Sangama Dynasty

02-04-2025

06:30 AM

1 min read

Sangama Dynasty Latest News

A set of rare copper plates dating back to the early 15th century, from the reign of Devaraya I of the Sangama Dynasty, has been unveiled in Bengaluru by Falcon Coins Gallery in collaboration with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

About the Copper Plates

These copper plates are written in Sanskrit and Kannada, using Nāgarī characters and are particularly significant as they were issued during the coronation of King Devaraya I.
A unique feature of the seal is that it depicts Vamana instead of the customary Varaha, which was the traditional royal insignia of the Vijayanagara Empire.
The plates are dated Saka 1328 (1406 CE), confirming the coronation date of Devaraya I.
The plates provide a detailed genealogy of the Sangama Dynasty, tracing the lineage from Chandra, Yadu, and Sangama to Harihara, Kampa, Bukka, Mãrapa, and Muddapa.

About Sangam Dynasty

The Sangama Dynasty was the founding dynasty of the Vijayanagara Empire, ruling from 1336 to 1485 AD.
Established by Harihara I and Bukka Raya I, this dynasty laid the foundation for one of the most powerful empires in South India.
The rulers of this dynasty significantly strengthened administration, military power, and territorial expansion, making Vijayanagara a dominant political and cultural center.

Key Rulers of the Sangama Dynasty

Ruler	Key Details
Harihara I (1336-1356)	- Also known as ‘Hakka’ or ‘Vira Harihara, ’ he was the eldest son of Bhavana Sangama and belonged to the Kuruba clan. - Ruled the northern regions of the Hoysala Empire after the death of Hoysala Veera Ballala III in 1343. - Built a fort at Barkuru on the western coast (Karnataka). - Established the Nayankara system, where military officers (nayakas) were appointed as local governors responsible for estate management and troop mobilisation. - Reorganised the administration with his minister Anantarasa Chikka Udaiya, dividing the empire into sthalas, nidus, and simas, with officials assigned for revenue collection and governance.
Bukka Raya I (1356-1377)	- Expanded the empire significantly by conquering the Kingdom of Arcot and the Reddis of Kondavidu in 1360. - Shifted the capital from Anegondi to Vijayanagara for better defense. - By 1371, he defeated the Sultanate of Madurai, extending his control to Rameshwaram with military support from his son Kumara Kampana (documented in the Sanskrit text Madura Vijayam). - Engaged in wars with the Bahmani Sultanate, particularly against Mohammed Shah I and Mujahid Shah Bahmani. - Patronised Telugu poet Nachana Soma, as well as Vidyaranya and Sayana, under whose influence commentaries on the Vedas were written.
Harihara II (1377-1406)	- Expanded the empire towards the eastern seacoast, defeating the Reddis of Kondavidu and securing territory from Nellore to Kalinga. - Captured Belgaum and Goa from the Bahmani Sultanate. - Earned titles such as Vaidikamarga Sthapanacharya and Vedamarga Pravartaka for his contributions to Hindu religious and literary traditions. - Patronised Kannada poet Madhura, a Jaina scholar.
Deva Raya I (1406-1422)	- Engaged in battles with the Velamas of Telangana, the Bahmani Sultan of Gulbarga, the Reddis of Kondavidu, and the Gajapatis of Kalinga. - Defeated Firoz Shah Bahmani in 1420, gaining control over the Krishna-Tungabhadra doab. - A dam was constructed on the Tungabhadra River and another on the Haridra River to improve water supply. - Modernised the Vijayanagara army by employing Turkic archers, improving the cavalry, and importing Arabian and Persian horses. - He maintained a secular approach in administration, integrating 10,000 Muslims into his army, becoming the first Vijayanagara king to do so. - Foreign Accounts: Italian traveler Nicolo Conti (1420) and Russian merchant Nikitin (author of Voyage to India) visited during his reign.
Deva Raya II (1425-1446)	- Regarded as the greatest ruler of the Sangama dynasty and an ambitious warrior. - Patronised Kannada poets such as Chamarasa and Kumara Vyasa. - He encouraged Sanskrit and Telugu literary works, with poets like Gunda Dimdima and Kavisarvabhauma Srinatha (author of Haravilasam) at his court. - Earned the title Gajabetegara (Hunter of Elephants). - Persian chronicler Abdur Razzak described Vijayanagara as an empire stretching from Ceylon to Gulbarga and Orissa to Malabar.

Sangama Dynasty FAQs

Q1. What was the Sangama Dynasty?
Ans. The Sangama Dynasty (1336-1485 CE) was the founding dynasty of the Vijayanagara Empire, established by Harihara I and Bukka I.

Q2. Who were the notable rulers of the Sangama Dynasty?
Ans. Harihara I, Bukka I, and Devaraya II were among the most significant rulers who expanded and consolidated the empire.

Q3. What was the capital of the Sangama Dynasty?
Ans. The capital was Vijayanagara (modern-day Hampi, Karnataka), a major cultural and economic hub.

Source: TH