Discovery of Vijayanagara Inscriptions

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has unearthed three significant 16th-century inscriptions belonging to the Vijayanagara king Sadasivaraya deep within the Seshachalam forest in Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh.

Key Facts

Linguistic and Epigraphic Details

  • Languages: Inscriptions written in Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada
  • Date: Precisely deciphered as 31st July 1554 C.E.
  • Location: Found in Seshachalam forest range

Royal Patronage and Religious Activities

  • Documents construction of a Siva temple and monastery (Mutt) at Papavinasa
  • King Sadasivaraya undertook personal pilgrimage to take a holy bath at the site
  • The inscriptions record royal attention and direct funding to ancient religious sites

Temple Administration and Revenue

  • Records detail taxes (Kaanika) and land grants from two villages
  • Purpose: Funding daily food offerings and worship services
  • Mentions Gudimallam Parasurameswara temple
  • Key figures: Sadasiva Basavanna Odeya (disciple of Linganna Vodaya of Bendekeri) and Peddayya (son of Chembhaperiya) as composer/temple accountant

Historical Significance of Gudimallam Shrine

  • Age: 2nd-century BC shrine
  • Recognition: Widely regarded as India's first known Siva temple
  • Significance: Reaffirms the past glory of this ancient shrine
  • Paradox: Despite being India's earliest Siva temple, it was later overshadowed by neighboring sites
  • Vijayanagara Connection: Received direct royal attention and funding during the Vijayanagara era

Vijayanagara Empire: Background

Foundation and Dynasties

  • Period: 1336–1646 CE
  • Founders: Harihara I and Bukka Raya I of the Sangama dynasty
  • Location: Banks of Tungabhadra River
  • Four Successive Dynasties:
  1. Sangama
  2. Saluva
  3. Tuluva
  4. Aravidu

Peak Period under Krishnadevaraya

  • Dynasty: Tuluva
  • Literary Contributions: Authored Amuktamalyada (Telugu political masterpiece)
  • Cultural Patronage: Patronized the Ashtadiggajas (eight prominent scholars)
  • Military Achievements: Secured victories against Gajapatis and Adil Shahis

Administrative System: Nayankara (Amara-Nayaka)

  • Type: Decentralized land-tenure mechanism
  • Function: Military chiefs granted territories (Amaram)
  • Obligations: Maintain stipulated military contingent and pay tribute
  • Significance: Crucial administrative innovation of the empire

Architectural Legacy

  • Style: Final phase of Dravidian architectural style
  • Innovations:
  • Complex Kalyana Mandapas (marriage halls)
  • Monolithic ornate pillars
  • Towering Raya Gopurams
  • Famous Structures: Vittalaswamy and Hazara Rama temples at Hampi

Decline of the Empire

  • Watershed Event: Battle of Talikota (1565)
  • Alternative Name: Rakshasi-Tangadi
  • Adversaries: United Deccan Sultanates
  • Result: Terminal fracturing of the empire

Foreign Accounts

Foreign envoys and merchants provided crucial historical evidence:

  • Ibn Battuta (Morocco)
  • Nicolo de Conti (Italy)
  • Abdur Razzak (Persia)
  • Domingo Paes (Portugal)

These chronicles document the empire's thriving cosmopolitan trade and immense wealth.