Vijayanagar Empire for SSC Exams 2026

Vijayanagar Empire Notes for SSC Exams 2026 helps aspirants understand the rise, glory, and decline of one of South India’s most powerful medieval kingdoms. The notes cover its founding by Harihara and Bukka, the major dynasties, and prominent rulers like Krishnadevaraya, along with their achievements and foreign relations.

 It also explores the Bhakti and Sufi movements, highlighting key saints such as Kabir, Mirabai, Nizamuddin Auliya, and Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, their philosophies, and historical significance. Additionally, the notes discuss the Bahmani Kingdom and the magnificent ruins at Hampi, providing a complete overview that helps SSC aspirants prepare effectively for history questions in SSC Exams 2026.

Vijayanagar Empire

Vijayanagar Empire was a powerful South Indian kingdom established in 1336 by the brothers Harihara and Bukka on the banks of the Tungabhadra River. It was ruled by four major dynasties: Sangama, Saluva, Tuluva, and Aravidu, with Krishnadevaraya of the Tuluva dynasty being its most celebrated ruler. 

The empire is known for its strong administration, trade relations, and cultural achievements, including literature, art, and architecture. Its capital, Hampi, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases the grandeur of the empire. Vijayanagar also coexisted and interacted with the Bahmani Kingdom and was influenced by Bhakti and Sufi movements, with saints like Kabir, Mirabai, and Nizamuddin Auliya shaping the spiritual life of the period.

The Start of the Bhakti Movement

The Bhakti movement, a significant religious reform, was spearheaded by the Alvar and Nayanar saints in South India. This devotional wave was widely propagated through the teachings of Shankaracharya.

Alvar vs. Nayanar Saints

These two groups of saints, originating from South India, are distinguished by their primary deity of worship and numerical strength:

Followers of Ramanuja

The disciples of the philosopher-saint Ramanuja are known as Vaishnavas. Ramanuja and his influential followers played a pivotal role in disseminating Vaishnavism across South India. His key adherents included Madhavacharya, Nimbakacharya, and Vallabhacharya, all significant proponents of the Vaishnava tradition.

Author of 'Bijak' and the Philosophy of Kabir

The celebrated collection of poems known as Bijak was authored by Kabir. Kabir was a leading saint of the Nirguna Bhakti school of thought. He profoundly believed that God exists but is nirakar (formless).

Saguna vs. Nirguna Bhakti

The Bhakti period is broadly characterized by two distinct philosophical interpretations concerning the nature of God:

The Devotional Poetess Mirabai

The revered devotional poetess Mirabai (c. 1498–1546) was a Rajput ruler's wife. She was married to Bhojraj, the eldest son of Rana Sanga of the Mewar royal family. Despite her marriage, she considered Lord Krishna her true husband. She renounced her royal life to become an ascetic (jogan), traveling to temples and singing devotional songs (bhajans) to Krishna. It is widely believed she achieved divine union through her intense devotion.

Occupations of Bhakti Saints 

Many Bhakti movement saints were associated with specific professions, reflecting the movement's broad appeal:

• Namdev: A tailor.

• Kabir: A weaver (julaha).

• Raidas (Ravi Das): A cobbler (mochi).

• Sena: A barber (nai). 

Sufi Terminology 

The Sufi tradition employs specific terms to define its key figures and concepts:

Nizamuddin Auliya's Refusal to Meet a Sultan

The esteemed Sufi saint Nizamuddin Auliya famously refused to meet Sultan Alauddin Khilji. He maintained that as a Sufi saint, he adhered to a life of simplicity (sada jivan, uchch vichar - simple living, high thinking) and would not frequent the court of any ruler. He believed the royal environment was unsuitable for his spiritual path and that his true purpose was to serve common people by addressing their concerns. During Khilji's reign, Nizamuddin Auliya gained immense popularity and influence, teaching that God scrutinizes one's livelihood and holds everyone accountable, thereby discouraging immoral conduct.

Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti's Arrival in Rajasthan

The Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti arrived in Rajasthan during the reign of Prithviraj Chauhan. He traveled to India alongside Mohammad Ghori. His renowned shrine (dargah) is situated in Ajmer, where he is affectionately known as Gharib Nawaz ("Benefactor of the Poor").

The Residence of Sheikh Salim Chishti

The celebrated Sufi saint Sheikh Salim Chishti resided in Fatehpur Sikri, located approximately 35 km from Agra. His dargah (tomb) stands as a prominent landmark there. Emperor Akbar, seeking an heir, is said to have visited the saint, and with his blessings, a son was born. Akbar named him Salim (the future Emperor Jahangir) in honor of the saint.

The iconic phrase "Hunuz Dilli dur ast" (Delhi is still far away) was uttered by Sheikh Nizamuddin Auliya. This statement was directed at Sultan Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq (also known as Ghazi Malik). The dispute arose when the Sultan demanded the saint return 5 lakh rupees donated by the previous ruler. Nizamuddin Auliya clarified that the money, given against his wishes, had already been distributed among the needy. The Sultan, then campaigning in Bengal, threatened to deal with the saint upon his return to Delhi. In response, Nizamuddin Auliya calmly remarked, "Hunuz Dilli dur ast," implying the Sultan might not return. Tragically, Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq died in an accident near Tughlaqabad before reaching the capital.

The Title of 'Shaikh-ul-Hind'

The distinguished title of Shaikh-ul-Hind was bestowed upon Sheikh Salim Chishti. He is the same saint who blessed Emperor Akbar, leading to the birth of his son and heir, Salim (Jahangir). His dargah is prominently located in Fatehpur Sikri.

Dynasties of the Vijayanagar Empire and Their Founders

The Vijayanagar Empire was successively ruled by four significant dynasties:

Krishnadevaraya, one of the most celebrated rulers, belonged to the Tuluva dynasty and was the son of its founder, Vira Narasimha.

Traveler Nicolo de Conti's Visit to Vijayanagar

The Italian traveler Nicolo de Conti visited the Vijayanagar Empire during the reign of Devaraya I (c. 1420-1421), who was the son of Harihara II. His rule was marked by conflict with the Bahmani Sultanate, where he suffered defeat at the hands of the Bahmani ruler Firoz Shah and was compelled to marry his daughter to Firoz Shah as part of the peace treaty.

Traveler Abdur Razzaq's Visit to Vijayanagar

Abdur Razzaq, an ambassador representing the Persian ruler Mirza Shahrukh, visited Vijayanagar during the reign of Devaraya II. Devaraya II was also recognized by the title Praudha Devaraya.

Krishnadevaraya's Reign and Foreign Relations

Krishnadevaraya, regarded as the greatest ruler of the Vijayanagar Empire, maintained cordial relations with the Portuguese. He belonged to the Tuluva dynasty. A distinguished scholar and patron of literature, he authored the renowned Tamil political treatise, Amuktamalyada. His court was celebrated for housing eight eminent Telugu poets, collectively known as the Ashtadiggajas ("Eight Elephants of the Directions").

The Foundation and Location of the Vijayanagar Empire

The Vijayanagar Empire was established in 1336 by two brothers, Harihara and Bukka. It was founded on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, a tributary of the Krishna River. The brothers were guided in their endeavor by their spiritual guru, Vidyaranya.

The Bahmani Kingdom: Capital and Foundation

The capital of the Bahmani kings was Gulbarga. The Bahmani kingdom itself was founded in 1347 by Hasan Gangu. The Bahmani Empire later fragmented into five independent sultanates: Golkunda, Bidar, Berar, Ahmednagar, and Bijapur.

The Ruins of the Vijayanagar Empire

The magnificent ruins of the Vijayanagar Empire are found at Hampi, located in modern-day Karnataka. Hampi served as the capital of the Vijayanagar Empire and is now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.