Vijayanagara, once one of the mightiest Hindu empires, has now been reduced to a mere village. Through extensive research and restoration efforts, dedicated conservationists and the ASI have made every possible attempt to restore the lost brilliance of the Vijayanagara Empire. The splendid rocks and large boulders, together with the awe-inspiring royal architecture, confer on Hampi the rare accolade of being declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its natural beauty as well. Indeed, with the turbulent Tungabhadra river flowing on one side and rocks and boulders poised in an amazing balancing act, Hampi presents a sight to behold. In Vijayanagara Empire acclaimed photographer Raghu Rai, through his passionate response to the site, takes the reader on a visual experience akin to being transported into the world the way it must have existed centuries ago. His photographs have an archival and ancient feel to them, and yet succinctly capture not only the depths and details of the ruins but also fleeting experiences.

The Vijayanagar Empire, which was headquartered in present-day Hampi, Karnataka, is acclaimed in pre-modern history as the most powerful kingdom to arrest the onslaught of Moghul invaders in the South for nearly two centuries. Its rulers were known for their valour in taking on the Sultans from the North. Further, the rulers of Vijayanagara were great patrons of Hindu culture and civilization and were known for their military and administrative acumen. They patronized fine arts, music, dance and temple architecture. Despite their glory, there are conflicting records of the empire’s history, right from the inception of the empire to its collapse. There are some apologists who even contest the fact that Sage Vidyaranya founded the empire to defend Hinduism and its values. Others, foreign tourists who visited the empire, were not wholly appreciative of the rulers and exaggerated their weaknesses if any. Influenced by their religious allegiances, these visitors were often biased and tended to base their narratives on hearsay. Modern historians too have descredited the empire so as to nullify the role of religious bigotry. They came up with theories that do not truly represent the true spirit and culture of this great empire. Which narrative is the most accurate and who has curated the history of the Vijayanagar Empire in the most succinct way? This book only tries to analyse various theories about the Empire and tries to give a perspective on such controversies.

Written About A.D. 1520 To 1522 And A.D. 1535 To 1537 Respectively.

1565, Vijayanagara Empire When Krishnadevaraya, the great hero of the Vijayanagara empire, appoints his brother as successor to the throne, his son-in-law Ramaraya feels betrayed. Though he nurses a feeling of being let down, he is loyal to the empire. In the dark decades that followed – filled with internal feuds and external invasions – it took Ramaraya’s strong hands to bring back peace and prosperity to the land as the chief minister to the child emperor Sadashiva Raya. Ramaraya fought wars, schemed and negotiated his way to make Vijayanagara the greatest power of the land. Now at the height of his power and influence, Ramaraya learns of a new danger. The Deccan Sultanates, the pack of wolves who had always been snapping at the heels of the mighty empire, have now decided to unite for a single purpose – the destruction of Vijayanagara. The country needed a saviour; it needed him, Ramaraya. For how else could he finally prove to everyone that he was the true successor of Krishnadevaraya? THE FALL OF AN EMPIRE unravels the battle of Talikota, which sealed the fate of both, Ramaraya and the Vijayanagara empire.