This conversation between Abhijeet Hiliyana and the host Narendra Vikram delves into the life and legacy of Krishnadevaraya, a prominent ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire. The discussion covers various aspects of his reign, including the significance of hero stones as historical sources, the art of spycraft during his time, and the creative liberties taken in historical fiction. The speakers explore the role of intelligence in governance, the cultural impact of Krishnadevaraya, and the...

This conversation between Abhijeet Hiliyana and the host Narendra Vikram delves into the life and reign of Krishnadevaraya, a prominent ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire. It explores the historical context of the Saluva Dynasty, the political dynamics of the time, and the significant military and diplomatic strategies employed by Krishnadevaraya. The discussion also highlights the complexities of his relationships with key figures like Timmarasu and the Gajapati rulers, as well as the...

Abhijeeth Hiliyana and the host Narendra Vikram delve into the complex history of the Vijayanagara Empire, focusing on the events leading to the civil war. It highlights the significant yet underappreciated role of Venkatapati Raya II, the controversial succession decisions made on his deathbed, and the political intrigues that followed.

In this episode, Abhijit and Narendra discuss the political history of India before the foundation of Vijayanagara. They explore the rise and fall of the Khilji and Tughlaq dynasties, the power dynamics within the court, and the influence of foreign Muslims in India. The episode ends with the emergence of the Sangama dynasty and their attempts to challenge the Madurai Sultanate. The conversation delves into the foundation of Vijayanagara and the rule of the Sangama dynasty. It explores...

In this episode, Narendra Vikram and Abhijeeth Hiliyana discuss the legacy of Vijayanagara. They explore what Vijayanagara means to them personally and its impact on preserving their cultural identity. The conversation also delves into the invasions of Khiljis and Tuglaqhs into the South and events that lead to the foundation of Vijayanagara.

Welcome to new mini-series, "India's Past Unfolded.". Introducing a new video podcast format where Indian history comes alive! Join Narendra Vikram, the host of Ithihasa India History Podcast, as he teams up with Abhijeet Hiliyana—a passionate history buff, historical fiction writer, and tech enthusiast. Together, we dive deep into the rich tapestry of Indian history, exploring the grandeur and legacy of the Vijayanagara Empire and beyond. In each episode, Abhijeet and Narendra blend...

placeholder

placeholder

Before Venkata's reign, the Vijayanagara Empire had largely contented itself with defending its territories. Notably, Tirumala and later Ranga concentrated on safeguarding their domains from external threats. Ranga I, for instance, had taken action only to expel Muslims from Ahobilam and its surroundings. However, Venkata II chose a different path. He inaugurated his rule as Emperor of Vijayanagara with an offensive campaign, a strategy shift that would ultimately prove to be a game-changer. 

Saluva Thimmarasu's idea of forging letters from the 16 of Gajapati’s Mahapatras and making it seem like the vassals of Gajapati were actively conspiring with the Vijayanagara Emperor to betray Prataparudra on the day of the battle was a masterstroke. Meanwhile, Subuddhi, the officer who had been sent by the Gajapati to keep him updated of all that was happening, learned that Vijayanagara officers were secretly proceeding toward the Gajapati’s camp with 16 boxes and he hurried to write up a...

We had ended the last episode at a cliffhanger, a crucial juncture for Sri Krishnadevaraya and his army. The Great Raya’s blitzkrieg took him deep into the enemy Gajapati territory, only to realize that he and his army were trapped. “Their strategy totally foils our plans,” he thought. “In fact, the whole campaign is quickly becoming a disaster! Damn! - this is what I get for making light of Thimmarasu’s advice”

Welcome back to Ithihasa Indic History Podcast! This is the 1st episode of 2022 and the Episode 52 of the Season Vijayanagara. Loyal Listeners who have been asking me, your wait is finally over. Let us pick up where we left in December of 2021. We had ended the previous episode with the conquest of the Udayagiri fortress by the Vijayanagara Army after a lengthy siege and fighting off the dogged resistance of the gallant forces of the Gajapati Army. In this episode, we shall continue the...

This episode and the next will look closely at the campaigns of Sri Krishna Devaraya against the Orissa Gajapati’s scion, Prataparudra Deva and their intense personal rivalry that added fuel to the already simmering fire between these two Hindu powers. Not many people realize that the aftermath of this long simmering war between these two great powers, was much more dramatic and in a way anticlimactic than what it is usually made out to be. The decline in the power of Orissan Gajapatis and...

Krishna Deva Raya’s period of rule constitutes the glorious epoch in the history of the Vijayanagara empire, with back to back military victories scored on all sides, in quick succession, besides being the apex time in the history of arts and culture in the South. The name Krishna Deva Raya, even till this day evokes the same response in the hearts and minds of millions of South Indians as much as it did in the 16th century. People loved him then and they love him now. Chatrapathi Shivaji...

Krishna Deva Raya’s period of rule constitutes the glorious epoch in the history of the Vijayanagara empire, with back to back military victories scored on all sides, in quick succession, besides being the apex time in the history of arts and culture in the South. The name Krishna Deva Raya, even till this day evokes the same response in the hearts and minds of millions of South Indians as much as it did in the 16th century. People loved him then and they love him now. In this episode we...

The 1st Emperor of the Saluva Dynasty, Saluva Narasimha died in about the year 1490 CE, without enjoying the power and position for long, leaving two minor sons behind him. Placing the kingdom under the charge of his trusted lieutenant, Tuluva Narasa Nayaka as a regent. When Narasanayaka raised the eldest of the princes to the throne, Timmaraja opposes him in favour of the younger prince which results in a intense rivalry that creates deep fissures in the fabric of Vijayanagara polity. This...

This episode is going to be focused on Saluva Narasimha’s journey to the Lion’s Throne and what it meant to the waning fortunes of Vijayanagara.

The great Emperor Devaraya II had passed away, his inexperienced and not so talented successor Mallikarjuna Raya had ascended the throne. And the dark clouds of war were already hovering around Vijayanagara. It’s arch rivals, the Bahamanis and Gajapatis were more than eager to commence a pincer move to finish it off with their opportunistic alliance. Will they succeed in their plan? Will Mallikarjuna be able to hold against his rivals?

Yet another war between the Vijayanagara and Bahamani had ended, but it was followed by a brutal famine throughout the Deccan and Karnataka that distressed the populations of both the kingdoms up until 1424 CE for two long years. In spite of these setbacks, Vijayanagara soon recovered its strength, making Devaraya I and his successor Devaraya II's reigns memorable in the empire. The long years of peace that followed this war stirred the literary and religious talents of the people of the...

The breathing room and crucial buffer that DevaRaya II’s reign provided to the Empire cannot be understated. His rule had prevented it from being eaten up by its rivals, the Gajapatis and Bahmanis, who were eagerly waiting to carve it up for themselves. And it is exactly for this reason that I will be dedicating some time to the under appreciated reign of DevaRaya II. We had briefly touched his rise to power in the previous episode. And before we look at the reign of Devaraya II, we need to...

How and why did two powerful Hindu emperors and contemporaries of their time end up on the opposite side instead of joining forces against the Islamic Sultanate rivals? If you are interested to know the Why and How of it, then you are at the right place. Like never before on any Indian History Podcast, we shall go in depth into this fascinating history of India.