Welcome dear students! Today we are going to learn about Vijayanagar Empire and Bahamani Kingdom from Class 9 Social Science. In this chapter, we will learn about the establishment of the Vijayanagara empire and the Bahamani kingdom, the dynasties which ruled them, the achievements and contributions of Shri Krishnadevaraya, the cultural contributions of the Vijayanagara empire, and the cultural achievements of the Bahamani kingdom. Note this for your exams, as this chapter forms a crucial part of medieval Karnataka history.
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The establishment of the Vijayanagara Empire is a landmark in Indian history. The South Indian dynasties, namely the Yadavas of Devagiri, the Kakatiyas of Warangal, the Pandyas of Madurai, the Hoysalas of Dwarasamudra, also known as Halebeedu, and the Cholas of Tanjore, were all victims of violent attacks by Allauddin Khilji. As a result, political instability, lawlessness, fear, and religious turmoil prevailed everywhere. In such a situation, the Vijayanagara empire was established. Harihara and Bukka established this empire on the banks of the Tungabhadra river in the year 1336. Later, Hampi became the capital of the Vijayanagara empire. Referring to the map in your textbook, the Vijayanagara Empire covered the southern peninsula, including coastal cities like Honnavara, Mangaluru, Calicut, Cochin, and Tuticorin, and inland centers like Mysuru, Thanjavur, and Madurai. To its north lay the Bahamani Kingdom, centered around Kalaburagi, Bidar, and Raichur, with the Arabian Sea to the west and the Bay of Bengal to the east.
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The four dynasties that ruled Vijayanagara were the Sangama, Saluva, Tuluva, and Araveedu dynasties. The famous kings of the Sangama dynasty, which ruled from 1336 to 1486, were Harihara I, Bukkaraya, Harihara II, and Praudhadevaraya. Harihara laid the foundation for the Vijayanagara empire and developed a capital amidst hillocks. Kampana, the son of Bukkaraya, expanded the empire by dethroning the Sultan of Madurai. The Sanskrit work Madhuravijayam, also known as Veera Kampanarayam, written by Gangadevi, gives more explanation about this victory. Bukkaraya defeated the Reddys of Kondaveedu and merged the Penukonda area with Vijayanagara. Bukka was successful in solving the differences between the Jains and the Srivaishnavas, thereby upholding religious harmony. This fact is revealed by the inscription of Shravana Belagola. He constructed a fort and a few temples in the capital and encouraged agricultural activities. Bukkaraya sent an ambassador to the court of a Chinese king belonging to the Ming dynasty.
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During the 27 year rule of Harihara II, the son of Bukkaraya, the Vijayanagara Empire comprised vast areas. He took into his control Kondaveedu, Kurnool, and Nellore forts. At the time of the death of Bahamani Sultan Mujahid, Harihara II expanded his kingdom from Goa to the north of the Konkan coast. He occupied the fort of Pangala lying to the north of the Krishna river in the year 1398. Now let us move on to Devaraya II, also known as Praudhadevaraya. Do you know this? Nicole Conti, an Italian traveller, visited Vijayanagar and recorded interesting facts about the kingdom. He revealed that the capital spread across 60 square miles. The most famous king in the Sangama dynasty was Devaraya II. He earned the title of Elephant Hunter. Devaraya II defeated the king Kapilendra of the Gajapathi dynasty of Orissa and seized Kondaveedu. By suppressing regional kings across the border, he expanded the kingdom up to the Krishna river in the north east. Later, he defeated the Kerala ruler and received royalties from Kerala and Sri Lanka. This earned him the title Dakshinapathada Chakravarthi, meaning the Emperor of the South. Through these conquests, the Vijayanagara Empire extended from Sri Lanka to Gulbarga, and from Telangana to Malabar.
