The establishment of the powerful state of Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th Century filled the political vacuum in southern India and left a permanent impression in the fields of administration, culture, religion, art and architecture. These contributions are more focused on promoting Hindu religion and culture. The rulers like Harihara and Bukka, Dev Raya II and Krishnadevaraya Raya are well known for their cultural activities.

In this article, we will discuss the Cultural Contributions of Vijayanagara Kingdom which will be helpful for UPSC exam preparation.

Vijayanagara Kingdom - Culture

• The Vijayanagar Empire had a strict caste system, or cultural hierarchy, with community representatives for each caste, from lowest to highest. Muslims were also given the right to be represented.
• Brahmins were at the top of the caste system and were frequently religious scholars and writers. They also held judicial positions. Surprisingly, low caste writers existed and created popular literature.
• Because the caste system allowed for military advancement, those born into lower castes had the opportunity to distinguish themselves in the service of the empire.
• Women and men of wealth both wore jewellery, such as bracelets, necklaces, anklets, and earrings. They also scented themselves with rosewater and musk perfumes.
• Men would also wear silk turbans, which were sometimes adorned with gold. Nobles lived in luxury, wore expensive clothing, and were attended to by a large number of servants.
• During this time period, the culture emphasised physical health, and both men and women participated in sports.
• Males would wrestle with males and females with females, and gymnasiums were built for the military to stay in shape. Cockfighting was a common form of entertainment.
• During this time, Indian women had some autonomy in that they could work in government administration and in businesses such as trade.
• Women could express themselves through art and literature, as well.

Vijayanagara Kingdom - Language

• Kannada, Telugu, and Tamil were widely spoken in their respective areas of influence.
• More than 7,000 total entries (Shasana) have been recovered, including 300 copper sheets (Tamarashasana) in kannada (about half), Telugu, Tamil, and Sanskrit.
• By the end of the fourteenth century, bilingual inscriptions were no longer in use. Hanuman and Garuda (Eagle God), the god Vishnu's vehicle, are depicted in the earliest examples.
• The official Indian government archaeological research agency has recovered and deciphered inscriptions in Kannan and Telugu.

Vijayanagar Kingdom - Art

• The Vijayanagar period is known for the origin of Carnatic music, while the Purandhar Das period is known for the origin of Rudraveens.
• Bharatanatyam was elevated. Yakshagana was a popular dance drama associated with temple walls.
• Themes from the Ramayana and Mahabharta can be found on the temple walls.
• This period saw the most portrait sculptures. Tirumala has a portrait sculpture of Krishnadeva Raya and his queens.

Vijayanagara Kingdom - Architecture

• It is widely assumed that the existence of the shrines of Virupaksha and Pampadevi inspired the location of Vijayanagara. This is supported by the fact that the Vijayanagara kings claimed to rule on behalf of the god Virupaksha.
• Vijayanagar rulers began the practise of writing Ramayana and Mahabharata stories on temple walls. Such inscriptions can be found at Vithalswamy and Hazara Rama temples.
• Vitthala Temple was built during the reign of King Devaraya II of the Vijayanagara Empire (from 1422 to 1446 AD). But it was finally expanded by the famous ruler of the Vijayanagara dynasty, Krishnadevaraya (1509-1529 AD).
• The construction of tall Raya Gopurams (gateways) and kalyan mandapas (open pavilions) with carved pillars was a defining feature of Vijayanagar architecture.
• On festival occasions, these mandapas were used to seat deities. Amman shrines were added to existing temples.
• The Varadhraja and Ekamparanatha temples in Kanchipuram are also examples of Vijayanagar architecture.
• The most famous ruler of Vijayanagar, Krishnadevaraya of the Tuluva dynasty is credited with building some fine temples and adding impressive gopurams to many important south Indian temples.
• He also named a suburb near Vijayanagar Nagalapuram after his mother. In Telugu, he wrote the Amuktamalyada, a work on statecraft.
• Dravidian architecture has survived in the rest of Southern India thanks to the patronage of the Vijayanagara rulers.
• Vijayanagara architecture is also known for incorporating elements of Indo Islamic architecture into secular structures such as the Queen's Bath and the Elephant Stables, demonstrating a highly evolved multi-religious and multi-ethnic society.

