influence on the minds of millions of Hindus.Venkata, in a formidable conflict against the Sultan of Bijapur, confronted his adversary with a massive army, comprising seven hundred thousand infantry, forty thousand cavalry, and five hundred elephants.
Before Venkata's reign, the Vijayanagara Empire had largely contented itself with defending its territories. Notably, Tirumala and later Ranga concentrated on safeguarding their domains from external threats. Ranga I, for instance, had taken action only to expel Muslims from Ahobilam and its surroundings.However, Venkata II chose a different path. He inaugurated his rule as Emperor of Vijayanagara with an offensive campaign, a strategy shift that would ultimately prove to be a game-changer.
Imagine, if you will, a time when the grandeur of the Vijayanagara Empire, once an epitome of power and prosperity, was slowly waning. Even as the shadows of its own demise encroached around it, the empire started to cast its most brilliant and vibrant light, like a candle nearing its end.The emperor Venkatapati Deva Raya II, whose legacy we are about to explore, ruled during these tumultuous times. He stood as the candle's final guardian, its flame dancing defiantly against the encroaching darkness. His reign would prove to be a beacon of hope, a testament to the enduring spirit of Vijayanagara, as it burned with an intensity that defied its imminent extinguishment.
The very mention of the downfall of Krishna Deva Raya might sound blasphemous for the romanticists of History and die-hard fans of him. Nevertheless, this fall was the logical conclusion of a meteoric rise.After all, the fate and fortune of empires and emperors are at the mercy of the gravity of time. And the great Krishna Deva Raya was no exception.The seeds of destruction of the greatest empires are usually sown during their rise itself, and they tend to be so small to even notice while they are happening that it's generally too late to do anything by the time damage is done.
Saluva Thimmarasu's idea of forging letters from the 16 of Gajapati's Mahapatras and making it seem like the vassals of Gajapati were actively conspiring with the Vijayanagara Emperor to betray Prataparudra on the day of the battle was a masterstroke. Meanwhile, Subuddhi, the officer who had been sent by the Gajapati to keep him updated of all that was happening, learned that Vijayanagara officers were secretly proceeding toward the Gajapati's camp with 16 boxes and he hurried to write up a message about this to warn Prataparudra. This episode is the Vijayanagara-Gajapati War mini-series finale, culminating in the total domination of Sri Krishnadevaraya over the entire South after vanquishing his Hindu rival.
We had ended the last episode at a cliffhanger, a crucial juncture for Sri Krishnadevaraya and his army. The Great Raya's blitzkrieg took him deep into the enemy Gajapati territory, only to realize that he and his army were trapped. “Their strategy totally foils our plans,” he thought. “In fact, the whole campaign is quickly becoming a disaster! Damn! - this is what I get for making light of Thimmarasu's advice”
Welcome back to Ithihasa Indic History Podcast! This is the 1st episode of 2022 and the Episode 52 of the Season Vijayanagara. Loyal Listeners who have been asking me, your wait is finally over. Let us pick up where we left in December of 2021. We had ended the previous episode with the conquest of the Udayagiri fortress by the Vijayanagara Army after a lengthy siege and fighting off the dogged resistance of the gallant forces of the Gajapati Army. In this episode, we shall continue the military campaign of the Great Raya from where we left off in the last. The fall of Udayagiri did not satisfy the Vijayanagara Emperor understandably. Now that he had tasted success against his arch-rival Prataparudra, Krishna DevaRaya wanted to push the dagger even deeper.
This episode and the next will look closely at the campaigns of Sri Krishna Devaraya against the Orissa Gajapati's scion, Prataparudra Deva and their intense personal rivalry that added fuel to the already simmering fire between these two Hindu powers. Not many people realize that the aftermath of this long simmering war between these two great powers, was much more dramatic and in a way anticlimactic than what it is usually made out to be. The decline in the power of Orissan Gajapatis and the break up of it's empire, practically begins with the ascension of Prataparudra to the throne and the rise of Sri Krishna Devaraya.
Krishna Deva Raya's period of rule constitutes the glorious epoch in the history of the Vijayanagara empire, with back to back military victories scored on all sides, in quick succession, besides being the apex time in the history of arts and culture in the South. The name Krishna Deva Raya, even till this day evokes the same response in the hearts and minds of millions of South Indians as much as it did in the 16th century. People loved him then and they love him now. In this episode we shall pick up from where we left in the last one. We shall look at the circumstances under which the young Krishna Raya ascended the throne and the military campaign that he undertook right after his coronation.
