Historical Context: A Response to Muslim Expeditions
The shock of the Muslim expedition on the Dakshinapatha in the fourteenth century has already been mentioned. As everything they thought sacred was being insulted and insulted by the pagans, the Hindu people and political leaders feared that their religion, culture, and values of life would not survive if this new scourge was left alone.
This universal fear united the political forces in South India and paved the way for the establishment of a state as a bulwark against the Northern aggressors. This is the origin of Vijayanagara.
The Founders: The Sangama Brothers
The credit for the establishment of the Vijayanagara Empire goes to the five sons of Sangama—Harihara, Bukka, Kampana, Marappa, and Muddappa—a petty vassal or paleyagara of the Yadava dynasty. But there are several theories about the establishment of Vijayanagara.
Competing Theories on Vijayanagara’s Origins
1) Muslim Historian Barouni’s Account
According to the Muslim historian Barouni, Muhammad bin Tughlaq sent a relative of Kanyanayaka, who instigated the rebellion at Orangalli, to hide it. He abandoned Islam, underwent initiation, and joined Hindu rebels in the Kampili-Anegondi region.
2) Ibn Battuta's Report
Another contemporary historian, Ibn Battuta, claims that after the destruction of Kampili, the eleven sons of the king there were taken to Delhi and converted to Islam. Two of them were later sent to govern Kampili. However, this theory is dismissed as Harihara and Bukka had no relation to Kanyanayaka and were instead sons of Sangama.
3) Telugu Origin Theory
Some scholars argue that Harihara and Bukka were Telugus who served as minister and treasurer in Prataparudra's court at Orangal. After Orangal's conquest, they were taken to Delhi and later sent to administer Kampili and Anegondi, where they rebelled and founded an independent state.
Debunking Myths: The Kannadiga Identity of the Founders
The claim that Harihara and Bukka served Kakatiya Prataparudra lacks historical evidence. They were true Kannadigas, closely tied to the Hoysalas:
- The Sangama brothers were not only Hoysala officers but also blood relatives.
- They followed Hoysala traditions in politics and administration.
- Their devotion to Virupaksha (Hampi) and Chennakesava (Belur) temples, along with their reverence for the Sringeri Gurupeeth, reinforces their Hindu-Kannadiga identity.
- A royal seal bearing 'Sri Virupaksha' in Kannada script further validates their lineage.
Key Evidence
- Ballala III's sister was married to Harihara's daughter.
- The idea that they were converts to Islam has been refuted by multiple inscriptions.
The Role of Sri Vidyaranya
While no legal basis confirms Sri Vidyaranya's direct role in founding Vijayanagara, his spiritual support was pivotal:
- He facilitated Harihara and Bukka's reconversion to Hinduism after their alleged captivity under Muslim rulers.
- With his guru Vidyatirtha's approval, he legitimized their return to Hindu orthodoxy.
Legends of Vijayanagara's Foundation
The Prophetic Rabbit and Vidyanagara
As per inscriptions (Mulubagilu, Gauribidanur):
- Sangama's sons—Harihara, Kampa, Bukka, Mara, and Mudda—were born to Yadukula descendants Bukka and Magambika.
- While hunting near the Tungabhadra River, Harihara saw a rabbit bravely confronting a wild dog. A sage's disciple interpreted this as an omen, declaring the land ideal for a capital.
- The city was named Vidyanagara, and agraharas like Vidyaranyapura were established.
Timeline Controversy
While 1336 CE is traditionally accepted as Vijayanagara's founding year, modern scholars argue it may have occurred a decade later.
Dynasties of Vijayanagara
The kingdom was ruled successively by:
- Sangama Dynasty
- Saluva Dynasty
- Tuluva Dynasty
- Aravidu Dynasty