Ministers and Generals Under the Rayas of Vijayanagara

The present work is an attempt to provide a chronological and significant role played by the Ministers and Generals in the history of Vijayanagara between 1336-1640 CE. The wisdom and dedication of different ministers during the reign of Sangama, Saluva, Tuluva and Aravidu rule is highlighted by author on the basis of authentic source material.

A systematic attempt is also made to discuss the capable Generals of Vijayanagara and their spirited efforts against the contemporary Reddi, Gajapati, Bahmani and Deccani Sultans.

Dr. G. ANJAIAH is Professor. He teaches History at the Department of History, Osmania University, Hyderabad. He did his M.A. History (1986), M. Phil. (1989) and Ph.D. (1994) from Osmania University. He received scholarship for Securing Second rank at M.A. level in 1986 from Government of Andhra Pradesh. He also received I.C.H.R fellowship (1991-1993) to pursue his Ph.D. He is Medieval History specialist.

He is the editor of "Telangana History and Culture (B.A.) text book, published by Telugu Academy (2019). He also contributed lessons to Telugu Academy, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University and Comprehensive history and culture of Andhra Pradesh volumes. He also completed a U G C Minor project and a RUSA project. Three Ph.D. Scholars got awardeddegrees under his supervision. He has published more than 20 articles in various journals. He is life member in I.H.C., S.I.H.C., A.P.H.C. and T.H.C. He is former Vice-President of South Indian History Congress. At present he is Additional Controller of Examinations, Osmania University, Hyderabad.

ncient and Medieval political thinkers in India had truly Arecognized the importance of wise, loyal, capable Ministers and energetic Generals in laying the foundation for effective administration, consolidation and expansion of the State. Even though the political thinkers such as 'Narada', Sukracharya', 'Kautilya', 'Krishnadeva Raya'. 'Kamandaka' and 'Baddena' etc. supported the hereditary succession of monarchy, besides identifying the drawbacks of the hereditary in monarchy. They also laid clear rules and required qualifications to the king for the appointment of the wise, experienced and trusted members Ministers of Generals for the above positions. The rulers of Vijayanagara felt privileged with the above suggestions of political thinkers in appointing their Ministers and Generals.

This book made a diligent attempt to provide a chronological and significant role played by various Ministers and Generals in the history of Vijayanagara between 1336-1640 C.E. and how they shaped the fortunes of this great medieval South Indian State.

It gives me an immense pleasure to pen down the foreword to the present work 'Ministers and Generals under the Rayas of Vijayanagara', written by my student G. Anjaiah, Professor Dept of History, Osmania University. The present work is the result of his deep interest in the Political and Military History of Vijayanagara since his M. Phil days. The present work is based on the primary sources such as Inscriptions and Literary works. It explains the foundation of Vijayanagara State in the year 1336 C.E. till its defeat in the historic battle of Raksasi Tangadi (1565 C.E.). The book presents and acknowledges the role of the great ministers like 'Madhava Vidyaranya', Anantarasa', Sayanacharya', (Sangama Dynasty). 'Tuluva Isvaranayaka', "Tuluva Narasanayaka' (Saluva Dynasty), 'Saluva Thimmarasu', Rayasam Kondamarasayya', Rayasam Ayyaparasu' (Tuluva Dynasty), 'Savaram Chennappa', and 'Velugoti Kasturi Ranga' (Aravidu Dynasty) who played a significant role in the smooth management of the State.

The book outlines the achievements of capable, experienced Ministers and Generals and their excellent war strategies that contributed to the success of Vijayanagara. The war plans and strategies of Irugappa Dannayaka, Saluva Mangu, Nagamma Odeya, Saluva Narsimha, Tuluva Isvaranayaka, Tuluva Viranarasimha, Tuluva Narasanayaka, Periya Obala Nayakkar, Pemnasani Ramalinganayudu, Araviti Ramaraja Bukkaraju, had played a crucial role in organizing the military and conquests of the Vijayanagara rulers. The Amaranayankara system stood as the proof of the strength of Vijayanagara military system till 1565 C.E.

The author made an attempt to explain the magnificent glory of Vijayanagara State which was a result of the most experienced, dedicated, loyal and motivated Ministers and Generals who effectively executed their skills and strategies and made their mark on the Vijayanagara Empire. The author and publishers deserve hearty congratulations for unveiling the book with attractive cover page.