Krishna Deva Raya's period of rule constitutes the glorious epoch in the history of the Vijayanagara empire, with back to back military victories scored on all sides, in quick succession, besides being the apex time in the history of arts and culture in the South. The name Krishna Deva Raya, even till this day evokes the same response in the hearts and minds of millions of South Indians as much as it did in the 16th century. People loved him then and they love him now. Chatrapathi Shivaji Maharaj, MahaRana Pratap and Krishna Deva Raya are some of the few rulers in Indian history who are adored and loved by millions of Indians. These charismatic figures are adored and respected by every proud Hindu across the world, for everything that they did to uphold Dharma and protect this Sacred Land and Civilization which we call as Bharath. In light of that, a mere cursory account of the beloved figure, Sri Krishna Deva Raya wouldn't do justice to either to the podcast, this episode or even to this Great Legend. In the Battle Of Raichur mini-series, we explored in depth the daring military exploits of Krishna Deva Raya in his Raichur campaign and the aftermath of it. In this episode, we shall look at his beginnings and rise to the Lion throne of Vijayanagara.
The 1st Emperor of the Saluva Dynasty, Saluva Narasimha died in about the year 1490 CE, without enjoying the power and position for long, leaving two minor sons behind him. Placing the kingdom under the charge of his trusted lieutenant, Tuluva Narasa Nayaka as a regent. When Narasanayaka raised the eldest of the princes to the throne, Timmaraja opposes him in favour of the younger prince which results in a intense rivalry that creates deep fissures in the fabric of Vijayanagara polity. This rivalry was rooted in their personal ambitions which led to dissensions in the court of Vijayanagara, that was still recovering from the effects of misrule of the last Sangama rulers. In this episode we will trace the implosion of the short lived Saluva Dynasty and the rise of Tuluva Dynasty.
The Sangamas were imploding due to a series of incompetent successors after the death of the Great Devaraya II. The Empire was literally teetering at the edge and shrinking from all sides, while its enemies and opportunistic rebels reared their heads sensing the vulnerability of the Imperial Structure at the Capital. And there was a dramatic civil war raging in the Gajapati Kingdom of Orissa, after the death of the powerful Gajapati, Kapilendra Deva. In the midst of all this chaos, there was a figure in Vijayanagara who was growing stronger by the day in both political and military power; At the cost of the imperial glory of the weak emperor of Vijayanagara.
The great Emperor Devaraya II had passed away, his inexperienced and not so talented successor Mallikarjuna Raya had ascended the throne. And the dark clouds of war were already hovering around Vijayanagara. It's arch rivals, the Bahamanis and Gajapatis were more than eager to commence a pincer move to finish it off with their opportunistic alliance. Will they succeed in their plan? Will Mallikarjuna be able to hold against his rivals?
Yet another war between the Vijayanagara and Bahamani had ended, but it was followed by a brutal famine throughout the Deccan and Karnataka that distressed the populations of both the kingdoms up until 1424 CE for two long years. In spite of these setbacks, Vijayanagara soon recovered its strength, making Devaraya I and his successor Devaraya II's reigns memorable in the empire. The long years of peace that followed this war stirred the literary and religious talents of the people of the empire, as nothing else had done for half a century before. After the death of Devaraya I, Devaraya II's relations with the Bahamani kingdom however continued to be hostile.
The breathing room and crucial buffer that DevaRaya II's reign provided to the Empire cannot be understated. His rule had prevented it from being eaten up by its rivals, the Gajapatis and Bahmanis, who were eagerly waiting to carve it up for themselves. And it is exactly for this reason that I will be dedicating some time to the under appreciated reign of DevaRaya II. We had briefly touched his rise to power in the previous episode. And before we look at the reign of Devaraya II, we need to first know some background of the events that preceded him. Most importantly, in this episode we shall briefly look at the reign of Devaraya I, the grandfather of Devaraya II. The events that transpired during his reign had ripple effects for Devaraya II.
