Book Review [154] : A Forgotten Empire - Robert Sewell

A Forgotten Empire (Vijayanagar) is one of the finest and rare books on medieval South Indian history. This book was written by Robert Sewell and was published in 1900. It is mainly based on the records of contemporary historians/travelers namely:

• Ferishta (died 1611 AD)
• Ibn Battuttah (15th Century)
• Domingo Paes(circa 1520 AD)
• Fernao Nuniz (1535-37 AD)
• Barros (16th Century)
• Couto (16th Century)
• Abdur Razzak (15th Century)
• Duarte Barbossa (1504 AD)
• Gaspar Correa (1540 AD)
• Nicolo Conti (1421 AD)
• Nikitin (1468-74 AD)

Invasions and Destructions

This book is full of many details of brutalities of that period. In 1318 Mubarak Khilji marched to Devagiri and flayed alive its Prince Haripala Deva, setting up the head of unfortunate prince at the gate of his own city. 

In 1334 in order to punish his rebel nephew Gurshtap who found refuge in fortress of Anegudi the cruel Muhammad Bin Tughluq invaded and destroyed Anegudi. The women committed Jauhar,the rebel Gurshtap was given by Anegudi to Dvarsamudra ruler to save the tradition of (Sharnagat).The Dvarsamudra ruler abandoned Gurshtap to Tughluq. Gurshtap was flayed alive by Tughluq. Entire South was ravaged by Khilji, Malik Kafur and Tughluq. Many many towns and temples were destroyed and pillaged and scores of people were killed, converted and enslaved.

The Beginning

In the wake of such destruction the south revolted and an empire was founded in 1336 on the banks of Tungabhadra river on the advice of sage Madhwacharya Vidyaranya. Harihara built a great temple in the memory of this sage and it is still in existence. By 1345 the Hindu rulers of Warangal and Vijayanagar drove back the Tughlugs north of Warangal.The entire south and part of deccan was liberated from the foreign yoke. With the founding of Bahmani Sultanate (in 1347) the south India again started facing the push and warangal was lost to Bahmanis in 1424. The Raichur Doab and Goa were the main issues between the two neighbours. 

The Greatness 

The earlier Vijaynagar Kings fought a defensive battle with Bahmani Sultans and Krishna remained a defacto border between the two. Devaraya II (1412-1442) was the first expansionist ruler of Vijaynagar empire. Devaraya II defeated Bahmani in 1419 and destroyed many towns. Bahmanis took the revenge in 1423. By 1442 Devaraya started employing Muslim archers in his army. Mosque was also erected in the city, this was unprecedented. After Devaraya II the Vijaynagar Empire went into chaos. It was revived by the great Krishnadeva Raya (1509-30). He was undoubtedly the greatest ruler of Vijayanagar. He conquered Raichur in a great battle. By this time Portuguese had entered in the geo politics.The Portuguese and Vijayanagar entered into an alliance. The horse trade was monopolized. Krishnadeva Raya destroyed Bijapur.

After his death Achyuta Deva Raya succeeded him. He was his cousin. In 1543 his nephew Sadashiva Raya became King. He was king only in name and the power was enjoyed by three brothers - Aliya Rama Raya, Tirumala and venkatadri. Aliya Rama Raya and Tirumala were the son-in-laws of Krishnadeva Raya. During this period the fame and prosperity of Vijayanagar became worldwide and it was recorded by various travelers coming from different parts of the world.

The Destruction

Aliya Rama Raya (1543-1565) was a great warrior, master strategist but was very haughty and arrogant. He entered into an alliance with Bijapur Sultans against Ahmadnagar Sultan and utterly destroyed Ahmadnagar. He called Ali Adil Shah of Bijapur his son and even gave refuge to Qutb Shah of Golconda when he was in distress. These Muslim Sultans never liked an infidel power to grow in such importance. Partly driven by haughtiness of Rama Raya and partly blinded by faith these Sultans (Baridis, Golconda, Ahmadnagar and Bijapur) entered into a strategic alliance against Vijayanagar Empire.They started their campaign in Dec 1564 and on 23rd Jan 1565 the most decisive battle was fought between Muslim Federation and Hindu Vijayanagar. Aliya Rama Raya fought a great battle but luck was not with him. He was about 70 years in age. He was beheaded by Nizam Shah who adorned his spear with his ahead and paraded before Vijayanagar forces. This caused a complete rout. Entire Army melted away followed by a great slaughter. Within 3 days the enemy were at the gates of the capital. The complete destruction took 6 months and once mighty capital was broken into pieces by the invading army. All the great temples were destroyed and now only broken monuments remains. 

The head of Aliya Rama Raya used to be colored and oiled and displayed to the Muslims of Ahmadnagar on the yearly celebration of the victory by the descendants of the beheader and this continued atleast till 1829 AD.

The Question

The question remains how such a wealthy and powerful empire like Vijayanagar was defeated in such a decisive fashion. Why the invading army destroyed the capital in such a fashion perhaps no such capital except Carthage was destroyed in such a manner? Why we were not told about this great empire, it was the greatest empire of medieval era?

I don't know the answers, perhaps nobody knows.....

Highly Recommended (10/10)