The Saluva Dynasty was the second ruling dynasty of the Vijayanagara Empire, replacing the Sangama Dynasty in 1485 CE. It ruled for a short period, from 1485 to 1505, before being replaced by the Tuluva Dynasty under Krishnadevaraya’s father, Vira Narasimha Tuluva. The Saluva rulers focused on defending the empire from external threats and strengthening internal administration.
Basic Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Dynasty Name | Saluva Dynasty |
| Time Period | 1485 CE – 1505 CE |
| Region | South India (Vijayanagara Empire) |
| Founder | Saluva Narasimha Deva Raya (1485 CE) |
| Capital | Vijayanagara (modern-day Hampi, Karnataka) |
| Major Rivals | Bahmani Sultanate, Gajapati Kingdom, Portuguese Traders |
| Successor Dynasty | Tuluva Dynasty (1505 CE) |
Foundation of the Saluva Dynasty
- The Saluva Dynasty was founded by Saluva Narasimha Deva Raya in 1485 CE.
- It replaced the Sangama Dynasty, which had weakened due to internal conflicts and external invasions.
- Saluva rulers focused on military consolidation and stabilizing the Vijayanagara Empire.
Major Rulers of the Saluva Dynasty
1. Saluva Narasimha Deva Raya (1485–1491)
- Founder of the Saluva Dynasty and the ruler of Vijayanagara from 1485 to 1491 CE.
- Seized power from Virupaksha Raya II, the last weak Sangama ruler.
- Strengthened the military and defended Vijayanagara from Bahmani Sultanate and Gajapati attacks.
- Tried to reform administration but faced resistance from feudal lords.
- Died in 1491, leading to political instability.
2. Immadi Narasimha (1491–1505)
- Son of Saluva Narasimha Deva Raya.
- A weak ruler, heavily influenced by his prime minister, Narasa Nayaka.
- During his rule, Narasa Nayaka acted as the de facto ruler and laid the foundation for the Tuluva Dynasty.
- Eventually, in 1505, the Saluva Dynasty was overthrown by Vira Narasimha Tuluva, who established the Tuluva Dynasty.
Administration & Governance
- Military Focus: Strengthened the army to counter Bahmani and Gajapati threats.
- Taxation & Revenue: Attempted better revenue management but lacked full control.
- Internal Conflicts: Struggled to control powerful nobles and provincial governors, leading to political instability.
Military Achievements
- Fought against the Bahmani Sultanate and Gajapati rulers of Odisha to defend the empire.
- Strengthened fortifications in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.
- Failed to establish strong central control, which led to the rise of Narasa Nayaka and the Tuluva Dynasty.
Cultural Contributions
- Continued patronage of Hindu temples and scholars.
- Encouraged Kannada, Telugu, and Sanskrit literature.
- Some architectural projects were undertaken, but the dynasty’s short rule limited its cultural impact.
Decline of the Saluva Dynasty
- Weak rulers and political instability after the death of Saluva Narasimha Deva Raya.
- Rise of Narasa Nayaka, the chief minister, who later established the Tuluva Dynasty.
- Inability to resist external threats from Bahmani Sultanate and Gajapati Kingdom.
Key Facts for Quick Revision
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded By | Saluva Narasimha Deva Raya (1485 CE) |
| Capital | Vijayanagara (Hampi, Karnataka) |
| Major Rivals | Bahmani Sultanate, Gajapati Kingdom |
| Major Rulers | Saluva Narasimha Deva Raya, Immadi Narasimha |
| End of Dynasty | 1505 CE (Replaced by Tuluva Dynasty) |
MCQs on the Saluva Dynasty
1. Who founded the Saluva Dynasty in Vijayanagara?
A) Harihara I
B) Bukka I
C) Saluva Narasimha Deva Raya
D) Krishnadevaraya
Answer: C) Saluva Narasimha Deva Raya
2. What was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire under the Saluva Dynasty?
A) Madurai
B) Vijayanagara (Hampi)
C) Mysore
D) Goa
Answer: B) Vijayanagara (Hampi)
3. Who was the last ruler of the Saluva Dynasty?
A) Krishnadevaraya
B) Immadi Narasimha
C) Vira Narasimha Tuluva
D) Devaraya II
Answer: B) Immadi Narasimha
4. Which dynasty replaced the Saluva Dynasty?
A) Sangama Dynasty
B) Tuluva Dynasty
C) Chalukya Dynasty
D) Chola Dynasty
Answer: B) Tuluva Dynasty
5. Who played a key role in the downfall of the Saluva Dynasty?
A) Bahmani Sultanate
B) Narasa Nayaka
C) Gajapati Kings
D) Portuguese Traders
Answer: B) Narasa Nayaka
These notes are essential for UPSC, SSC, State PSCs, NDA, CDS, and other competitive exams covering Medieval Indian History. Review them thoroughly and practice the MCQs and subjective questions to solidify your understanding of the Saluva Dynasty and its role in Vijayanagara’s history! 🚀