Trade and Trade - Guilds During - the Vijayanagar Empire

Abstract

The Vijayanagar Period in the history of India in general and in south India particular has a unique place. Owing to the Muslim ouslaughts, the kingdom of the Kakatiyas in Andhra region collapsed and chaotic Conditions prevailed for sometime in 1323 A.D. With the help of the surviving Kakatiya generals, the Nayakas of Musunuru could regain parts of Andhra country from the Muslim Conquerors of Delhi Sultanate. The Nayakas of Musunuru and their successor, the Reddis of the Kondavidu revived to a considerable extent the prestine glory of the Hinduism After the annexation of Kakatiya Andhra kingdom by the Muslims, the Vijayanagara rule‘s were great among the dynasties who established independent kingdoms. Harihara and Bukkaraya sons of Sangama established the Vijayanagara kingdom in 1336 A.D upto the battle of Tallikota in 1565 A.D. The Vijayanagara empire was prospering and extended in the entire South of Krishna river. In this period of two centuries the Vijayanagara rulers fought with Bahamanis continuously for the political supremacy in the South. Finally the Vijayanagara empire disintegrated with this struggle. But the Vijayanagara rulers protected and uplifted the South Indian Hindu culture and tradition during the Vijayanagara time rulers come from all the castes of South India.1 There were four dynasties among the rulers of Vijayanagara (1) Sangama dynasty (1336 – 1485 A.D) (2) Saluva dynasty (1485 - 1505 A.D.) (3) Tuluva dynasty (1505 – 1576 A.D.) (4) Aravidu dynasty (1570 – 1680 A.D.). The kingdom grew into a formidable empire and lasting for almost three centuries as the dominant power in South India.