Welcome to Ithihasa, a Indic History Podcast and you are listening to Episode 42 of the Season Vijayanagara and the 1st full length episode of 2021. With this we resume our exploration of the Mighty Vijayanagara Empire's rich history. Today we will be embarking on yet another mini-series that will delve in depth into a very interesting chapter of both the Vijayanagara and Orissa histories. We will look into the infamous Vijayanagara-Gajapati Seven Year War and the entire background behind it. How and why did two Hindu emperors and contemporaries of their time end up on the opposite side instead of joining forces against the Islamic Sultanate rivals?
2020 has been an eventful year that most of us wish never happened in first place. The economic and human devastation that transpired across the globe so rapidly due to this deadly pandemic; is a grim reminder to each one of us to not take our fragile life, peace, material luxuries and the semblance of order in our daily lives for granted. So to all those asking me, when is the next episode or what it is about, I can assure you that it's going to be very interesting. There is still a lot of ground to cover and many stories to be told. We will be resuming the Season Vijayanagara in 2021 with an dramatic mini-series that will delve in depth into the rise of Sri Krishna DevaRaya and the epic showdown between the Gajapatis of Orissa and Vijayanagara. There is going to be intense drama, action, intrigue that's born out of the insatiable ambitions, greed of powerful men of that era for glory and power. Like never before on any other Indian History Podcast, the Story of Vijayanagara will be unraveled on the Ithihasa Indic History Podcast. Whether you are a first-time listener, casual listener or a loyal listener, you will not be disappointed.
The inner tension in the Nayaka world was between the role of a Komara and Nayankara. To be a Komara meant that the Nayaka was a part of an inner circle of service elite. And to be a Nayankara partner implied having access to and share of political power along with the Rayas. There was this simmering tension between the paths of mobility and loyalty and this resonated deeply during the period in question.
In a 3 part mini-series, we will see in depth how the Vijayanagara rulers innovated on the previous patterns of political and administrative instruments in the south, to build a robust framework to rule the ever expanding Vijayanagara Empire. Nayamkaras were the political and economic instruments through which the Nayakas of Vijayanagara reworked the empire at multiple levels between the ruler and the realm; between Raya and Nayaka. Between the ruler and the realm, nayamkara facilitated deeper penetration of the nayakas into the far corners of the empire. Local and trans-local temples, monasteries and professional collectives alike were now brought into the economic and political orbit of the empire.
In this episode and the next we shall look at the birth of Nayankara System, which was one of the most fascinating aspects of the Vijayanagara Empire and its legacy. In a 3 part mini-series, we will see in depth how the Vijayanagara rulers innovated on the previous patterns of political and administrative instruments in the south, to build a robust framework to rule the ever expanding Vijayanagara Empire. If you haven't listened to the Foundation Series, you should check it out for a detailed backstory and much better context. It sets the stage for most of the season. You can listen to the Foundation Series Collection at this https://bit.ly/3absQsV (link), if you are listening to the show using the web-player.
In this episode we will look in depth at one of the most fascinating women of the 15th & 16th century Vijayanagara. These women straddled the royal courts of Emperors, held the nobility in their palm of the hand and cuddled with the richest of the merchants. And they are normally referred to as Devadasis. Forced to become courtesans at an early age when they were dedicated for life to a deity, the community of women that history now refers to as Devadasis somehow managed to carve out a powerful social space for themselves. They left their mark on medieval art and literature, on sculpture, music and dance.
