Foundation
and early history:
The
Sangama Dynasty was founded by Harihara I and Bukka. Their father had been
taken prisoner in 1327 by Muhammad bin Tughluq. They converted to the Hindu
religion, abandoning Islam, and founded Vijayanagara in 1336.[1]
Genealogy or the Family chart of the Sangama Dynasty
Successors:
Bukka's
successor, Harihara II, continued Bukka's campaign through southern India and
managed to take control of coastal Andhra between Nellore and Kalinga and
conquer the Addanki and Srisailam areas as well as most of the territory
between the peninsula to the south of the Krishna River. Harihara II also
managed to conquer many Indian ports such as that of Goa, Chaul, and Dabhol.
After
Harihara II died the throne was in conflict between Virupaksha Raya, Bukka Raya
II, and Deva Raya of which Deva Raya eventually would come out as victor.
During his reign, Deva Raya managed to successfully control the vast amount of
territory in the empire. The kings after Deva Raya on the other hand did not
manage to do anything significant at all for the kingdom. This was until Deva
Raya II, who would bring about the golden age of the Sangama Dynasty. Under
Deva Raya II's rule, the empire would succeed in completely conquering southern
India such as conquering Kondavidu, defeating the ruler of Quilon as well as
other chieftains, extending the empire from Odisha to Malabar and from Ceylon
to Gulbarga, and also taking over a lot of the major Indian ports. However
after Deva Raya II, his incompetent successors would eventually lead to the
destruction of the dynasty with the Bahamani Kingdoms continually taking over
much of the Vijayanaga territory. Virupaksha Raya II was the last emperor of
the dynasty.
