The Vijayanagar and Bahamani Kingdoms

1. The Raichur Doab: The highly fertile agricultural alluvial plain situated between the Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers, which yielded vast tax revenues.
   2. Diamond Mines of Golconda: Control over the Krishna river basin, which contained the most lucrative diamond mines in the medieval world.
   3. Control of Western Coastal Ports (Goa and Honavar): Securing the trade routes through which fine Arabian and Persian warhorses were imported, which were critical for military cavalry superiority.

• Military Triumphs: He consolidated the empire, defeated the Sultan of Bijapur, liberated the Raichur Doab, and defeated the Gajapatis of Odisha.
• Economic Prosperity: Formed a strategic alliance with the Portuguese to dominate horse imports and maritime trade; foreign travelers marveled at the immense wealth in Hampi's markets.
• Literary Patronage: He was an accomplished scholar who wrote the political epic Amuktamalyada in Telugu and patronized the Ashtadiggajas (eight literary masters, including Tenali Rama).
• Architectural Splendor: Built the towering gopurams of Virupaksha Temple, the Hazara Rama Temple, and extensive irrigation reservoirs.

• The Battle (1565 CE): Also called the Battle of Rakshasi-Tangadi. Alarmed by the growing power and diplomatic interference of Vijayanagar regent Aliya Rama Raya, the four Muslim Deccan Sultanates (Bijapur, Golconda, Ahmadnagar, Bidar) formed a grand united coalition against Vijayanagar.
• Consequences:
1. Rama Raya was betrayed by two Muslim commanders during the climax of the battle, captured, and beheaded.
2. The Vijayanagar army was routed with enormous casualties.
3. The allied armies entered the magnificent capital city of Hampi and spent five months burning, looting, and systematically dynamiting its palaces, temples, and markets, reducing the golden city to desolate ruins.

• Identity: Mahmud Gawan was an Iranian merchant and scholar who served as the brilliant Prime Minister (Wazir) of the Bahamani Kingdom under Sultan Muhammad Shah III (1463–1481 CE).
• Administrative Contributions: Centralized revenue collection, curbed the unchecked power of corrupt provincial governors (tarafdars), and modernized military discipline.
• Educational Contributions: Built the renowned three-story Madrasa of Mahmud Gawan at Bidar, designed in Islamic Persian architecture, featuring lecture halls, living quarters for professors, and a grand library containing over $3,000$ rare handwritten manuscripts.

1. Bijapur – Ruled by the Adil Shahi Dynasty.
   2. Golconda – Ruled by the Qutb Shahi Dynasty.
   3. Ahmadnagar – Ruled by the Nizam Shahi Dynasty.
   4. Bidar – Ruled by the Barid Shahi Dynasty.
   5. Berar – Ruled by the Imad Shahi Dynasty.

• Gol Gumbaz: The colossal mausoleum of Sultan Muhammad Adil Shah of Bijapur, built in 1656 CE. It features the second-largest circular dome in the world ($44\text{ meters}$ in diameter), built completely unsupported by pillars.
• The Whispering Gallery: Running along the interior perimeter at the base of the massive dome is an acoustic gallery where even the faintest whisper or tick of a watch can be heard clearly across the entire $44\text{-meter}$ expanse on the opposite side, and any sound made produces at least 10 to 11 clear musical echoes!

• Abdur Razzak (Persian Ambassador, 1443 CE): Wrote that "the city of Vijayanagar is such that the eye has not seen nor has the ear heard of any place to equal it on Earth." He recorded that the city was defended by seven concentric fortified stone walls.
• Domingo Paes (Portuguese Traveler, 1520 CE): Described Hampi under Krishnadeva Raya as being as large as Rome, with overflowing granaries, magnificent stone palaces, and vibrant open street bazaars where precious stones, emeralds, and diamonds were sold in heaps by the basket.

• Definition: The Ashtadiggajas ("Eight Elephants in the Eight Quarters") were the eight celebrated scholars and literary giants of Telugu literature who adorned the royal court of Emperor Krishnadeva Raya.
• Two Prominent Figures:
1. Allasani Peddana: Known as Andhra Kavita Pitamaha ("Grandfather of Telugu Poetry"), who authored the masterpiece Manucharitra.
2. Tenali Ramakrishna (Tenali Rama): Celebrated royal court counselor and poet, famous for his wit, humor, and brilliance.