One app for all your study abroad needs
Krishnadevaraya, the third ruler of the Tuluva dynasty, who reigned over the Vijayanagar Empire for 20 years until 1529, making it one of the largest empires in the Indian Subcontinent. His reign is seen to be one of the best in terms of military conquests, administrative reforms, and cultural influence, establishing him as one of the greatest emperors of medieval India. Read on to know who was Krishnadevaraya and all about his administration and wars fought.
Table of Contents
| Overview of Krishnadevaraya | |
| Birth | 1471 |
| Parents | Narasa Nayaka, Nagamamba |
| Spouses | Tirumala Devi, Chinna Devi |
| Children | Tirumalamba, Tirumala Raya, Vengalamba |
| Major Conquests | Ummattur Chiefs, Bahmani Kings, Gajapati of Odisha |
| Cultural Contributions | Patron of arts, literature, architecture, and infrastructure |
| Literary works | Amuktamalyada (Telugu composition on statecraft) |
| Battles Fought | 1509 (Mahmood Shah), 1510 (Yusuf Adil Shah), 1513 (Gajapati) |
| Death | 1529 |
| Successors | Achyuta Deva Raya, Venkata I, Sadasiva Raya |
Krishnadevaraya: Early Life and Ascendancy
Krishnadevaraya was born in 1471 to Narasa Nayaka and Nagamamba.
- He was a great warrior, an able diplomat and a generous patron of art, architecture and literature.
- He composed the Telugu work Amuktamalyada, which focuses on statecraft.
- Krishnadevaraya introduced the Amara Nayak System, where lands were allocated to Nayaks (military chiefs) who maintained armies for the king and sent revenues collected from the people.
- Krishnadevaraya was married to Tirumala Devi and Chinna Devi. He had children with both wives.
| Wives | Children |
| Tirumala Devi | Tirumalamba, Tirumala Raya |
| Chinna Devi | Vengalamba |
Fun Fact – The present-day Hampi in Karnataka was once the land of the Vijayanagar Empire.
Administration and Cultural Influence under Krishnadevaraya
Krishnadevaraya’s court was adorned with renowned poets like Allasani Peddana and the famous advisor Tenali Rama. He emphasised areas like cultural aspects, spirituality, trade, crafts and infrastructure development during his administration.
| Court Members | Contributions |
| Allasani Peddana | Poet |
| Tenali Rama | Advisor |
| Timmarasu | Prime Minister |
- The kingdom saw the construction of temples like Brihadishwara at Tanjore and Chennakeshava at Belur.
- Coinage usage was wide, leading to trade and the development of crafts like weaving.
- To tackle the arid climate, Krishnadevaraya built the Kamalapuram Tank, a huge tank for irrigation and water supply.
Also Read – Ashtadiggajas Of Vijayanagara Empire
Military Conquests of Krishnadevaraya
Krishnadevaraya’s military expertise was evident through various battles accounted in history:
- Early Victories: Subjugated the rebellious Ummattur Chiefs named Reddys of Kondavidu and Velamas of Bhuvanagiri.
- Hostility with Bahmani Kings: Secured control over Raichur Doab and seaports like Goa and Honavar with Portuguese assistance.
- Defeat of Deccan Sultanates: In 1509, he defeated the founder of the first Muslim empire of the Deccan, Mahmood Shah, and killed Yusuf Adil Shah in 1510.
- Support to Bahmani Sultan: Restored Bahmani Sultan Mahmud in Gulbarga, earning the title “establisher of the Yavana kingdom”, for supporting Bahmani kingdom
- Victory over Gajapati of Odisha: In 1513, defeated the Gajapati ruler and later married his daughter, leading to the return of captured lands.
- Final Battle in 1527: Annihilated the Bahmani Sultanate in Gulbarga, ending the rivalry.
| Battles | Opponents | Outcome |
| Ummattur Chiefs | Reddys, Velamas | Victory |
| Bahmani Kings | Mahmood Shah, Yusuf Adil Shah | Victory |
| Restoration of Bahmani Sultan | Amir Barid | Victory |
| Gajapati of Odisha | Prataparudra Deva | Victory, marriage alliance |
| Final Battle (1527) | Bahmani Sultanate | Victory |
Legacy and Conclusion
In 1529, Krishnadevaraya fell seriously ill and was succeeded by his brother Achyuta Deva Raya. The subsequent rulers faced challenges, including rebellion and external threats, leading to the eventual decline of the Vijayanagar Empire.
| Year | Event |
| 1529 | Krishnadevaraya’s death |
| 1542 | Change in ruling dynasty to Aravidu |
| 1565 | Battle of Talikota |
| 1646 | Final decline of the Empire |
Relevant Blogs
Hope you liked our blog on who was Krishnadevaraya. If you want to know more about other Famous Personalities then visit our General Knowledge page!