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Devaraya II chased the traditional foe Sultan Ahmed Shah of Bahamani till Bijapur and occupied Mudgal and Bankapura. His commander, Lakkanna Dandesha, achieved a successful naval victory. Devaraya II was tolerant towards other religions. He constructed a mosque in the capital, and also constructed Jaina and Vaishnava temples. Being a poet himself, he had in his court the Sanskrit scholar Dindima and the Kannada scholar Lakkana Dandesha. During his period, the Veerashaiva tradition and literature saw a revival. Do you know this? The Persian Ambassador, Abdul Razak, visited the capital of Vijayanagar towards the end of April 1443. Impressed by the glory of the kingdom, he exclaimed that the eye has not seen nor the ear heard of any place like Vijayanagar, and there is no place on earth which is comparable to Vijayanagar. After the death of Devaraya II in 1446, weak kings came to power, and the rule of the Sangama dynasty came to an end. From 1485 to 1505, the Saluva dynasty ruled the Vijayanagara Empire. The famous king of this dynasty was Saluva Narasimha.
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Now we come to Krishnadevaraya, who ruled from 1509 to 1529. He was the son of Narasanayaka of the Tuluva dynasty and his wife, Nagalambike. Krishnadevaraya was the most famous king among the rulers of the Vijayanagar Empire. During his rule, the Vijayanagar Empire reached the pinnacle of glory, comparable to world-famous rulers like Ashoka, Samudragupta, and Harshavardhana. He ruled for 20 years. When he came to power, the kingdom faced various complicated internal and external problems. The Europeans who had arrived through the new sea-route established their colonies. The five Shahi kingdoms of the Bahamani dynasty plunged into wars with Krishnadevaraya. In addition, the kings of Ummatthur and Orissa were a constant source of threat. Let us look at his military achievements. As mentioned by Robert Sewell, Krishnadevaraya was an unparalleled warrior, shrewd commander, and political expert. He won all the wars and expanded his empire in the South. He defeated Ummatthur’s Gangaraja and took over the Shivanasamudra fort from him. Then he conquered the Raichur fort. He helped the Portuguese army to conquer Goa from the Bijapur Sultan and established trade relations with them. He attacked the Udayagiri fort. When he attacked it, he thought it was a very strong fort and very difficult to conquer, but decided to conquer it in a day and succeeded. This shows his determination.
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He conquered Kalinga’s capital Cuttack and defeated Prataparudra Deva of the Gajapathi dynasty and entered a marital relationship with him. Krishnadevaraya defeated Adil Shahi of Vijayapura, also known as Bijapura, and won the Raichur fort. At the time of attacking the Raichur fort, he encouraged all the soldiers by saying, Everyone has to die one day. If you die in the battlefield, you go to heaven. If you win, you will be blessed. Therefore, everyone of you come and fight with me, do not be cowards. After occupying Raichur fort, Krishnadevaraya seized Bidar and Kalaburagi, also known as Gulbarga, forts. He defeated the Prime Minister of the Bahamani kingdom, Kasim Bareed, freed the Bahamani prince who was imprisoned by Kasim Bareed, and coronated the prince on the Bahamani throne at Bidar. This earned him the title Yavanarajya Pratisthapanacharya. By the time Krishnadevaraya died, the Vijayanagara empire had spread in all directions and was very vast. Krishnadevaraya was not only a skilled warrior but also an able administrator. His Telugu work Amukta Maalyada reveals the shrewdness he possessed in matters of state. He provided irrigational facilities for the expansion of agriculture. With the friendship of the Portuguese, he increased foreign trade. He abolished tax on marriages. He was a great patron of art, literature, and religions. There were eight Telugu poets known as Ashtha Diggajas in his court. Krishnadevaraya was a poet himself and wrote the play Jambavati Kalyana in Sanskrit. Allasani Peddanna, Nandi Timmanna, Durjuti, Tenali Ramakrishna, and others were the Telugu poets in his court.
