The Vijayanagara Empire (also called Karnata Empire and the Kingdom of Bisnegar by the Portuguese) is based in the Deccan Plateau region in South India.
It is established in 1336 by Harihara I and his brother Bukka Raya I of Sangama Dynasty.
The empire rises to prominence as a culmination of attempts by the southern powers to ward off Islamic invasions by the end of the thirteenth century.
It lasts until 1646, although its power declines after a major military defeat in 1565 by the Deccan sultanates.
The empire is named after its capital city of Vijayanagara, whose ruins surround present day Hampi, now a World Heritage Site in Karnataka, India.
The writings of medieval European travelers such as Domingo Paes, Fernão Nunes, and Niccolò Da Conti, and the literature in local languages provide crucial information about its history.
Archaeological excavations at Vijayanagara have revealed the empire's power and wealth.The empire's legacy includes many monuments spread over South India, the best known of which is the group at Hampi.
The previous temple building traditions in South India come together in the Vijayanagara Architecture style.
The mingling of all faiths and vernaculars inspires architectural innovation of Hindu temple construction, first in the Deccan and later in the Dravidian idioms using the local granite.
Efficient administration and vigorous overseas trade bring new technologies such as water management systems for irrigation.
The empire's patronage enables fine arts and literature to reach new heights in Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, and Sanskrit, while Carnatic music evolves into its current form.
The Vijayanagara Empire creates an epoch in South Indian history that transcends regionalism by promoting Hinduism as a unifying factor.
