The establishment of the powerful state of Vijayanagara Empire in 14th century filled the political vacuum insouthern 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 Harihar and Bukka, Dev Raya II and Krishnadeva Raya are well-known for their cultural activities.
Key Highlights of Vijayanagara Architecture
- Provida Style: Though often identified as a form of Dravida style, it had its own unique features and was known as the Provida style.
- New Tradition: The soft stone tradition ended, and a hard stone tradition began to dominate architecture in this period.
- Union of Different Styles: There was a harmonious blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture. The convergence of Nagara and Dravida styles in temples was notable.
Temples
- Importance: Kings expressed their religious zeal through the construction of new temples, renovations, and expansions.
- Early Phase: The first shrine in Hampi was dedicated to Jainism.
- Example: Vidyashankar Temple.
- Second Phase: The Tamil tradition gained prominence by the early 15th century, with temples primarily constructed from granite.
- Example: Ramachandra Temple and Shiva Temple.
- Mature Phase: The 16th century saw large, medium, and small temples featuring composite pillars and other southern elements.
- Example: Hundred-pillar hall and Chariot-street temples.
- Last Phase: Temples became more monumental, with more intricate pillars and motifs.
Major Features of Temples
- Mandapas: Columned interiors with separate bases and double capitals.
- Example: Kalyan Mandap where the union of God and spouse occurred on special occasions.
- Pillars: The central shaft often featured engravings of animals like horses.
- Example: Vittal Temple pillars.
- Gopurams: Krishna Deva Raya added larger and taller Gopurams (gateway towers), known as Raya Gopuram.
- Example: Southern gopuram of Ekambarantha Temple.
Architecture Highlights
- Amman Shrine: A shrine for the spouse of the chief deity in a new structure. Larger temple complexes with elaborate structures and ornamentation.
- Monoliths: Large monolithic figures such as Nandi near Lepakshi Temple, one of the largest monolithic Nandis in India.
- Tanks and Wells: Krishna Deva Raya built a massive tank for water supply and designed a beautiful stepwell in Hampi.
- Cities of Vijayanagara: The cities were dotted with grand palaces, public offices, and irrigation works.
Religion
- Hinduism: The rulers of Vijayanagara were devout Hindus, worshipping Vishnu and Shiva.
- Example: Krishna Deva Raya was a devotee of Vithoba (manifestation of Vishnu).
- Promotion of Hinduism: The empire promoted Hinduism by compiling major religious texts and commissioning commentaries. Numerous richly endowed temples were built, and the Brahmins received large grants and privileges.
- Religious Tolerance: The rulers were tolerant of other sects and faiths.
Literature
- Patronage: The rulers supported Telugu, Kannada, Sanskrit, and Tamil scholars, especially those from Jain, Virashaiva, and Vaishnava traditions.
- Range of Works: Hundreds of works were produced in fields like religion, literature, history, philosophy, and medicine.
- Example: Satpatha Brahmana and Aitareya Aranyaka.
- Philosophical Contribution: Vyasaraya, a patron saint, wrote extensively on Dvaita philosophy.
- Krishna Deva Raya’s Contributions: As a scholar, Krishna Deva Raya authored Madalasa Charita, Satyavadu Parinaya, and more.
Language
- Kannada: Promoted primarily by Jaina saints.
- Example: Shim Kavi translated Bhasyapurana.
- Telugu: Gained prominence during the reign of Krishna Deva Raya.
- Example: Krishna Deva Raya himself wrote Amuktamalyada and contributed significantly to Telugu literature.
- Tamil: Krishnadevaraya patronized Tamil poets like Tirumalainatha and his son Paranjotiyar.
- Example: Sewaiicch-buduyar translated Bhagavata Puranam into Tamil.
- Sanskrit: Sanskrit works during this period include the contributions of Vedanta Desika, who wrote a grammar of Kannada in Sanskrit with a commentary.
- Example: Sayanacharya, Vyasaraya, and others wrote on Dvaita philosophy.
Music
- Court art: Rulers encouraged court and temple singing as a specialized art.
- Maintained distinct identity: The Vijayanagara rulers preserved traditional South Indian music, avoiding Iranian influence.
- Important works: Musical works include Sangita Suryodaya by Lakshmi Narain and Sangitasara of Vidyaranya.
Painting
- Adjunct to architecture: Paintings were used to decorate the inner ceilings and walls of palaces.
- Social implication: These paintings represent the revival of Hindu religion and art in South India.
- Challenge: No specimens of these paintings have survived, and much of the knowledge comes from foreign visitors’ descriptions.
- Features:
- Facial characteristics: Human figures appear in profile, with a slight slant in posture.
- Patronage in temples: Some South Indian temples are adorned with Vijayanagara paintings.
- Example: Veerabhadra Temple, Virupaksha Temple, and Kalyana Sundareswara Temple.
- Themes: The paintings often depict animals and wildlife; some feature foreign visitors to the empire.
- Main examples: Draupadi’s wedding and Kiratarjunya (Arjuna’s penance).