Question

Write a note on the reign of King Krishnadeva Raya.

Answer 1

Instructions:
The answer to this question can be broken into 6 parts:

1. Dynasty and period of rule
2. Opponents and region of control
3. Relations with the Portuguese
4. Vijayadashami festivities
5. Construction of temples and Rayagopurams
6. Patronage of literature

Solution:
King Krishnadeva Raya was one of the most prominent rulers of the Vijayanagara empire. He belonged to Tuluva dynasty and ruled from 1509 to 1529 A.D.

• He successfully led the Vijayanagara armies against the Bahmani sultans and the Gajapatis of Odisha. He also subdued several chiefs who revolted in the Karnataka, Andhra, and Tamil regions. He was able to control the entire region south of River Krishna and especially, the ports of the eastern coast.
• King Krishnadeva Raya had established friendly relations with the Portuguese. He employed Portuguese troops in wars and got supplies of horses and firearms from them.
• He organised elaborate festivities on the Vijayadashami day. The Festival concluded with a massive parade of his armies.
• He paid special attention to the temples in his kingdom, and made donations to several temples. Towering temple gateways called ‘Raya gopurams’ were built in many of these temples to honour him. He also built some beautiful temples like the Hazara Ramaswamy Temple, Krishnaswamy Hazara Rama Temple, Hampi Temple, and Vittalaswami Temple in his kingdom.
• He was a patron of Telugu literature and composed the poetic work ‘Amuktamalyada’. His court was adorned by eight poets, who were popularly known as the ‘Ashtadiggajas’.