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Krishnadevaraya constructed the Krishna temple at Hampi. Along with many temples, he erected the Maharangamantapa in the Virupaksha temple at Hampi, and also constructed many other temples. The Portuguese travellers, Paes and Barbosa, applauded the dignity and ability of Krishnadevaraya. During his time, people of all religions enjoyed religious freedom. Do you know this? Barbosa, a foreign traveller, noted that whether he is a Christian, Jew, Muslim, or Hindu, everyone led life peacefully in the Vijayanagara kingdom. After Krishnadevaraya, Achyutaraya and Sadashivaraya came to the throne. Krishnadevaraya’s son-in-law, Ramaraya of the Araveedu dynasty, handled the administration in an able manner. Although Ramaraya had improved the prestige of the kingdom by waging many wars during his 23 year reign, many foes had sprung up against Vijayanagar. Counteracting the frequent attacks by the Deccan Shahi Sultans, Ramaraya had occupied Vijayapura and Golkonda forts. This provoked the Sultans to wage war against Ramaraya. The Deccan Sultans, envious of the progress and prosperity of the Vijayanagara empire, forgot their political differences in the name of religion and united. In the battle of Rakkasatangadi, also known as the Battle of Talikote in 1565, the united army of the four kingdoms mounted an attack on Vijayanagar. Ramaraya’s army was defeated, and he died. The victorious army of the Deccan Sultans plundered the glorious kingdom of Vijayanagar. As a result, the capital Hampi became a ruin.
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Later, the Araveedu dynasty ruled from Penugonda, Chandragiri, and finally Vellore till 1646. The chieftains of Mysuru, Keladi, and Chitradurga in Karnataka became independent. Do you know this? Penugonda, Chandragiri, Paddebidu, Tiruvadi, also known as Tiruvankuru, Muluvayi, also known as Mulubagilu, Santalige, in the Shivamogga area, and Mangaluru were the important provinces of the Vijayanagar empire. Now let us look at the cultural contributions of Vijayanagar. The administration was carried on in a traditional manner. The kings selected their eldest sons as their heirs. The central administration was strong, and some powers were decentralised. The Council of Ministers, a strong military, and provincial chieftains supported the king. The king would give land to the leader or chieftain in return for military service. There were leaders like Nayankars or Amara Nayankars at the provincial level, and village administration at the local level. Thimmarasa was a Prime Minister. The kingdom had various administrative levels like the state, nadu, meaning district, and grama, meaning village. The king enjoyed absolute power in judicial matters. Provincial officers dispensed justice in the provinces. Punishment used to be severe. The village was the last level of administration, and the Grama Sabhas carried on the administration there. The Gavunda, Karanika, also known as Shanubhoga, and Talara, also known as Talawara, assisted in village administration.
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Vijayanagar had a mighty army. It consisted of three hierarchies: permanent troops, troops sent by vassal states, and troops of royal guards, which looked after the king’s security. Infantry, cavalry, elephants, and cannons were the main factions of the army. From 1368, the use of cannons in wars began. There were mammoth elephants. Horses brought from Arabia were a major attraction at Vijayanagar. There was a naval squad in the army. People from all religions could occupy high positions in the army. Muslims were army officers. Farmers and hunters became chieftains. Forts and moats played an important role during wars. Moving to the social system, there was an occupation-based caste system. There were many skilled artisans, blacksmiths, goldsmiths, bell-metal smiths, carpenters, weavers, and cobblers in society. The practices of child marriage, sati, and devadasi systems were prevalent. Though monogamy was the common practice, kings and rich people had many wives. Women enjoyed a dignified status in society. There were female wrestlers and female palace guards. Holi, Deepavali, and Dasara festivals were celebrated publicly. The Dasara festival was celebrated with pomp and glory at Hampi under royal patronage. As evidence of this, the Mahanavami dibba can still be seen. Music and dance enjoyed great popularity. Do you know this? Honnamma was a reporter in the court of Devaraya II. Wrestling was the most popular sport during the Vijayanagara period. Hariyakka was a famous female wrestler of that time.
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The economic system of Vijayanagar was prosperous. Land tax was the main source of revenue. Farmers used to give one-sixth of their income to the government in the form of tax. Professional tax, revenue tax, road tax, market tax, commercial tax, import and export taxes, and tributes from the vassals were other forms of revenue. Agriculture was the backbone of the economy. People grew different crops throughout the year. Jowar, ragi, paddy, wheat, lentils, pulses like green gram, black gram, and tuvar, sesame seeds, groundnuts, cotton, sugarcane, and coconut were the main crops. The Vijayanagar kings constructed wells, tanks, and canals to encourage irrigation and agriculture. There were five kinds of practices of land holdings: geni, guttige, siddhaya, vara, and gadi, which refer to tenancy, lease holdings, and other kinds. The empire achieved great progress in industries and commerce. Spices like pepper, cloves, and cardamom, salt petre, iron ore, diamonds, granulated sugar, musk, sandal perfume, and other items were exported. There were important textile industries. Coins of different denominations like gold coins, gadyaana, pagoda, silver coins, and copper coins were in use. Bhatkal, Honnavara, and Mangaluru were the important ports, and foreign traders from Arab, China, and Portugal had trade relations with the empire. Do this yourself: Collect coins or pictures of coins of the ancient periods. The religious system was highly tolerant. The early kings patronized Shaivites and Veerashaivites, while later kings encouraged Vaishnavites. Shrivaishnavites and Jains lived in perfect harmony. Mosques were built for Muslims. The kings developed business with the Portuguese and encouraged Christianity by permitting church construction.
