The Aravidu Dynasty was the fourth and last ruling dynasty of the Vijayanagara Empire. It was founded by Tirumala Deva Raya in 1570 CE after the catastrophic Battle of Talikota (1565 CE), which led to the downfall of the Vijayanagara Empire. Though the dynasty ruled parts of South India until 1650 CE, it never regained the former glory of Vijayanagara.
Basic Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Dynasty Name | Aravidu Dynasty |
| Time Period | 1570 CE – 1650 CE |
| Region | South India (Vijayanagara Empire) |
| Founder | Tirumala Deva Raya (1570 CE) |
| Capital | Penukonda (initially), later Chandragiri and Vellore |
| Major Rivals | Deccan Sultanates, Nayakas of Tamil Nadu, Mughals, Marathas |
| Significance | Last ruling dynasty of the Vijayanagara Empire |
Foundation of the Aravidu Dynasty
- The Aravidu Dynasty was founded by Tirumala Deva Raya in 1570 CE.
- It emerged after the Battle of Talikota (1565 CE), where Vijayanagara suffered a massive defeat.
- Tirumala Deva Raya shifted the capital from Hampi to Penukonda for security reasons.
Major Rulers of the Aravidu Dynasty
1. Tirumala Deva Raya (1570–1572) – Founder
- Was the brother of Rama Raya, the chief minister of Vijayanagara.
- Became the first ruler of the Aravidu Dynasty after the destruction of Hampi.
- Shifted the capital to Penukonda for safety.
- Tried to revive Vijayanagara, but faced constant attacks from the Deccan Sultanates.
- Died in 1572, leaving the kingdom unstable.
2. Sriranga I (1572–1585)
- Faced continuous attacks from the Deccan Sultanates.
- Struggled to control powerful Nayakas (local governors) in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
- Could not rebuild Vijayanagara’s former strength.
3. Venkata II (1585–1614)
- The most capable ruler of the Aravidu Dynasty.
- Moved the capital to Chandragiri and later Vellore.
- Resisted Mughal and Deccan Sultanate invasions.
- Maintained relative stability by forming alliances with Nayakas.
- Promoted trade with Europeans (Portuguese and Dutch).
4. Sriranga II (1614)
- Ruled for only a few months.
- Assassinated due to internal conspiracies.
5. Rama Deva Raya (1617–1632)
- Vijayanagara became weak under his rule.
- Faced constant conflicts with the Nayakas of Tanjore and Gingee.
- Struggled to maintain control over Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
6. Sriranga III (1642–1650) – Last Ruler
- Lost control over most of Vijayanagara’s territories.
- The empire finally collapsed in 1650 CE, ending the Aravidu Dynasty.
- The remaining territories were taken over by the Nayakas and the Bijapur Sultanate.
Administration & Governance
- The Aravidu rulers tried to maintain the administrative system of Vijayanagara, but their authority weakened.
- The Nayakas (feudal lords) became powerful, often acting independently.
- The empire was divided into provinces, but central control was weak.
Military Conflicts
- Faced continuous wars with the Deccan Sultanates (Bijapur, Golconda, Ahmadnagar, Bidar).
- Could not stop the rise of the Nayakas in Tamil Nadu (Madurai, Tanjore, Gingee).
- Mughals under Aurangzeb began expanding into the Deccan, further weakening Vijayanagara’s influence.
Cultural Contributions
- Though weak politically, the Aravidu rulers continued patronizing Hindu temples and arts.
- Promoted Sanskrit, Telugu, and Tamil literature.
- Maintained some trade relations with European traders (Portuguese and Dutch).
Decline of the Aravidu Dynasty
- Weak Leadership & Internal Conflicts:
- Frequent succession disputes led to internal instability.
- Rise of the Nayakas:
- The Nayakas of Madurai, Tanjore, and Gingee became independent.
- Continuous Attacks from Deccan Sultanates:
- The Bijapur and Golconda Sultanates invaded repeatedly, taking over key regions.
- Mughal Expansion in the Deccan:
- The Mughals under Aurangzeb began expanding into South India, further weakening Vijayanagara.
- Final Collapse (1650 CE):
- The Aravidu Dynasty ended when Sriranga III lost control.
- The Nayakas and Bijapur Sultanate divided the remaining Vijayanagara territories.
Key Facts for Quick Revision
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded By | Tirumala Deva Raya (1570 CE) |
| Capital | Penukonda, later Chandragiri and Vellore |
| Major Rivals | Deccan Sultanates, Nayakas, Mughals, Marathas |
| Strongest Ruler | Venkata II (1585–1614) |
| End of Dynasty | 1650 CE (Empire disintegrated) |
MCQs on the Aravidu Dynasty
1. Who was the founder of the Aravidu Dynasty?
A) Krishnadevaraya
B) Tirumala Deva Raya
C) Narasa Nayaka
D) Sriranga I
Answer: B) Tirumala Deva Raya
2. Which battle led to the downfall of the Vijayanagara Empire?
A) Battle of Khanwa
B) Battle of Talikota
C) Battle of Plassey
D) Battle of Panipat
Answer: B) Battle of Talikota
3. What was the initial capital of the Aravidu Dynasty?
A) Hampi
B) Penukonda
C) Mysore
D) Tanjore
Answer: B) Penukonda
4. Which Aravidu ruler shifted the capital to Chandragiri?
A) Tirumala Deva Raya
B) Venkata II
C) Sriranga I
D) Rama Deva Raya
Answer: B) Venkata II
5. Who was the last ruler of the Aravidu Dynasty?
A) Krishnadevaraya
B) Sriranga III
C) Achyuta Deva Raya
D) Venkata II
Answer: B) Sriranga III
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