Vijayanagara Kingdom - Foreign Visitors

• Ibn Bututa (1333-1347 AD) was a Moroccan traveller who visited India during Muhammad-bin-reign Tughlaq's reign and visited Vijayanagar during Harihar I's reign.
• Nicolo Conti (1420-1421 AD) was a Venetian traveller who provided a detailed account of the Hindu kingdom of Vijayanagar.
• Abdur Razzaq (1443-1444 AD) was a Persian traveller who stayed at the Zamorin's court in Calicut. He has given a vivid account of Vijayanagar city while describing the king's and nobles' wealth and luxurious lifestyle.
• Duarte Barbosa (1500-1516 AD) was a Portuguese traveller who provided a valuable narrative of the Vijayanagara empire's government and people.
• Domingos Paes (1520-1522 AD) was a Portuguese traveller who visited Krishnadeva Raya's court.
• Fernao Nuniz (1534-1537 AD) was a Portuguese merchant who wrote the empire's history from its inception to the final years of Acchyutdeva Raya's reign.

Conclusion

During the reign of the Vijayanagara empire, notable texts on Hindu religion, philosophy, grammar, drama, dance, and music were produced. The rulers promoted literature and languages in Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada. The reign of Krishnadeva Raya is said to have marked the beginning of a new era in South Indian literary history. Several magnificent temples were built during this time period.

FAQs

Question: What were the key cultural contributions of the Vijayanagar Empire?

Question: Which architectural style was prominent during the Vijayanagar Empire?

Question: What role did Vijayanagar play in preserving South Indian culture?

Question: Which languages flourished under the Vijayanagar rulers?

Question: How did the Vijayanagar Empire contribute to the development of music and dance?

MCQs

Q1: Which of the following is a famous architectural structure from the Vijayanagar Empire?

a) Sun Temple, Konark

b) Virupaksha Temple, Hampi

c) Jagannath Temple, Puri

d) Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur

Q2: Which dance form was patronized by the Vijayanagar rulers?

a) Kathak

b) Bharatanatyam

c) Kuchipudi

d) Odissi

Q3: Which literary language flourished most under the Vijayanagar Empire?

a) Tamil

b) Marathi

c) Kannada

d) Hindi

Q4: What style of architecture was most associated with the Vijayanagar Empire?

a) Nagara

b) Dravidian

c) Vesara

d) Indo-Islamic

Q5: Which festival associated with the Vijayanagar Empire was celebrated with grandeur?

a) Holi

b) Mahanavami

c) Diwali

d) Pongal

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Question: Analyze the cultural contributions of the Vijayanagar Empire in the fields of architecture, literature, and performing arts.

Answer: The Vijayanagar Empire significantly contributed to South Indian culture, particularly in architecture, literature, and performing arts. The Dravidian temple architecture reached its zenith with iconic temples like Virupaksha and Vittala. Literature in Kannada, Telugu, and Sanskrit flourished, with important works being produced under royal patronage. In the realm of performing arts, classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam and Carnatic music were encouraged, leaving a lasting cultural legacy.

Question: Discuss the role of the Vijayanagar Empire in preserving Hindu culture during its reign.

Answer: The Vijayanagar Empire played a crucial role in preserving and promoting Hindu culture at a time when parts of India were under Islamic rule. The empire actively patronized Hindu temples, rituals, and festivals, which helped protect Hindu religious practices and traditions. The grand temples of Hampi are a testament to the religious and cultural renaissance that took place during this period.

Question: Examine the architectural innovations of the Vijayanagar Empire and their significance in Indian history.

Answer: The Vijayanagar Empire’s architectural innovations, especially in temple construction, were groundbreaking. The use of massive gopurams (towering gateways), intricate carvings, and the integration of open halls and courtyards became defining features of South Indian temple architecture. These architectural styles influenced later kingdoms and continue to be seen in temple architecture across South India today.

Previous Year Questions on Cultural Contributions of Vijayanagar Kingdom 

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2017:

Question: Which of the following temples is associated with the Vijayanagar Empire?

A. Somnath Temple

B. Vittala Temple

C. Lingaraja Temple

D. Konark Sun Temple

Answer: (B) Vittala Temple

Explanation: The Vittala Temple, located in Hampi, is a remarkable example of Vijayanagar architecture, known for its famous stone chariot and musical pillars.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2016 (GS Paper 1):

Question: Discuss the contributions of the Vijayanagar Empire to South Indian architecture and culture.

Answer: The Vijayanagar Empire made monumental contributions to South Indian architecture and culture. The Dravidian style of temple architecture was taken to new heights, as seen in the grand temples of Hampi, including the Vittala Temple and the Hazara Rama Temple. The empire also contributed to literature in Kannada, Telugu, and Sanskrit and was a great patron of classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam and Carnatic music.

3. UPSC CSE Prelims 2018:

Question: The Hampi complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was the capital of which medieval Indian empire?

A. Chola

B. Pandya

C. Vijayanagar

D. Rashtrakuta

Answer: (C) Vijayanagar

Explanation: Hampi served as the capital of the Vijayanagar Empire and is renowned for its architectural marvels, including temples, palaces, and market areas, all contributing to the empire's cultural legacy.