In this episode we shall explore the coinage and currency of Vijayanagara. We will try to understand how mundane things like Coins were used as tools of royal propaganda and power. Vijayanagara was one of the first South Indian empires that realized the potential of Coins in furthering its influence in the form of soft power on the minds of its subjects and enemies alike. Visual Notes: https://bit.ly/2UQDIUa (Vijayanagara's Official Laanchana(Emblem)) https://bit.ly/338puTn (Copper Coin - Garuda) https://bit.ly/35RlLLs (Copper Coin - Dagger & Conch) https://bit.ly/2KwhXqX (Krishna Deva Raya - Gold Pagoda(Gadyana) - Seated Balakrishna) https://bit.ly/3kRI6gp (Krishna Deva Raya - Gold Half Pagoda(Half Gadyana) - Seated Balakrishna) https://bit.ly/3nIGveE (Achyuta Raya - Gadyana - Gandabherunda-1) https://bit.ly/335KLwJ (Achyuta Raya - Half Gadyana - Gandabherunda-2) https://bit.ly/2HnPrqd (Sadasiva Raya - Gadyana - Shiva-Parvathi) https://bit.ly/3pMEvUu (Tirumala Raya - Gadyana - Rama-Sita-Lakshmana) https://bit.ly/3pXKW7t (Venkata Raya III - Gadyana - Sri Venkateshwara) https://bit.ly/3fjC0UZ (Venkata Raya III - Half Gadyana - Sri Venkateshwara - Conch) https://bit.ly/2UQiPsu (Keladi Nayakas - Ikkeri - Gadyana) https://bit.ly/3lTlhKA (Chitradurga Nayakas - Gadyana - Krishna Deva Raya) https://bit.ly/36XSGNR (Kampili - Copper Coin - Dagger and Conch) https://bit.ly/3fnGFFl (Kampili - Gold Coin - Upright Dagger-Conch-Discus) https://bit.ly/35Ori5E (Chalukya - Gold Coin - Varaha-Sun-Moon) https://bit.ly/3lWz4Aa (Hoysala - Gold Coin - Lion - Goddess)
In this episode we shall look at a very interesting and powerful motif that was widely used by Vijayanagara royalty and especially by the Emperor Achyuta Devaraya who was the successor of Sri Krishna Deva Raya . The motif in question is known as , “Gandabherunda”. “Bherunda” means terrific and frightful, a species of bird in Sanskrit; while Ganda is understood to imply a hero or warrior. This motif is the official emblem of the Karnataka State Government too. Visual Notes: https://bit.ly/32qP5q4 (Karnataka's Eagle) https://bit.ly/35bnwTt (Gandabherunda Relief in Rameshwara Temple at Keladi - Zoomorphic Form) https://bit.ly/32ovsPs (Gadabherunda Relief in the ceiling of Brihadeshwara Temple - Zoomorphic Form) https://bit.ly/3pajQt9 (Gandabherunda Emblem in Mysore Palace) https://bit.ly/35bm5EM (Gandabherunda - Heraldic Design - Coat of Arms) https://bit.ly/36luMeO (Gandabherunda Image - Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel, Mysore) https://bit.ly/3ldIhDw (One Bird Two Heads Article on Gandabherunda ) https://bit.ly/38qFOlY (Our Mythological Birds Article on Gandabherunda) https://bit.ly/35bxNit (The Mysore Royal Order Of The Gandabherunda) https://bit.ly/36gzvyy (Depiction of Gandabherunda on gold varaha coin of Achyuta Raya) https://bit.ly/2Il9WV5 (Ashtamukha Gandabherunda) https://bit.ly/3l7etIR (Gandabherunda - Anthropomorphic Form) https://bit.ly/3n5e4al (Shiva Sharabha and Narasimha Gandabherunda Fight) https://bit.ly/3kcYhVg (Double Headed Eagle of the Holy Roman Empire) https://bit.ly/3pifQaj (Gandabherunda in Srirangam by Pandya Dynasty)
In this episode, we will look at not just the legacy of Vijayanagara when it came to temples and sculptures; but we will also look at the evolution of art and culture as a result of political developments that took place in the Empire during the 16th and 17th centuries. Episode Visual Guide Links: https://nexoye.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/anjali-mudra.jpg (Anjali Mudra) https://bit.ly/3dyJEda (Krishna Deva Raya portrait image) at Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala-Tirupati https://bit.ly/320n4pc (Narasimha Swamy Temple) at Ahobhilam https://bit.ly/3mFKMPA (Colonette style pillar) at Narasimha Swamy Temple at Ahobhilam https://bit.ly/3mLVPa1 (Colonette style pillar#2) at Narasimha Swamy Temple at Ahobhilam https://bit.ly/3jM7K5q (Exquisite image of Ugra Narasimha carved within a pillar), bursting out of it at Narasimha Swamy Temple at Ahobhilam https://bit.ly/35OAjKU (Steles - Stone frames) with visual elements sculpted in it. https://bit.ly/3mIhxM6 (Lathe