[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [General history and culture](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.general) › [Social and Political Life in the Vijayanagara Empire (A.D. 1346 – A.D. 1646)](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.general.saletore-1934) › v2.c19.s2.t2.3 # Social and Political Life in the Vijayanagara Empire (A.D. 1346 – A.D. 1646) v2.c19.s2.t2.3 Social and Political Life in the Vijayanagara Empire (A.D. 1346 – A.D. 1646) v2.c19.s2.t2.3 - **Language:** English ### [v2.c19.s2.t2.3](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.general.saletore-1934.v2.c19.s2.t2.3) The above description may appear to be a condemnation of the Brahman from the orthodox point of view, since he had taken to a life which was other than that of piety and learning. But it is precisely here that the interest of the Brahmanical question lies—in the rigour with which he clung to the old rules which made him lead a life of devotion and study, and in the laxity with which he apparently transgressed the dictates of the classical theorists, which compelled him to cast his lot with the common people. This will be made clear when we enumerate the different occupations of the Brahmans in Vijayanagara. The presence of the Brahman was indeed felt in diverse fields of activity. As minister of the king, he was responsible to some extent for the success or failure of the State policy; as governor over a large province, he exercised the functions of an administrator; as mediator in love matters, he caused commotion between rival royal families; as master of riches, he added to the increased wealth of the kingdom; and as the champion of the castes below him, he sometimes advocated the cause of social reform. - [Previous: v2.c19.s2.t2.2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.general.saletore-1934.v2.c19.s2.t2.2) - [Next: v2.c19.s2.t2.4](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.general.saletore-1934.v2.c19.s2.t2.4) - [Up: v2.c19.s2.t2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.general.saletore-1934.v2.c19.s2.t2) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.general.saletore-1934.v2.c19.s2.t2.3](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.general.saletore-1934.v2.c19.s2.t2.3) · Pramāṇa