Though the origin of the Vijayanagar Empire is in the realm of debate, it can be said with certainty that its foundation in 1336 was a culmination of the political and cultural movement against the Muslim ideas and forces of Delhi Sultanate in the south India. This powerful kingdom continued to unfurl the banner of Hinduism for almost three centuries. The nucleus of the kingdom was the city of Vijayanagar, identified with present day Hampi in Karnataka.
There is unanimity among the historians that the kingdom was founded by Harihara and Bukka, sons of Sangama. The first dynasty which lasted from 1336 to 1485 was named after Sangama, father of the duo. The second dynasty known as Saluva dynasty was founded by Narasimha Saluva and ruled till 1505. Taluva was the third dynasty which ruled till 1570. This dynasty produced the greatest king of Vijayanagar empire, Krishnadeva Raya (1509-29). Krishnadeva Raya is one of the greatest rules of India. It was during the reign of the Taluva king Sadashiva Raya (1543- 69) that famous battle of Rakshasa Tangadi or Talikota in 1565 was fought in which Vijayanagar army was defeated by the combined forces of the five Muslim Sultanates of Deccan. This gave body blow to the empire. After this battle the kingdom lost its grandeur and glory. Though the rulers of the fourth dynasty known as Aravidu dynasty, continue to rule till the middle of the seventeenth century, they were not able to retrieve the lost glory of the kingdom.
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