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Medieval India

Tuluva Dynasty (1491–1570)

The Tuluva Dynasty was the third ruling dynasty of the Vijayanagara Empire, emerging in 1505 CE and lasting until 1570 CE. It reached its peak under Krishnadevaraya, who expanded the empire and is celebrated as one of India’s greatest rulers. The dynasty was founded by Narasa Nayaka, who became a de facto ruler in 1491 CE. However, after Krishnadevaraya’s death in 1529 CE, weak successors led to instability. The dynasty ultimately fell following the 1565 Battle of Talikota against allied Deccan Sultanates, giving way to the Aravidu Dynasty.

The Tuluva Dynasty was the third and most powerful ruling dynasty of the Vijayanagara Empire. It replaced the Saluva Dynasty in 1505 CE and ruled until 1570 CE. The dynasty reached its golden age under Krishnadevaraya (1509–1529), one of the greatest rulers in Indian history.

Basic Information

FeatureDetails
Dynasty NameTuluva Dynasty
Time Period1491 CE – 1570 CE
RegionSouth India (Vijayanagara Empire)
FounderNarasa Nayaka (De facto ruler, 1491–1505)
First Official KingVira Narasimha Raya (1505–1509)
Greatest RulerKrishnadevaraya (1509–1529)
CapitalVijayanagara (Hampi, Karnataka)
Major RivalsBahmani Sultanate, Gajapati Kingdom, Portuguese, Deccan Sultanates
Successor DynastyAravidu Dynasty (1570 CE)

Foundation of the Tuluva Dynasty

  • The Tuluva Dynasty was founded by Narasa Nayaka, a general and minister under the Saluva Dynasty.
  • He acted as a de facto ruler from 1491 CE but officially handed over power to his son, Vira Narasimha Raya, in 1505 CE.
  • The Tuluva Dynasty gained prominence after defeating internal rebels and resisting external invasions.

Major Rulers of the Tuluva Dynasty

1. Narasa Nayaka (1491–1505)

  • Was a powerful general and administrator during the Saluva Dynasty.
  • Effectively controlled Vijayanagara as a de facto ruler but never officially took the throne.
  • Suppressed nobles and governors who opposed central rule.
  • Laid the foundation for the Tuluva Dynasty.

2. Vira Narasimha Raya (1505–1509)

  • Officially became the first ruler of the Tuluva Dynasty.
  • Faced internal revolts and external threats from the Bahmani Sultanate.
  • Died in 1509, after which his half-brother Krishnadevaraya became king.

3. Krishnadevaraya (1509–1529) – Greatest Ruler

  • Considered one of the greatest kings in Indian history.
  • Expanded Vijayanagara to its greatest territorial extent.
  • Defeated the Bahmani Sultanate and Gajapati Kingdom.
  • Strengthened trade and diplomatic relations with the Portuguese.
  • Patronized art, literature, and architecture.
  • Built the Vittala Temple, Hampi, and promoted Telugu, Kannada, and Sanskrit literature.
  • Wrote Amuktamalyada, a famous Telugu literary work.
  • Died in 1529, marking the decline of Vijayanagara’s power.

4. Achyuta Deva Raya (1529–1542)

  • Successor of Krishnadevaraya but weaker in administration.
  • Faced continuous threats from the Deccan Sultanates.
  • Internal instability increased due to court politics.

5. Sadasiva Raya (1542–1570)

  • Last ruler of the Tuluva Dynasty, but he was a puppet ruler.
  • Rama Raya, a minister, controlled the empire.
  • In 1565, the Battle of Talikota took place, where the combined forces of the Deccan Sultanates defeated Vijayanagara.
  • Vijayanagara was looted and destroyed, marking the end of the Tuluva Dynasty.
  • The Aravidu Dynasty took control of the remaining territories.

Administration & Governance

  • Highly Centralized Rule: The king was the supreme authority.
  • Strong Military Focus: Maintained a large army with cavalry, elephants, and artillery.
  • Efficient Tax Collection: Revenue from trade, agriculture, and tribute.
  • Provinces (Nayankara System): Empire was divided into provinces ruled by Nayaks (military governors).

