Administration and Social Life under Vijayanagar c5.11

c5.11

Kṛṣṇadēva Rāya began his reign with a determination to retrieve the losses in the territories of his kingdom, and pursued his object with success. He put down the rebellious feudatories within his own empire and defeated and conquered Pratāparudra Gajapati, the ruler of Orissa. He humbled the pride of the Bijapur Sultan and conquered him. His empire extended from the banks of the river Kṛṣṇā in the north to Cape Comorin in the south. He was an enlightened ruler, and during his time the administration of the empire was systematised and perfected. He was a cultured ruler, and a number of scholars adorned his court. He was himself the author of many works in Telugu and Sanskrit. Like many oriental sovereigns he was tolerant of all religious sects though he was himself a staunch Vaiṣṇava. It was during his time that the Portuguese established their power in certain portions of western India.