Social and Political Life in the Vijayanagara Empire (A.D. 1346 – A.D. 1646) v1.c7.s3.30

v1.c7.s3.30

Thirdly, the story of the foundation of Vijayanagara by the five brothers with the aid of the sage Vidyāraṇya is based on certain inscriptions the authenticity of which has been questioned on historical grounds. And, as we shall see in the ensuing chapters, much credence cannot be given to the story of the Hare, the Ascetic, and the five brothers, and the consequent founding of the city of Vijayanagara with the help of Vidyāraṇya. The versions in Buchanan and in the *Mackenzie Collection* presuppose the existence of a Vijayanagara before the royal fugitives came from Warangal. It will be seen that the founders of the Empire for some years remained content to rule from the Hoysala capitals, and then, after some time, one of them built the famous City of Victory.