Andhra Bhoja Sri Krishnadevaraya: King of Vijayanagara Empire

Sri Krishnadevaraya is a name that doesn’t need any introduction. He was the famous king of the great Vijayanagara Empire in South India. Sri Krishnadevaraya ruled the Vijayanagara empire from 1509 to 1529. He is also named one of the greatest rulers in the history of South India. Not only a ruler, but he is also known for his cultural achievements, economic prosperity, and many military successes. Krishnadevaraya was a patron of arts, literature, and culture. The Vijayanagara court was home to some of the finest scholars and poets of the time. He was also a military strategist who led many successful campaigns against the Deccan Sultanates and expanded the Vijayanagara Empire territory and consolidated its power.

Sri Krishnadevaraya’s Childhood

Sri Krishnadevaraya was born in 1471 in the town of Hampi in the Vijayanagara Empire. He belongs to the Tuluva dynasty. Tuluva Narasa Nayaka and Nagala Devi were the parents of Krishna Devaraya. During that time the Vijayanagara Empire was ruled by Saluva Narasimha Deva Raya. But he died in 1491 and his sons were too young to ascend the throne. So, Narasimha Deva Raya made Tuluva Narasa Nayaka the king to prevent the disintegration of the empire.

Krishna Devaraya’s childhood was marked by the constant threat of invasion and political instability in the Vijayanagara Empire. Despite these challenges, Krishna Devaraya received a thorough education in the arts, sciences, and military tactics. He also learned to read and write in multiple languages including Sanskrit, Telugu, and Kannada.

Some theories say that during Sri Krishnadevaraya’s childhood, he was sent far from the empire to keep him safe from the conflicts in the Vijayanagara Empire. Thimmarasu, also known as Appaji, later protected Sri Krishnadevaraya at a safe place and made arrangements for his study in the above-said forms. After 20 years, Krishna Devaraya claimed his throne in 1509 and also gained a reputation for his intelligence and strategic thinking.

Marriage Life

History accounts that Sri Krishnadevaraya has two wives Tirumala Devi and Chinna Devi. With Tirumala Devi, he has a son and a daughter named Tirumala Raya and Tirumalumba. With Chinna Devi, he has a daughter named Vengalamba.

Military Career

Sri Krishna Devaraya was an accomplished military leader who expanded his Vijayanagara Empire and consolidated its power. He led many successful campaigns against the Deccan Sultanates, who were a major and constant threat to the empire. He annexed their territories into the Vijayanagara Empire.

Of all his military achievements, the conquest of the Raichur Doab was the most notable one. This was a fertile region located between the Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers that were conquest by many Deccan Sultanates. Krishna Devaraya also defeated the Bijapur Sultans and Golconda Sultans in the region and incorporated those regions into the Vijayanagara Empire.

Krishna Devaraya also led successful campaigns against the Bidar Sultans and the Kalinga kingdom. In 1519, he defeated the Kalinga army in the battle of Chhatarpur and annexed the kingdom into the Vijayanagara Empire.

Throughout his military career, Devaraya was known for his strategic planning and ability to adapt to changing circumstances on the battlefield. Not only a warrior but he was also a skilled diplomat and was able to forge alliances with other powerful kingdoms in South India that helped him to further expand the empire’s territory.

Art & Literature

Sri Krishnadevaraya was a patron of the arts. literature, and culture. In his court, there were some of the finest scholars and poets of the time. He himself was a patron of literature and wrote poetry in Telugu, Sanskrit, and Kannada. “Amukta Malyada” was the most famous work of literature associated with Krishnadevaraya’s court. It was a Telugu-language poem written by the emperor himself. The poem is about the story of the Hindu god Krishna’s life. It is the greatest work of Telugu literature.

Krishnadevaraya also patronized the translation of the great Hindu epic, the Mahabharata into Telugu. The Telugu translation “Mahabharatamu” was the most popular and the finest translation of the epic tale was done in his reign. In addition to literature, Krishnadevaraya was also a patron of the arts, and his court was home to some of the finest musicians, dancers, and artists of the time. The Vijayanagara Empire under his rule was known for its cultural achievements, and the arts flourished during this period.

Astadiggajas

In Sri Krishnadevaraya’s court, there were the finest group of eight poets was there. They were all called the Astadiggajas. Diggajam means elephant in Sanskrit. It means that these poets’ knowledge is a resemblance to the elephant. They were the great poets of their time and were held in high regard by Krishnadevaraya and the people of the Vijayanagara Empire.

The Astadiggajas were responsible for creating some of the finest works of Telugu literature during the reign of Krishna Devaraya. They wrote much poetry, plays, and other works of literature that were appreciated for their linguistic virtuosity, depth of emotion, and moral values. The eight poets who served as Astadiggajas under Krishnadevaraya were:

1. Allasani Peddana
2. Nandi Thimmana, also known as Mukku Thimmana
3. Dhurjati
4. Madayyagri Mallana
5. Ayyalaraju Rambhadrudu
6. Pingali Surana
7. Ramarajabhushanudu
8. Tenali Rama Krishna, also known as Vikatakavi

Tenali Rama Krishna was particularly close to the king. He is known for his wit and humor, and his poems and plays are still popular today. He also saved the Vijayanagara Empire from many hazards. The Astadiggajas made significant contributions to Telugu literature and were instrumental in shaping the cultural and intellectual life of the Vijayanagara Empire during the reign of Krishnadevaraya.

Sri Krishnadevaraya’s Death

Sri Krishnadevaraya died on November 17, 1529. He ruled the empire for 20 years, from 1509 to 1529. He is remembered as one of the greatest rulers in the history of South India. But the exact reason for Krishnadevaraya’s death is not known. Some sources say that he may have died of natural causes, such as illness or old age. He died at the age of 58 years. His son also died at an early age because of a poison attack.

After Krishnadevaraya’s death, his brother Achyuta Deva Raya succeeded him as king of the Vijayanagara Empire. Achyuta Deva Raya continued and followed his brother’s policies and continued to expand the empire. But he faced many challenges, including the succession crisis and the Deccan Sultanates’ attacks. Despite these challenges, Achyuta Deva Raya was able to maintain the prosperity and cultural achievements of the Vijayanagara Empire and is remembered as a competent and capable ruler.

Originally published at https://www.historicalhuman.com.