turned smooth cylindrical pillars of Hoysalas) https://bit.ly/3jTG8vD (Vijayanagara Architecture Slides) depicting pillar designs. https://bit.ly/34KyWxx (Vellore's Vijayanagara Temple showing exquisite pillar) https://bit.ly/2TEBaYD (Pillars of Kalyana Mandapa in Achyuta Raya Temple in Hampi) https://bit.ly/3kOUBKg (Pillars of Kalyana Mandapa in Vitthala Temple at Hampi) https://bit.ly/31YHoaq (Khetapai Narayana Temple) at Bhatkal https://bit.ly/3kLvDLZ (Khetapai Narayana Temple#2) at Bhatkal https://bit.ly/2JqE4hZ (Pillar at Bugga Ramalingeswara Temple )at Tadipatri https://bit.ly/31ek9c4 (Bugga Ramalingeswara Temple blog) https://bit.ly/35dfNmE (KodandaRama Temple) at Vontimitta http://evenfewergoats.blogspot.com/2013/07/hampi-pt-1.html (Hampi monuments) blog article https://bit.ly/2JpldUx (Kodanda Rama Temple Blog at Vontimitta) https://bit.ly/35PFrOF (Exquisite pillar at Kondanda Rama Temple) at Vontimitta https://bit.ly/31W4hvh (Exquisite pillar#2 at Kondanda Rama Temple )at Vontimitta https://bit.ly/3jFof3m (Life size Nayaka Era Images at Meenakshi Amman Temple) https://bit.ly/2THVh8o (Bhuvaraha Temple at Cuddalore)
The adoption of Islamicizing forms of courtly dress is in fact paralleled by the appropriation of Islamicate modes of political language. And the most striking instance of which appears in Vijayanagara rulers adoption of the title, “Hindu-Raya-Suratrana” which literally meant, “Sultan among Hindu Kings”. In this episode we will resume our analysis of Phillip Wagoner's research paper on this topic and look at the aspect of political language and the role it played Vijayanagara's Royal Court and it's polity.
In this episode we will switch gears after the last three back-back episodes from the Architecture and Art Series; and look at some fascinating aspects of Religion, Culture, Realpolitik and Fashion in the Royal Court of Hampi. I can assure you, it will be an illuminating episode. At the end of it you will most certainly come out with a lot more clarity about what made Vijayanagara tick and how it thrived in the age of Sultans. Images: https://bit.ly/32YqdXG (2013 G8 Summit Group Picture of World Leaders) https://bit.ly/32YqdXG (2017 G20 Summit Group Picture of World Leaders) https://pasteboard.co/JsZXrqc.png (Pallava Headgear resembling Kullayi) https://pasteboard.co/JsZYyPG.png (Rashtrakuta Headgear resembling Kullayi) https://pasteboard.co/JsZZhjX.png (Kullayi and Kabayi from Vijayanagara Era - Lepakshi Painting) https://pasteboard.co/Jt000JU.png (Chola Era Headgear from GangaiKondaCholapuram - 11th century) https://jkmeadows.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/vishnu.jpg?w=649&h=843 (Sleeping Vishnu and Adisesha)
In this episode we will look at one of the most intriguing monuments at Vijayanagara, the Great Stone Platform, which is also known as Mahanavami Dibba or Dasara Dibba that's located in the Royal Centre part of Hampi. The huge platform-like structure in the episode artwork is the Mahanavami Dibba and it's a great example of Vijayanagara architecture and art being fused in an exceptionally aesthetic way. And I will tell you in detail why I call this structure intriguing. Important Notes: https://bit.ly/3dfOU5d (Google Maps marker of Great Platform) https://bit.ly/2I8l2MJ (Views of the platform from various angles) https://bit.ly/2I4UgVn (Karnataka Travel Blog article on Dibba) https://bit.ly/3lnG205 (Dasara Celebration in Vijayanagara) https://bit.ly/33CFQUN (Beautiful hi-res view of Mahanavami Dibba) https://bit.ly/34BplHL (Frontal views of the platform) https://bit.ly/3jBDpr8 (Dancers beautifully depicted on side panels) https://bit.ly/34PV6xd (Vijayanagara Research Project - Royal Centre & Sacred Centre layout plans) https://bit.ly/33FLZ2I (A really nice blog article with detailed pictures on Mahanavami Dibba)
