The Positive Background of Hindu Sociology c14.s7.1

c14.s7.1

In the imagination of the Hindus the Vijayanagara Empire (1346-1646) was like the subsequent Maratha Empire a bulwark of Hindu culture established against the avalanche of Islam. The founders of these Empires were therefore esteemed as veritable *avatāras* or incarnations of Lord Kṛiṣṇa. Bukka I. (1343-76), the virtual founder of the Vijayanagara State, is described in an inscription as one in whom the God "reappeared" to deliver the world of the Mlechchhas.³⁰ This account embodies the famous declaration of Lord Kṛiṣṇa in the *Gītā* to the effect that it is whenever *dharma* finds itself in jeopardy that he appears age by age.