The Vijayanagara Empire (1336–1646) was one of South India’s most powerful states, known for its military prowess, wealth from trade and monumental architecture centred at Hampi. Much of what we know about the empire is via written accounts by Portuguese and Spanish horse traders. As well as later accounts by Islamic triumpalist writers.

Yet by the early 17th century its splendour had faded, and its capital lay in ruins. This post explores the complex factors – both internal and external – that led to the empire’s decline and eventual disappearance. There are civilisational lessons here for all of us.

Golden age and early cracks

Under rulers like Krishnadeva Raya (r. 1509–1529) the empire reached its apogee, extending from the Arabian Sea to the Bay of Bengal and enjoying prosperity from cotton, spices and horse trade. Krishnadeva Raya maintained effective administration and military discipline, but his death exposed weaknesses. His successors were less capable, and the empire became increasingly reliant on the regent Aliya Rama Raya.

Misrule of Aliya Rama Raya

Rama Raya consolidated power by sidelining the legitimate heir Sadasiva Raya and replacing established nobles with relatives and incompetent favourites. He hired Muslim mercenaries and attempted to model Vijayanagara’s administration on neighbouring sultanates. Contemporary critics accused him of playing the Deccan sultanates against one another while engaging in heavy taxation and cruelty towards conquered people. His arrogance and manipulation alienated both his own nobles and his Muslim rivals.

Battle of Talikota (1565)

Fearing Vijayanagara’s growing power, four of the five Deccan sultanates (Ahmadnagar, Bijapur, Golconda and Bidar) formed a coalition. On 26 January 1565 the armies met at the Battle of Talikota. According to historians, the Sultanate forces, though smaller, had superior artillery and cavalry; their Turkish gunmen and long Persian lances outmatched Vijayanagara’s slower elephants and outdated artillery.

Two Muslim generals in Rama Raya’s army defected mid‑battle, sowing chaos. Rama Raya was captured and beheaded, and the victorious alliance sacked Hampi, burning markets. homes, temples and palaces. This single defeat crippled the empire’s military and economic base. The ruling class also fled south, abandoning the city and the citizenry.

Fragmentation and decentralisation

After the sack, Rama Raya’s brother Tirumala fled south with the royal family and treasury. He abandoned the city of Hampi to lawless elements and the invading forces. The sack, slaughter and burning continued for 6 months. In Hindu medieval rule, the civilians and peasants were mostly left alone, so they did not flee – after all one tyrant was like another. But not in this case. The invading force desecrated, looted, raped and destroyed en masse and with no consideration for humanity. 

He moved the capital to Penukonda and later to Chandragiri, establishing the Aravidu dynasty. Much of the south and east broke away as regional governors (Nayakas) asserted independence.

The empire’s remaining territories were divided among Tirumala’s sons, further weakening central authority.

Continuous wars and external pressure

Successive rulers like Shriranga I (r. 1572–1585) and Venkata II (r. 1585–1614) struggled to reclaim lost territory but faced constant invasions from Bijapur, Golconda and other sultanates. They also had to suppress rebellions by Nayakas in Madurai, Tanjore and other regions. The relentless warfare drained resources and undermined internal cohesion. By 1646, continued conflict with Bijapur and the rise of Maratha and Nayaka states ended the Aravidu dynasty.

Economic and technological factors

While military defeat was decisive, long‑term economic and technological trends contributed to decline. Vijayanagara’s prosperity depended on control of horse trade and access to coastal commerce. The Portuguese monopoly on Arabian horses and maritime trade diverted revenue and reduced the empire’s military competitiveness. Historians like Richard Eaton argue that Krishnadevaraya’s earlier victories led Vijayanagara to underestimate new military technology; the empire failed to invest in modern artillery and cavalry, leaving it vulnerable to the sultanates’ firearms and tactics.

Conclusion

The fall of the Vijayanagara Empire was not a sudden collapse but a confluence of misrule, internal dissent, shifting alliances and external aggression. The Battle of Talikota crippled its core, but decentralisation, continuous wars and economic challenges prevented recovery. By the 17th century, successor states like the Nayakas of Madurai and Tanjore and the Mysore Kingdom filled the vacuum. Understanding these factors is essential for appreciating the tragedy and legacy of Hampi’s vanished empire.