In this episode we will explore the art, architecture and philosophy of Vidyashankara Temple of Sringeri, which was one of the most important temples that were built during the Vijayanagara Empire. The Vidyashankara temple was built in the year 1338 A.D., in commemoration of the pontiff Sri Vidyashankara, by Sri Vidyaranya, patron-saint of https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harihara_I (Harihara) and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bukka (Bukka), the brothers who founded the Vijayanagara Empire. If you haven't heard about the foundation and rise of Sangamas, do checkout the episodes on Sangamas and Birth Of Vijayanagara in the Foundation Series episodes here https://bit.ly/336HAUL (Foundation Series Collection). IMPORTANT NOTE: Follow these image hyperlinks to better follow the episode as I describe the art and architecture of the Vidyashankara Temple. https://bit.ly/33xaON1 (Official Sringeri Sharada Peetham - Vidyashankara Temple Page) https://bit.ly/3mtttBK (Official Sringeri Sharada Peetham - Early Jagadguru(s) Bio) https://bit.ly/2ZIEV2S (Google Maps Marker - Tunga River & Temple) https://bit.ly/33C4GCY (Vidyashankara Temple and Sharadamba Temple Complex Pictures) https://bit.ly/3mnhyWe (Vidyashankara Temple Vimana with Sukhanasa infront of it) https://bit.ly/32x3NMG (Side view of the Temple - Vimana and Sculptures) https://bit.ly/3ksmR57 (Diagonal view of the Temple - Entraces and Stone Chains) https://bit.ly/2Rv9Fjd (Relief sculpture of the Lord Narasimha on the Southern wall) https://bit.ly/3c4Hgdo (Rear view of the Temple - Western side entrance) https://bit.ly/2ZEZCNe (Rear view of the Temple - Close up) https://bit.ly/32yVPm9 (Relief sculpture of Lord Brahma on the Temple wall) https://bit.ly/2RxUfuO (Relief sculpture of a Deity#3 on the Temple wall) https://live.staticflickr.com/5565/14833535247_f1d9893e07_o.jpg (Relief sculpture of a Deity4# on the Temple wall) https://bit.ly/3hxCIxb (Lord Vishnu's Dasavatara (Ten Incarnations) carvings on West side wall) https://bit.ly/2FCiepQ (Lord Vishnu's Dasavatara#2 (Ten Incarnations) carvings on the West side wall) https://bit.ly/2FHR6pg (Reliefs of Animals on the bottom of the walls) https://bit.ly/3hBTUSm (12-Zodiac Sign Pillars Interior of the Temple) https://bit.ly/3mtcQGD (Lion side-rails at one of the entrances) https://bit.ly/2E97fUy (Low relief sculptures starting at the base of the temple) https://bit.ly/3c2Wqj8 (Vidyashankara Temple Video)
Starting with this episode this week, we will embark upon yet another journey into Vijayanagara. This time we will go on a tour of the state of Literature, Art & Architecture in the empire and the legacy it left behind. All episodes on these aspects will be part of it's own Series similar to how we did the Foundation Series. And the episodes will be released in intervals instead of releasing them in a straight sequence, to allow us to switch gears and look into other aspects of the Empire too. In this episode we will look at the importance, development and evolution of Gopura or Gopuram in South Indian temples especially the era preceding and during Vijayanagara period. IMPORTANT NOTE: Follow these image hyperlinks to better follow the episode as i describe the temples and their gopuras. https://bit.ly/3be6gOQ (Typical Gopura) https://bit.ly/2YOwjY8 (Virupaksha Temple Complex) https://bit.ly/3hKVlyH (Meenakshi Amman Temple) https://bit.ly/32LzaBY (Mahabalipuram Shore Temple Gopura) https://bit.ly/3gFI4Gk (Kailasanatha Temple Gopura) https://bit.ly/3bevX1E (Indra Sabha Gopura - Ellora Cave32) https://bit.ly/2EBMQrz (Brihadeshwara Temple) https://bit.ly/2ECRntM (Gangai-Konda-Cholapuram Temple) https://bit.ly/34U0O2u (Ranganatha Swamy Temple Complex) https://bit.ly/2Gb7fDX (Nataraja Temple Gopura - Chidambaram) https://bit.ly/3bgmKWY (Hazara Rama Temple East Side Gopura - Hampi) https://karnatakatravel.blogspot.com/2019/05/hazara-rama-devasthana-part-1.html (Hazara Rama Temple Pictures) https://bit.ly/2Gk1MLr (East Gopura - North End of Hemakuta Hill - Hampi) https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/15/Krishna_temple_Hampi.JPG (Krishna Temple Damaged Gopura - Hampi) https://www.karnataka.