Rise and fall of Vijayanagar - The Hindu Kingdom - 3

Early days of the Empire :

Across the Banks of Tunga lies Anegundi. Vijayanagar was established by the name Vidyanagar and later came to be known as Vijayanagar. It was initially a small township with the picturesque backdrop. First rulers of the kingdom stressed on rehabilitation of the town, cementing relations with the tributaries of Kingdom, bringing all small rulers under one roof, restoring the temples of Madurai, Srirangam, Kalahasti etc.

Sayanacharya, brother of Vidyaranya was assigned with the laborious job of writing commentary on Vedas . His works stand as authority even today.

Hakka was the first king. He ruled for a brief period of 7 years (1336-1343) and laid a strong foundation for posterity. After him Bukka took over the reign and expanded the kingdom over good parts of southern India. Some of the forts which were held by muslims were recaputred, thus gaining confidence of small Hindu rulers. Seeing this all small rulers submitted before Vijayanagar kingdom and came united under one Hindu ruler and rule.

Earlier Chanakya and Chandragupta had adapted similar strategy to counter Alexander. The Greek king was able to penetrate the borders just because all the kings and rulers of that part were divided and had declared themselves as Independent sovereign kings. They were easily defeated and thus the borders were open for Alexander. Chandragupta united all of them under one rule.

The history as it is said - Repeats itself. Under the rulers of Vijayanagar the history of Hindu rulers was about to repeat and they would now live with their head held high and swollen chest.