Military Achievements

  • Defeated Bahmani and Deccan Sultanates multiple times.
  • Annexed parts of Odisha and Tamil Nadu.
  • Established strong forts and military garrisons.
  • Strengthened naval power to counter Portuguese and Arab traders.

Cultural Contributions

  • Patronage of Art & Architecture: Built Virupaksha Temple, Hampi, Vittala Temple, and Hazara Rama Temple.
  • Development of Literature:
  • Krishnadevaraya himself was a poet and wrote Amuktamalyada in Telugu.
  • Encouraged Telugu, Kannada, Sanskrit, and Tamil poets.
  • Trade & Commerce:
  • Encouraged trade with the Portuguese.
  • Main exports: Spices, diamonds, silk, and cotton.
  • Portuguese traders supplied horses and firearms.

Decline of the Tuluva Dynasty

  1. Weak Successors After Krishnadevaraya:
  • Achyuta Deva Raya and Sadasiva Raya were ineffective rulers.
  1. Court Politics & Corruption:
  • Rama Raya’s interference in Deccan Sultanate politics backfired.
  1. Battle of Talikota (1565 CE):
  • The Deccan Sultanates (Bijapur, Golconda, Ahmadnagar, Bidar, Berar) formed an alliance against Vijayanagara.
  • Vijayanagara was defeated, and Hampi was looted and destroyed.
  • This marked the end of the Tuluva Dynasty and the beginning of the Aravidu Dynasty.

Key Facts for Quick Revision

AspectDetails
Founded ByNarasa Nayaka (1491 CE)
Greatest RulerKrishnadevaraya (1509–1529)
Major RivalsBahmani Sultanate, Gajapati Kingdom, Portuguese, Deccan Sultanates
Major BattlesBattle of Talikota (1565)
End of Dynasty1570 CE (Replaced by Aravidu Dynasty)

MCQs on the Tuluva Dynasty

1. Who was the greatest ruler of the Tuluva Dynasty?
A) Narasa Nayaka
B) Vira Narasimha Raya
C) Krishnadevaraya
D) Rama Raya
Answer: C) Krishnadevaraya

2. Which literary work was written by Krishnadevaraya?
A) Arthashastra
B) Amuktamalyada
C) Rajatarangini
D) Silappadikaram
Answer: B) Amuktamalyada

3. Which battle led to the downfall of the Vijayanagara Empire under the Tuluva Dynasty?
A) Battle of Panipat
B) Battle of Talikota
C) Battle of Khanwa
D) Battle of Chanderi
Answer: B) Battle of Talikota

4. Which dynasty replaced the Tuluva Dynasty?
A) Chalukya Dynasty
B) Saluva Dynasty
C) Aravidu Dynasty
D) Pandya Dynasty
Answer: C) Aravidu Dynasty

5. What was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire under the Tuluva Dynasty?
A) Madurai
B) Mysore
C) Hampi (Vijayanagara)
D) Kanchipuram
Answer: C) Hampi (Vijayanagara)

Subjective Questions for Further Revision

Short Answer Questions (2-5 Marks)

  1. Who was the founder of the Tuluva Dynasty, and how did he rise to power?
  2. Why is Krishnadevaraya considered the greatest ruler of Vijayanagara?
  3. What were the major military achievements of the Tuluva Dynasty?
  4. What led to the Battle of Talikota in 1565?
  5. How did trade flourish under the Tuluva rulers?

Long Answer Questions (8-15 Marks)

  1. Discuss the political, military, and economic contributions of Krishnadevaraya.
  2. Explain the causes and consequences of the Battle of Talikota.
  3. Compare the Tuluva Dynasty with the previous Saluva and Sangama Dynasties.
  4. How did Vijayanagara become a major trade center under the Tuluva rulers?
  5. What were the reasons for the decline of the Tuluva Dynasty?

These notes are essential for UPSC, SSC, State PSCs, NDA, CDS, and other competitive exams covering Medieval Indian History. Revise thoroughly and practice the MCQs to strengthen your preparation! 🚀

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