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Due to peace, order, and economic progress, literature flourished. Works were created in Kannada, Sanskrit, Telugu, and Tamil. Ratnakaravarni’s Bharateshavaibhava, Chamarasa’s Prabhulingaleele, and Kumaravyasa’s Gaduginabharata are important Kannada works. Bheemakavi translated Palkurike Somanatha’s Telugu work Basavapurana into Kannada. The collection of vachanas of Basavanna and his contemporary Sharanas, called Basavadi Shivasharanas, known as Shunyasampadane, was published. Lakkanna Dandesha’s Shivatatvachintamani, and books on human medical science, veterinary science, poetics, astrology, and cookery were published. Saint Purandaradasa, Kanakadasa, Shripadaraya, and Vyasaraya enriched dasa sahitya. Kanakadasa’s Mohanatarangini, Nalacharitre, Haribhaktisara, and Ramadhanyacharitre are important. Vidyaranya wrote Shankaravijaya and Sarvadarshana samgraha in Sanskrit. His brother, Sayanacharya, wrote commentaries on the Vedas called Vedarthaprakasha, Ayurvedasudhanidhi, Purusharthasudhanidhi, and other books. Kampannaraya’s wife, Gangadevi, wrote Maduravijayam, dealing with Kampanna’s invasion and pilgrimage sites. The court poet of Devaraya II, Srinatha, earned the title Kavichakravarthi. The eight famous poets, Asthadiggajas, were in Krishnadevaraya’s court. Allasani Peddanna’s Manucharitam, Timmanna’s Parijatapaharanam, and Tenali Ramakrishna’s Ubhataradhyacharitam are important. Tamil poets like Paranjyothi Iyer, who wrote Tiruvalayadal puranam, Veeraraghavar, Mandala Purusha, Gyanaprakasha, and Harihara were also present. The empire encouraged Sanskrit, Kannada, Telugu, and Tamil languages.
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The art and architecture of the Vijayanagar kings is memorable. They were great patrons of architecture. Temples, palaces, forts, towers, huge halls, public buildings, tanks, bunds, canals, and dams were constructed. The kings continued the architectural style of Chalukyas, Cholas, and Hoysalas. The unique feature was the construction of huge auditoriums and marriage halls. Temples had huge towers called rayagopura, leaf-shaped arches, and platforms. Grandeur, awe, and elegance were prioritized over ornamentation. Rough granite stone, known as Kanashile, was used. The style of constructing huge towers, or Gopura, in front of temples was first started by Vijayanagara kings. Important temples were built in Hampi, Shringeri, Tirupati, Lepakshi, Karkala, Moodabidri, Bhatkal, Chidambaram, Kanchi, Kalahasti, Nandi, Srishaila, Kolar, and other places. The Vidyashankara temple at Shringeri, built at the beginning of the dynastic rule, has a unique structure in India. The most ancient temple is the Virupaksha temple at Hampi. It has a vast courtyard, many pillars with sculptures, and decorative ceilings. The Vijaya Vitthala temple of Hampi is known for its magnificent beauty. The saptaswara musical pillars, huge Kalyana Mantapas, and the Stone Chariot enhance its beauty. The Dasara festival was celebrated on the Mahanavami Dibba constructed by Krishnadevaraya. The Persian ambassador Abdul Razak recorded that kings and provincial leaders assembled there during festivals. Kamal Mahal, Elephant stable, and Queen’s bath are wonderful examples of Indo-Muslim architectural style. Lakshminarasimha, Kadalekalu Ganesha, Sasuvekalu Ganesha, and Uddana Veerabhadra’s idols are attractive. The fort of Hampi was very strong with seven circular walls, though only four remain today. Do you know this? The famous art historian Percy Brown described the architectural style as a great evolution of the Dravidian style.
