Free Reading Presentation on the Vijayanagara Empire for Unit 1 of AP World History
Cate O'Donnell
2 min read
Jun 12
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The Vijayanagara Empire is an illustrative example for the Developments in South and Southeast Asia section of Unit 1 of AP World History. You could reference this example on your AP World History test.
The Vijayanagara Empire was founded in 1336 by Harihara and Bukka, two brothers. The brothers had been working in another Hindu kingdom in India when the Delhi Sultanate took it over. The brothers were captured and forced to serve in the Delhi Sultanate army. They converted to Islam while there.
Once they were released, they returned home to the Deccan Plateau region of southern India. There, they renounced Islam and returned to their Hindu beliefs. They rallied the neighboring nobles to fight against the Muslim invaders.
At this time, Southern India had a feudal system similar to medieval Europe. There were many Hindu kingdoms. The Vijayanagara Empire successfully consolidated power by using government officials to collect taxes and manage local administration tasks.
The leaders of the empire were patrons of the arts. Literature, art, and architecture flourished during the golden age of the empire (1509 - 1529). The Vittala Temple, built to honor a form of Lord Vishnu, was built during this time.
For hundreds of years, the Vijayanagara Empire had a strong military that fended off attacks by other Hindu kingdoms and the Islamic sultanates, including the Delhi and Bahmani Sultanates. Unfortunately, in 1565, the empire was attacked by multiple Islamic sultanates. The capital city was destroyed, and the empire was over.
Would you prefer to watch a video about the Vijayanagara Empire?
Developments in South and Southeast Asia from 1200 to 1450
