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The Vijayanagar Empire came into existence as a bulwark against the destructive campaigns of the Delhi Sulthans armies which had created a political vacuum in the South. Deserted cities, damaged temples and citizens living under a fearful atmosphere was put an end to by the establishment of the Empire in 1336, and it protected all south Indian religions and culture and maintained peace.

The great Emperor of Vijayanagara was Krishnadeva Raya (1509-1529) The 500th anniversary of the crowning of this Hindurayasurathrana is being celebrated this year.

From the Krishna to Cape Comorin he built a strong empire, defeated enemies like the Gajapathi of Kalinga, and kept the Sulthans of Bijapur and Golconda at bay, enlarged the capital city by adding new bazaars, raising temples of the Krishnaswamy and the Vithala, raised the tail gopura in front of the Virupaksha and the vast painted Kalyana Mantapa there.

He also raised the monolithic Narashimha and improved water facility to the capital on an unprecedented scale. Trade flourished than ever before under him. His constructive activity provided jobs to lakhs.

Patron of Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada and Tamil literature, he himself was a poet, who composed “Amuktamalyada’ in Telugu. A writer, warrior and military leader who has many victories to his credit including conquering Bijapur city. He was also a patron of music and himself played veena. A man militarily powerful, courteous and an able administrator, the Portuguese visitors like Barbosa, Pars and Nuniz pay full tribute to his military prowess and other finer qualities including administration. He abolished marriage tax.