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Music and dance were greatly patronized. Artists enjoyed respect in palaces and temples. Saint Purandaradasa and Kanakadasa enriched Carnatic music through kirtanas. Dancers performed in temples and palaces in exquisite costumes and jewellery. Now let us move to the Bahamani Kingdom. In the year 1347, Alauddin Hasan Gangu Bahaman Shah established this dynasty. The Bahamani and Shahi dynasties ruled from 1347 to 1686. Famous rulers include Mohammad Shah I, Mohammad Shah II, Feroz Shah, Usuf Adil Khan, Ibrahim Adil Shah I, and Ibrahim Adil Shah II. Mohammad Shah, son of Allauddin Hassan Gangu Bahaman, constructed the vast Jamia Masjid in Gulbarga in the year 1367. Feroz Shah built a new capital called Ferozabad and a planetarium. He was a great scholar. From 1347 to 1426, Kalburgi was the capital. During this period, Mohammad Gawan ruled with selflessness and dedication. As Prime Minister, he took the kingdom to great heights. He learnt Muslim religious verses and law at Kairo, gained proficiency in Arabic and Parsi, and served under Bahamani kings Humayun, Nizam Shah, and Mohammad Shah III. He conquered Konkan, Goa, and Belagavi, later invaded Orissa and conquered Kondaveedu. In 1481, he invaded Kanchi and plundered its wealth. Mohammad Gawan became a victim of conspiracy and was beheaded on a false charge of betrayal. After him, the kingdom weakened and disintegrated.
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The Bahamani kingdom divided in 1518 into five parts: Ahmadnagar under Nizam Shahi, Vijayapura under Adil Shahi, Birar under Emad Shahi, Bidar under Barid Shahi, and Golkonda under Kuthub Shahi. Now, let us discuss Ibrahim Adil Shah II, who ruled from 1580 to 1627. He ascended the throne in his 9th year and ruled for 47 years. He took Vijayapura to the pinnacle of glory and advanced art, literature, and education. His book Kitab-E-Navaras begins with prayers to Ganesha, Saraswathi, and Narasimha, and also contains prayers to Mohammad the Prophet. This book evidences his knowledge, magnanimity, and religious tolerance. Do you know this? Ibrahim Adil Shah II was so impressed by Mahipatidasa’s discourse on the Bhagavat that he appointed him Kazhandar official in his court. Mahipatidasa’s Bhagavat devotion flowed straight into the heart of the Badshah. The Bahamani and Shahi Sultans ruled Karnataka for almost 200 years, extending to Tanjore in Tamil Nadu. Administration was based on Islamic principles, with three levels: Central, Provincial, and Village, covering revenue, judicial, and military matters. The Sultan was chief of central administration. The cabinet was called Majlis-E-Ilwith. Top officials, commandants, ulemas, amins, friends, and relatives attended meetings. Gawan converted four provinces, called Tarafs, into eight units, divided into fifteen Sarakars. Each Sarkar had a Subedar. Sarakars were divided into paraganas, administered by Kotwal, Deshmukh, and Desai. The village head was the Patel, with Kulkarni and guards as staff. Village units were independent.