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/xachyuta-raya-temple-hampi-flickr.jpg.pagespeed.ic.wvMnUo0wiP.jpg (Achyuta Raya Temple - Damaged Inner Gopura) https://live.staticflickr.com/2806/9881666715_aeb8c4004f_b.jpg (Pattabhirama Temple Damaged Gopura - Hampi) https://bit.ly/2DiaUPt (Malyavantha Raghunatha Swamy Temple - Hampi) https://bit.ly/2YToPmz (Bugga Ramalingeshvara Temple - Tadipatri-Andhra) https://bit.ly/3jCbAPb (Kodhandarama Swamy Temple Gopura - Vontimitta-Andhra) https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/da/SrikalahastiGaligopuram.jpg/1024px-SrikalahastiGaligopuram.jpg (Sri Kalahasthi Temple Gopura - Andhra) https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/65/Side_view_of_Madhavaraya_Swamy_temple%2C_Gandikota.JPG (Madhavaraya Swamy Temple Gopura - Gandikota-Andhra) https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4c/Upper_Ahobilam_temple_Gopuram_02.jpg/1920px-Upper_Ahobilam_temple_Gopuram_02.jpg (Ahobilam Narasimha Swamy Temple - Andhra) https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/30/Tirupathi_%286337140675%29.jpg/1024px-Tirupathi_%286337140675%29.jpg (Govindaraja Swamy Temple gopura - Tirupati-Andhra)
In this episode we will see how the Battle of Raichur was also a prelude to the more famous and epic Battle of Talikota (which took place 45 years after this battle), a battle that permanently altered the geopolitical map of the Deccan and South.
In the last episode we understood the importance of the fertile and resource rich triangular tract of land called Raichur Doab in the Deccan and how intensely contested it was for many empires that existed even prior to the Bahmanis and Vijayanagara. And we also set the stage for an inevitable and epic conflict between Bijapur and Vijayanagara;,with the Portuguese choosing to tip the balance in favor of Vijayanagara as part of their aggressive global policy of Reconquista against the Islamic rulers
In a series of 3 full episodes starting with this one, we will explore one of the most important chapters of Vijayanagara history. The Battle Of Raichur. This battle is fascinating not just because of the intense drama and intrigue that engulfs it, but also due to the far reaching impact it had on the fortunes of the empire. Before we dive neck deep into the battle, we ought to first understand the geography of Raichur, its implications and the complex backstory with Raichur as the backdrop.
This is the 9th and final installment in the Foundation Series of this Season. In this episode we will look at the mysterious character of Sage Vidyaranya of Sringeri Matha who was the power behind the power. Vidyaranya was renowned to be the Kingmaker who inspired, funded and oversaw the eventual rise of Sangamas as the torch bearers of Sanatana Dharma.
This is a prelude to final installment in the Foundation Series and a 4 min bonus bit which depicts the interesting legend around the foundation of the City of Vijayanagara. Full length episode and the finale of foundation series releases on August 21st.
This is the 8th installment in the Foundation Series of this Season. In the last episode, “Blunder Thy Name Tughluq” we explored the beginning of the end of the Tughluq Sultanate under Muhammud Bin Tughluq. As Vijayanagara came out of the womb of Destiny and took its first breaths in the South; it's nemesis and arch rival, the Bahamani Kingdom was being forged in the same fires of Deccan under the dynamic leadership of the young Hasan Gangu. Vijayanagara and Bahamanis were two sides of the same coin. Right from the moment of their birth, their swords and destinies were locked into each other. The rise and fall of Bahamanis had a ripple effect on Vijayanagara's own fortunes in ways it couldn't anticipate or predict.
The blood of the traitor and a former Sultan had now spilt on the Turquoise throne. If you liked this bonus bit and have piqued your interest, go ahead and hit play on the full episode, “Birth of A Nemesis” that explores the fall of Tughlaqs in Deccan and birth of the Bahmani kingdom.
As Vijayanagara came out of the womb of Destiny and took its first breaths in the South; it's nemesis and arch rival, the Bahmani Kingdom was being forged in the same fires of Deccan. Bahmani Kingdom's rise corresponds to the great turbulence and chaos that plagued the Deccan especially during the spontaneous rebellions against the Tughluq overlords by the very Tughluq Amirs that Muhammad Bin Tughluq had transplanted.
