SANSKRIT IN THE VIJAYANAGAR EMPIRE - PART I

The Vijayanagar Empire has to its credit brilliant cultural and artistic achievements.  The Emperors were patrons of all languages - Sanskrit, Telugu, Tamil and Kannada, and under their fostering care some of the finest pieces of literature were produced.  Sayana, the famous commentator of the Vedas, and his brother Madhava Vidyaranya flourished during the early days of Vijayanagar rule, who composed Pancadasi later.

          The early history of Vijayanagar is still shrouded in obscurity.  At first, five sons of Sangama of whom Harihara and Bukka were the most eminent laid the foundation of the city and the kingdom of Vijayanagar in the later 4^th century to early 5^th century A.D., with the able guidance of celebrated Bramhmin sage and scholar Madhava Vidyaranya and his brother Sayana who commented all the Vedic texts. 

          After over a long period, the great empire legally taken by Saluva chief Narasimha, whose ancestors were the faithful feudatories of Vijaya-nagara kings.  Thus the Sangama dynasty was overthrown by so called “First Upsurption” and later become Saluva Dynasty.

          Narasimha Saluva had the prudence to charge his trusted general, Narasa Nayaka who claimed descent from Tuluva dynasty.  Later, Vira Narasimha, son of Narasa Nayaka of Tuluva who died in 1505 A.D., deposed the last Saluva ruler and seized the throne for himself.  This “Second Upsurption” led to the direct rule of Tuluva dynasty over the Vijayanagar Empire.

            After Vira Narasimha, his younger brother Krishnadeva Raya the Great succeeded the throne of Vijayanagar.  He was the one of the most famous kings in the history of India.  A gallant and active warrior, he was always successful in the wars that he waged almost throughout his reign.  But he has also maintained friendly relationship with the other kings who were approached him in the same manner.