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Amir-E-Jumlas headed revenue authorities. Land tax was the main income. One-sixth of agricultural production was collected as land tax. There were 50 kinds of taxes, including house, mines, tobacco, grasslands, trade, and employment. Tax revenue maintained palaces, funded wars and bodyguards, and built forts. Do you know this? Bibiji Khanum, Yusuf Adil Shah’s wife, Dilsha Agha, Chand Bibi, and Shahar Banu Begum were famous women of this dynasty. The kingdom depended on military strength. Military expenditure was huge. There were four troop types: permanent troops, war-time recruits, religious war troops, and units protecting the Sultan and palaces. Infantry, cavalry, elephants, and explosive units were important. Bijapur fort was the most formidable. The Sultan was the supreme judicial authority, ruling by customs, traditions, and Islamic principles. Kazis and senior officers assisted in justice. Agriculture was the main village occupation. Other occupations included spinning, oil extraction, sugar and jaggery manufacture, thread-weaving, leather work, pottery, carpentry, goldsmithy, perfumery, and sculpture. Ports existed at Dhabol, Rajapura, Chawla, and Goa. Imports included silk, wine, gold, silver, copper, tin, lead, and glass. Trade organisations existed. Gold coins called honnu, and silver coins called lorry and tanka circulated. Undivided patriarchal families continued. Caste system and polygamy were practised. Haridasas and Muslim Sufi saints promoted tolerance. Muslim society had Sunni, Shia, Syed, Sheikh, and Pathan groups. Muslim women practised the parda system.
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The Adil Shahis propagated Islamic culture. Schools called maktabs were under mosque control, teaching alphabet, religion, law, poetry, and rhetoric. Madrasas were higher education centers. Mohammad Gawan established a madrasa at Bidar to encourage Islamic religion and law study. It was a three-storied building, 242 feet long, 222 feet wide, and 56 feet high, built in Deccan style. It had a library with around 3000 manuscripts, and served as a lodge for students, teachers, and orthodox people. Astronomy, grammar, mathematics, philosophy, and political science were studied. The Sultans developed Indo-Saracenic architecture. The Jamia mosque by Ali Adil Shah I remains prominent. Ibrahim Roza, Gol Gumbaz, Gagan Mahal, and Asar Mahals are important monuments, making the Adil Shahis world famous. The Gol Gumbaz at Vijayapura is one of the greatest structures globally. It covers 1800 square feet, has seven-storied minarets at four corners, and a huge central dome. Gol Gumbaz was constructed by Mohammad Adil Shah, starting around 1626 and completed in 1656. It is 51 meters tall with a wide dome. The dome has four pillars with steps to climb up. Its unique feature is that a whisper on one side is clearly heard on the other. It is the biggest dome in India.
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Now, dear students, let us move to the exercises to prepare for your exams. I will answer every question completely. First, fill in the blanks with suitable words. Number one: Vijayanagara empire was established in the year 1336. Number two: The poetess who wrote Madhuravijaya is Gangadevi. Number three: Praudhadevaraya’s minister was Lakkanna Dandesha. Number four: The king who wrote Amukta Malyada in Telugu was Krishnadevaraya. Number five: The minister who established a famous madrasa at Bidar was Mohammad Gawan. Number six: The king who wrote Kitab-E-Navarasa was Ibrahim Adil Shah II. Now, let us answer the group discussion questions. Number seven: Name the four dynasties who ruled Vijayanagara empire. The four dynasties are Sangama, Saluva, Tuluva, and Araveedu. Number eight: What were the achievements of Devaraya II? Devaraya II earned the title Elephant Hunter. He defeated Kapilendra of the Gajapathi dynasty of Orissa and seized Kondaveedu. He expanded the kingdom up to the Krishna river in the north east. He defeated the Kerala ruler, received royalties from Kerala and Sri Lanka, earning the title Dakshinapathada Chakravarthi. He chased Sultan Ahmed Shah of Bahamani to Bijapur, occupied Mudgal and Bankapura, and his commander Lakkanna Dandesha achieved naval victory. He was religiously tolerant, built mosques and Jaina and Vaishnava temples, and patronized scholars like Dindima and Lakkanna Dandesha.
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Number nine: What were the problems Krishnadevaraya had to face when he ascended the throne? He faced complicated internal and external problems. Europeans established colonies via new sea routes. The five Shahi kingdoms of the Bahamani dynasty waged wars against him. The kings of Ummatthur and Orissa were constant threats. Number ten: What are the contributions of Vijayanagara empire to the economic system and society? Economically, land tax was the main revenue, with farmers paying one-sixth of income. Other taxes included professional, revenue, road, market, commercial, import, export, and vassal tributes. Agriculture was the backbone, with crops like jowar, ragi, paddy, wheat, lentils, green gram, black gram, tuvar, sesame, groundnuts, cotton, sugarcane, and coconut. Five land holding practices existed: geni, guttige, siddhaya, vara, and gadi. Industries and commerce progressed, exporting pepper, cloves, cardamom, salt petre, iron ore, diamonds, sugar, musk, and sandal perfume. Ports at Bhatkal, Honnavara, and Mangaluru facilitated foreign trade. Socially, there was an occupation-based caste system with skilled artisans. Practices like child marriage, sati, and devadasi existed. Women had dignified status, with female wrestlers and palace guards. Festivals like Holi, Deepavali, and Dasara were celebrated publicly.