Note: Scroll to end to read a note on minor correction(s) in the published episode. In this special extra full length episode, we will explore in depth about Sangamas, their rise and how they ended up forging an empire at a critical time when Hindus were cornered all over India. And had no other choice but to fight back against the onslaught of Tuglaqh Sultanate on one end and the Madurai Sultanate on the other. We will also decipher the Hoysala and Sangama connection and all the mysteries behind Sangamas. In this episode we will pick up where we left last time. We had concluded the last episode with few main points: 1. That the Telugu Origin theory was mostly an after the fact concoction.2. The Sangama Brothers getting converted to Islam and then having a fantastical ghar-wapsi too was mostly a false propaganda.3. Finally, the Sangama Brothers mostly had no whatsoever connection with either Kampili and Kakatiya Royal families. Correction: In the episode I had accidentally referred to Gajapati Kingdom of Orissa as escaping much of the Tuglaqh onslaught in the early-mid 14th century. It is Eastern Ganga Dynasty instead. I had spoken about this in the prior episodes. Gajapati Dynasty did not arrive until 1434 AD. So if you hear Gajapati in this episode, please replace it with the above indicated correction.
This is a bonus bit that acts as a prelude to the upcoming special full length episode and 6th installment of the foundation series. This prelude sets the stage before we unravel all the mysteries behind the enigmatic founders of Vijayanagara and see the birth of a glorious Hindu empire in the next episode.
With the Episode 16, "Sangama Rahasya" we hit the half way mark for the Season Vijayanagara. So I thought this might be an appropriate moment to take a stock of the listener feedback, reviews and suggestions that the show received. I will be picking four interesting reviews and use that discuss a little about the show and also give you some updates on the future content. In the interest of time, I was unable to give a shoutout to every individual review. Having said that every review/feedback is equally valuable and highly appreciated.
Bonus Bit included in the first 2 minutes. This is the 5th installment in the Foundation Series of this Season and it's a special one to me personally because of what I went through to produce it for you wonderful people out there. Retelling of any History is nothing but the act of Storytelling and the Origins of Vijayanagara is a special kind of story. It's an extremely tough nut to crack. We will explore the accounts, legends and evidence surrounding the founders of Vijayanagara, The Sangama Brothers. Harihara I and Bukka I are two enigmatic figures in the story of Vijayanagara's Origins. Without understanding all the narratives surrounding, one can never truly understand the birth of this glorious Hindu Empire and the Rise Of Sangamas.
In this episode, we will look closely at the events that transpired from the perspective of the Hoysala ruler, Veera Bhallala.His valuable contributions towards the expulsion of Tuglaqhs from the South have to be told. Most often this aspect is completely ignored or given a token mention in modern historical narratives. Without understanding the role of the Last Great Hoysala, Bhallala we can never understand the origins of Vijayanagara.
The first 3 min of this episode has a Bonus Bit. In this episode we shall look at the last major kingdom of Hoyasala and a small kingdom of Kampili in the Karnataka. We shall see their conflict with the Tuglaqhs and the events that transpired.
In the second part of the Foundation mini-series of the Season Vijayanagara, we will look at the Khilji and Tuglaq conquests of Deccan and South India.
This episode begins a multi part episode series that will delve in depth into the Foundation of Vijayanagara like never before. In this episode we shall delve into the political conditions before the foundation of the mighty Vijayanagara Empire. These conditions along with many other factors played a crucial role in gradually forging this glorious Hindu empire.
In this episode, we will explore in depth the reasons for Tirumala Raya being forced to abandon the capital permanently and falling back to Penukonda. This episode includes a Bonus bit in the first 5 minutes of drama.
This episode has a bonus bit preceding it, in the first 5 min. In the usual narratives, the Battle Of Talikota is not just referred to as a watershed event, but also as the end of Vijayanagara. While the former is accurate, the latter is again a loose interpretation of the real events that transpired after Talikota.
In this episode, we will delve into the revenue and taxation system of Vijayanagara. The stability of any State or Empire depends on its economic resources. Source(s): IHC Vol.39 Vol.1 1978,ISSN No.2231-0045 and Society In Vijayanagara by Sri Lakshmi Katragadda
We will understand the importance of now 1700 year old Tirumala Tirupati Aalayam(temple) to the 16th century Vijayanagara rulers, it's polity and citizens. We will also go in depth into the fascinating aspects of the Tirupati temple and the powerful role it played on both the economic and political front. We shall see Vijayanagara's patronage of the temple through three regnal periods of Krishna Deva Raya, Achyuta Deva Raya and Sadasiva Raya.
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