Krishna Deva Raya.
Krishna Deva Raya, also known as Krishnadevaraya, was one of the most celebrated monarchs of the Vijayanagara Empire, a powerful South Indian empire that flourished during the 14th to 17th centuries. He reigned as the emperor of the Vijayanagara Empire from 1509 to 1529 and is considered one of its greatest rulers, in South India’s history. He was the third monarch of the Tuluva dynasty, who ruled the largest empire in India after the fall of the Islamic sultanet.
Krishna Deva Raya was born in 1471 to King Tuluva Narasa Nayaka and Queen Nagala Devi in Hampi, the capital city of the Vijayanagara Empire. He ascended to the throne after the death of his brother, Virupaksha Raya II.
Under the reign of Krishna Deva Raya, the Vijayanagara Empire reached the zenith of its political and cultural influence. He was not only an able administrator, but also a skilled military leader and patron of art, literature, and architecture. During his rule, the empire experienced a period of prosperity and stability, and it expanded its territories through military campaigns and strategic alliances.
Krishna Deva Raya is best remembered for his successful military campaigns against various neighboring states. He led his armies to victory in battles against the Deccan Sultanates, the Gajapati Kingdom of Odisha, and the rulers of the Tamil regions, known for his military prowess and engaged in several battles against the Deccan Sultanates during his reign in the 16th century. Some of the significant conflicts included the battles against the Bahmani Sultanate and the Gajapati Kingdom of Kalinga. Krishna Deva Raya’s military campaigns were often successful, and his rule marked a period of prosperity and cultural development in the Vijayanagara empire.
Consequent to defeating islamic sultanet, he was recognised as Karnatakaratna Simhasanadeeshwara i.e Lord of the Jewelled Throne of Karnataka of Yavana Rajya, & Kannada Rajya Rama Ramana Lord of Kannada empire,
Gaubrahmana Pratipalaka i.e Protector of Brahmins and Cows
He defeated sultans of Bijapur & Golconda & became a dominant ruler of the peninsula.
His most famous military campaign was the one against the Gajapati ruler of Kalinga (present-day Odisha) when he defeated the Gajapati army and brought back massive gains of war, including the famous diamond “Koh-i-Noor.”
Apart from his military accomplishments, Krishna Deva Raya was a great patron of art and culture. He supported scholars, poets, and artists, and his court was adorned with talented individuals like the famous Kannada poet, Tenali Ramakrishna, and the Telugu poet, Allasani Peddana. His reign is considered the golden age of Telugu literature.
Krishna Deva Raya’s commitment to good governance, religious tolerance, and support for arts and literature earned him the admiration of his subjects and foreign travelers. Foreign dignitaries, including Portuguese travelers like Domingo Paes and Nuniz, praised his benevolent rule and the grandeur of his empire.
After ruling for nearly 20 years, Krishna Deva Raya passed away in 1529, leaving behind a legacy of a prosperous and culturally vibrant empire. His reign is remembered as a glorious period in South India’s history and a testament to the achievements of the Vijayanagara empire.