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Number eleven: Describe the art and architecture of the Vijayanagar period. The kings continued Chalukya, Chola, and Hoysala styles, adding huge auditoriums and marriage halls. Temples featured rayagopura towers, leaf-shaped arches, and platforms, emphasizing grandeur and elegance. Rough granite stone was used. Important temples include Vidyashankara at Shringeri, Virupaksha at Hampi, and Vijaya Vitthala temple with musical pillars, Kalyana Mantapas, and the Stone Chariot. The Mahanavami Dibba hosted Dasara. Kamal Mahal, Elephant stable, and Queen’s bath show Indo-Muslim style. Idols of Lakshminarasimha, Kadalekalu Ganesha, Sasuvekalu Ganesha, and Uddana Veerabhadra are notable. The Hampi fort originally had seven circular walls. Number twelve: Mohammad Gawan was an able Prime Minister of Bahamani Kingdom. How? He ruled with selflessness and dedication, taking the kingdom to great heights. He mastered Arabic and Parsi, served under three kings, and conquered Konkan, Goa, Belagavi, Orissa, Kondaveedu, and Kanchi. He enhanced administration, converted four provinces into eight, divided them into fifteen Sarakars, and established a grand madrasa at Bidar with a library of 3000 manuscripts. His efficient leadership brought all-round development before his tragic execution.
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Number thirteen: Describe the administration and taxation system during the rule of the Bahamani sultans. Administration had Central, Provincial, and Village levels. The Sultan headed the central administration with a cabinet called Majlis-E-Ilwith. Provinces were divided into Sarakars and paraganas, managed by Subedars, Kotwals, Deshmukhs, and Desais. Villages were independent under Patels. Revenue was headed by Amir-E-Jumlas. Land tax was one-sixth of production. Fifty other taxes covered houses, mines, tobacco, grasslands, trade, and employment. Revenue funded palaces, armies, and forts. Number fourteen: Explain the education, art and architecture of the Bahamani sultans. Education focused on Islamic culture. Maktabs taught basics under mosques. Madrasas provided higher education. Mohammad Gawan’s Bidar madrasa was a three-storied Deccan-style building, 242 by 222 by 56 feet, with 3000 manuscripts, teaching astronomy, grammar, mathematics, philosophy, and political science. Architecture developed the Indo-Saracenic style. Key monuments include Jamia mosque, Ibrahim Roza, Gol Gumbaz, Gagan Mahal, and Asar Mahals. Gol Gumbaz, built by Mohammad Adil Shah between 1626 and 1656, is 51 meters tall, covers 1800 square feet, has seven-storied minarets, and features a whispering gallery. It is India’s biggest dome. The textbook also suggests activities and projects for you. For activities, you should collect pictures of various monuments at Hampi, read books describing Vijayadashami celebrations on the Mahanavami platform at Hampi, and listen to stories of Tenali Rama from your elders and write them down. For projects, visit Hampi and write an essay on the monuments, and write an essay on the market system at Hampi during the Vijayanagar period. I highly recommend you complete these to deepen your understanding.
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We have covered the establishment, dynasties, military achievements, administration, cultural contributions, and eventual decline of both the Vijayanagara Empire and the Bahamani Kingdom. Remember the key dates, rulers, architectural marvels, and literary works for your examinations. Review the maps showing the extent of both empires, noting how Vijayanagara spanned from Sri Lanka to Gulbarga, and how the Bahamani kingdom eventually split into five Shahi sultanates. Keep practicing the exercise answers and revising the lists of crops, taxes, and literary works. Thank you for listening! Keep revising and practicing. Goodbye! [CHAPTER_COMPLETE]