Krishnadevaraya was an emperor of the Vijayanagara Empire, renowned as the third monarch of the Tuluva dynasty and one of the greatest rulers in Indian history.

He governed the largest Indian empire after the decline of the Delhi Sultanate.

Military Conquests of the King

Krishnadevaraya, who presided over the empire at its zenith, is still considered an iconic figure by many Indians. He earned numerous titles, such as :

Andhra Bhoja (Bhoja of Andhra), Karnataka Ratna Simhasana De Eshwara (Lord of the Jewelled Throne of Karnataka), Yavana Rajya Pratisthapan Acharya (Establishment of the King to Bahmani Throne), Kannada Rajya Rama Ramana (Lord of the Kannada Empire), Gaubrahmana Pratipalaka (Protector of Brahmins and Cows), and Mooru Rayara Ganda (Lord of Three Kings).

•  By defeating the sultans of Bijapur, Golconda, the Bahmani Sultanate, and the Gajapatis of Odisha, Krishnadevaraya established dominance over peninsular India, emerging as one of the most powerful Hindu rulers.
• He defeated Prataparudra, the Gajapati ruler of Odisha, married his daughter after peace negotiations, and returned his territories.
• He also successfully defeated the Sultans of Golconda with the help of Portuguese gunners.

Expansion and Consolidation of the Empire

• His reign was marked by significant expansion and consolidation of the empire. Key achievements include acquiring the Raichur Doab (1512), subduing the rulers of Odisha (1514), and inflicting severe defeats on the Sultan of Bijapur (1520).
• Mughal Emperor Babur rated Krishnadevaraya as the most powerful ruler with the most extensive empire in the subcontinent. Portuguese travelers Domingo Paes and Duarte Barbosa noted his efficient administration and excellent generalship, with the poet Mukku Timmanna describing him as the 'Destroyer of the Turks.'
• His prime minister Timmarusu and the witty Tenali Ramakrishna were key advisors.

Administration during his reign

• Krishnadevaraya exercised strict control over his ministers and dealt severely with any administrative misdeeds.
• He abolished unpopular taxes, like the marriage fee, increased revenues by bringing new lands under cultivation, and undertook extensive irrigation projects.
• Foreign travelers praised the efficiency of his administration and the prosperity of his people.

Army

•  Maintaining a large army, he built strong forts and imported horses from Arabia and Iran, utilizing ships arriving at the west coast ports.
• He maintained good relations with Portuguese and Arabian traders, increasing the empire's income through customs taxes.

Growth of Literature

•  Known for his linguistic neutrality, Krishnadevaraya patronized poets and issued inscriptions in Kannada, Sanskrit, Telugu, and Tamil. He was a polyglot and his rule marked a golden age of Telugu literature.
• He composed the Telugu epic ‘Amuktamalyada’, and several Sanskrit works. Eight Telugu poets, known as Ashtadiggajas, graced his court.
• He also patronized Kannada poets like Mallanarya, Chatu Vitthalnath, and Timmanna Kavi, as well as the Tamil poet Haridasa. In Sanskrit, Vyasatirtha wrote significant works like ‘Bhedojjivana’, and ‘Nyayamrita’.

Religion and Temple Building

•  Krishnadevaraya respected all sects of Hinduism and supported various places of worship. He rebuilt the Virupaksha Temple and other Shiva shrines, and made substantial contributions to the temples of Tirumala, Srisailam, Amaravati, Chidambaram, Ahobilam, and Tiruvannamalai.
• He is celebrated for his lavish gifts to the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple and his role in constructing the Srisailam temple complex. Towering temple gateways called 'Raya gopurams' were built in many South Indian temples in his honor.

Krishnadevaraya provides several lessons that can be applied to modern India:

Strong Governance and Administration : Krishnadevaraya was known for his effective and strong administration and Modern India can learn from his focus on building a robust administrative structure, ensuring good governance, and maintaining law and order.

 Promoting Agriculture and Economy : He invested heavily in agriculture, building dams, and irrigation systems, which boosted the economy. India today, can focus on sustainable agricultural practices, improving infrastructure, and promoting economic growth.

 Encouraging Education and Literature : Krishnadevaraya was a patron of education and literature, supporting scholars and poets. Modern India can benefit from investing in education, promoting literacy, and encouraging intellectual growth in the county.

Cultural Integration : Under his reign, there was a flourishing of art, culture, and religious harmony and promoting cultural integration and diversity can strengthen India's social fabric.

 Strategic Diplomacy and Defense : Krishnadevaraya was adept at diplomacy and maintaining strong defense mechanisms to protect his empire and India too can adopt similar strategies for maintaining national security and fostering international relations.

 Infrastructure Development : His reign saw significant infrastructure development, including temples, roads, and public buildings. Modern India can focus on building and maintaining robust infrastructure to support growth and development of all.

 By integrating these principles of the great king, modern India can aspire to achieve balanced and sustainable growth while honoring its rich historical legacy.

Conclusion

Celebrated for his military conquests and cultural patronage, Krishnadevaraya's reign saw the significant expansion of the empire. He promoted agriculture, irrigation, and trade, enhancing economic prosperity. As a patron of arts and literature, he supported works in Telugu, Kannada, Sanskrit, and Tamil, fostering a cultural renaissance in South India. His reign, marked by stability, growth, and artistic achievement, is often regarded as a golden era in South Indian history.