The Sangama Dynasty was the founding dynasty of the Vijayanagara Empire, established in 1336 CE by Harihara I and Bukka I. It played a crucial role in defending South India from invasions by the Delhi Sultanate and Bahmani Sultanate. The dynasty lasted until 1485 CE, when it was replaced by the Saluva Dynasty.
Basic Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Dynasty Name | Sangama Dynasty |
| Time Period | 1336 CE – 1485 CE |
| Region | South India (Vijayanagara Empire) |
| Founders | Harihara I and Bukka I |
| Capital | Vijayanagara (modern-day Hampi, Karnataka) |
| Religion | Hinduism (Patronage to temples and scholars) |
| Major Rivals | Bahmani Sultanate, Delhi Sultanate, Gajapati Kingdom |
| Successor Dynasty | Saluva Dynasty (1485 CE) |
Foundation of the Sangama Dynasty
- The Sangama Dynasty was founded by Harihara I and Bukka I in 1336 CE.
- They were former officers in the Kakatiya and Hoysala kingdoms before serving under the Delhi Sultanate.
- Initially, they were under Muhammad bin Tughlaq, but later rebelled and established Vijayanagara as an independent kingdom.
- Their rule was marked by strong military defense, temple construction, and cultural revival.
Major Rulers of the Sangama Dynasty
1. Harihara I (1336–1356)
- First ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire.
- Strengthened the empire’s control over South India.
- Established Vijayanagara as a defensive stronghold against invasions.
- Focused on reclaiming lost Hindu territories from Muslim rulers.
2. Bukka I (1356–1377)
- Expanded the empire’s territory, including parts of present-day Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.
- Defeated the Bahmani Sultanate in various battles.
- Encouraged Sanskrit and Kannada literature.
- Established diplomatic relations with the Hoysala and Gajapati rulers.
3. Harihara II (1377–1404)
- Conquered Madura, Goa, and parts of the Konkan region.
- Strengthened trade with foreign merchants, including Arabs and Europeans.
- Continued the empire’s architectural growth, including building temples and forts.
4. Devaraya I (1406–1422)
- Strengthened the military by incorporating Muslim archers and cavalry.
- Defended against multiple attacks from the Bahmani Sultanate.
- Built irrigation projects to boost agriculture.
5. Devaraya II (1424–1446)
- One of the strongest rulers of Vijayanagara.
- Expanded the empire to the Krishna River in the north.
- Encouraged religious tolerance and patronized Hindu temples.
- Improved cavalry, artillery, and fortifications.
6. Virupaksha Raya (1465–1485)
- His weak administration led to the decline of the Sangama Dynasty.
- Faced rebellions from within the kingdom.
- In 1485, Saluva Narasimha overthrew the Sangama dynasty, marking the rise of the Saluva Dynasty.
Administration & Governance
- Centralized administration with the king as the supreme authority.
- Efficient tax collection system for maintaining a strong military.
- Divided the empire into provinces (Rajyas), districts (Vishayas), and villages (Gramas) for better governance.
- Temple grants and land donations to Brahmins and religious institutions.
Military Achievements
- Maintained a strong army, including cavalry, infantry, and war elephants.
- Built forts and defensive structures to resist invasions.
- Engaged in frequent conflicts with the Bahmani Sultanate in the Deccan region.
- Used advanced war tactics, including foreign mercenaries and gunpowder weapons.
Cultural Contributions
- Promoted Hindu temple architecture, including Virupaksha Temple (Hampi) and Vittala Temple.
- Encouraged Sanskrit, Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada literature.
- Famous poets and scholars like Vidyaranya and Sayana were supported by Sangama rulers.
- Vijayanagara became a center for art, culture, and learning.
Economy & Trade
- Encouraged trade with Persia, Arabia, and China.
- Main exports included spices, cotton, diamonds, and precious stones.
- Built markets and trade centers in Vijayanagara.
- Developed agriculture and irrigation systems, including tanks and canals.
Decline of the Sangama Dynasty
- Weak successors after Devaraya II led to internal instability.
- Increasing conflicts with the Bahmani Sultanate drained resources.
- Rise of Saluva Narasimha in 1485, who overthrew the last Sangama ruler.
- The Sangama Dynasty ended in 1485, but the Vijayanagara Empire continued under the Saluva and Tuluva dynasties.
Key Facts for Quick Revision
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded By | Harihara I and Bukka I (1336 CE) |
| Capital | Vijayanagara (Hampi, Karnataka) |
| Major Rivals | Bahmani Sultanate, Delhi Sultanate, Gajapati Kings |
| Major Rulers | Harihara I, Bukka I, Harihara II, Devaraya I & II |
| End of Dynasty | 1485 (Saluva Dynasty took over) |
MCQs on the Sangama Dynasty
1. Who were the founders of the Sangama Dynasty?
A) Harihara I and Bukka I
B) Krishnadevaraya and Achyuta Raya
C) Rajaraja Chola and Rajendra Chola
D) Pulakesin II and Vikramaditya II
Answer: A) Harihara I and Bukka I
2. What was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire under the Sangama Dynasty?
A) Madurai
B) Hampi (Vijayanagara)
C) Kanchipuram
D) Mysore
Answer: B) Hampi (Vijayanagara)
3. Which enemy kingdom frequently fought against the Vijayanagara Empire?
A) Pala Empire
B) Bahmani Sultanate
C) Maurya Empire
D) Maratha Empire
Answer: B) Bahmani Sultanate
4. Who was the strongest ruler of the Sangama Dynasty?
A) Harihara I
B) Bukka I
C) Devaraya II
D) Virupaksha Raya
Answer: C) Devaraya II
5. When did the Sangama Dynasty end?
A) 1366 CE
B) 1485 CE
C) 1526 CE
D) 1687 CE
Answer: B) 1485 CE
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