Discovery of Copper Plates from the Vijayanagara Empire

Background:

The recent discovery of 16th-century copper plate inscriptions at the Sri Singeeswarar temple in Mappedu village, Tamil Nadu, sheds new light on the Vijayanagara Empire, particularly during the reign of King Krishnadevaraya. These inscriptions offer valuable insights into the socio-cultural and administrative practices of the period, reflecting the rich heritage of one of South India's most powerful empires.

Key Highlights of the Discovery:

1.     Description of the Copper Plates:

o    The inscriptions were found on two leaves of copper plates linked with a ring, which featured the seal of the Vijayanagara Kingdom.

o    Written in Sanskrit using the Nandinagari script, they document a village donation to Brahmins by the Raja of Chandragiri in 1513, during Krishnadevaraya's reign.

2.     Significance of the Discovery:

o    The plates reveal the empire's administrative and religious practices, such as land grants and donations, which supported education, religion, and culture.

o    The discovery underscores the importance of copper plates as historical records, which were a common form of documentation during medieval India.

Who Was King Krishnadevaraya?

1.     Reign and Titles:

o    Krishnadevaraya ruled from 1509 to 1529 AD, and is hailed as one of the greatest rulers of medieval South India due to his administrative acumen, military skills, and promotion of culture.

o    He was also known as “Kannadaraya” and “Kannada Rajya Ramaramana.”

2.     Literary Contributions:

o    A prolific scholar and poet, Krishnadevaraya authored works such as Amuktamalyada and Jambavati Kalyana.

o    He patronized literature across Sanskrit, Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada, creating a vibrant cultural and literary environment. His court was known for the Ashtadiggajas, a group of eight eminent scholars, including Allasani Peddana.

3.     Cultural and Architectural Development:

o    Krishnadevaraya played a pivotal role in nurturing Carnatic music and classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi.

o    He constructed several temples and added gopurams (towered gateways) to prominent South Indian temples, contributing to the architectural grandeur of the period.

Key Facts About the Vijayanagara Empire:

1.     Foundation and Duration:

o    Established in 1336 AD by Harihara and Bukka Raya, the empire had Hampi as its capital, a city now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

o    The empire was ruled by four dynasties: Sangama, Saluva, Tuluva, and Aravidu, dominating Southern India until the late 16th century.

2.     Cultural and Architectural Flourishing:

o    The reign of Krishnadevaraya marked the zenith of the empire, with the construction of iconic structures such as the Hazara Rama temple, Krishna temple, and Ugra Narasimha idol.

o    Other architectural marvels from this period include the Virupaksha Temple and Vittala Temple, renowned for their intricate carvings and stunning design.

3.     Portuguese Relations and Trade:

o    The Vijayanagara Empire maintained trade relations with the Portuguese, who provided guns and Arabian horses in exchange for cotton, spices, and other goods.

4.     Tussle with Deccan Sultanates and Decline:

o    The empire frequently clashed with the Bahmani Sultanate and later the Deccan Sultanates over strategic territories like the Raichur Doab.

o    The Battle of Talikota (1565) was a decisive event that marked the decline of the Vijayanagara Empire.

The Nayaka System:

1.     Role and Importance:

o    Nayakas were military commanders granted land (amaram) in return for maintaining troops and financial contributions to the empire.

o    This system was effective for local administration, but over time, some Nayakas gained significant autonomy, leading to conflicts with the central authority, particularly during the empire's decline.

Conclusion:

The recent discovery of copper plates from the Vijayanagara period is a testament to the empire's rich cultural heritage and administrative efficiency. It reflects a vibrant intellectual environment under Krishnadevaraya, with a unique integration of religion, art, and literature into the socio-political framework. The Vijayanagara Empire remains a symbol of cultural unity and prosperity in Southern India, influencing architecture, literature, and music even today. This discovery reinforces the historical importance of copper plates as documents that preserved the legacy of India’s medieval period.

MCQs for Practice

1.     Which of the following rulers was associated with the discovery of the copper plates from the Vijayanagara Empire found recently in Tamil Nadu?

o    (a) Harihara I

o    (b) Krishnadevaraya

o    (c) Achyuta Deva Raya

o    (d) Bukka Raya I

Answer: (b) Krishnadevaraya

2.     The recent copper plate inscriptions found at the Sri Singeeswarar temple were written in which script?

o    (a) Brahmi

o    (b) Grantha

o    (c) Nandinagari

o    (d) Devanagari

Answer: (c) Nandinagari

3.     Which of the following statements about King Krishnadevaraya is correct?

o    (a) He authored the work "Amuktamalyada" in Tamil.

o    (b) He was the last ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire.

o    (c) He was known for his contributions to literature, architecture, and cultural development.

o    (d) He ruled the empire from 1565 to 1600 AD.

Answer: (c) He was known for his contributions to literature, architecture, and cultural development.

4.     Which of the following were patrons of the Vijayanagara Empire's cultural and literary development?

o    (a) Ashtadiggajas

o    (b) Navaratnas

o    (c) Charanas

o    (d) Ulemas

Answer: (a) Ashtadiggajas

5.     Consider the following statements regarding the Nayaka system in the Vijayanagara Empire:

1.                 Nayakas were responsible for maintaining troops and local administration.

2.                 They had complete autonomy without any allegiance to the central authority.

3.                 Over time, conflicts arose between Nayakas and the central authority.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

o    (a) 1 only

o    (b) 1 and 3 only

o    (c) 2 and 3 only

o    (d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only

6.     The capital city of the Vijayanagara Empire, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, is:

o    (a) Mysuru

o    (b) Hampi

o    (c) Madurai

o    (d) Kanchipuram

Answer: (b) Hampi

7.     Which battle marked the beginning of the decline of the Vijayanagara Empire?

o    (a) Battle of Panipat

o    (b) Battle of Talikota

o    (c) Battle of Khanwa

o    (d) Battle of Plassey

Answer: (b) Battle of Talikota

8.     Which of the following monuments is associated with the Vijayanagara Empire?

o    (a) Brihadeeswarar Temple

o    (b) Qutub Minar

o    (c) Vittala Temple

o    (d) Jagannath Temple

Answer: (c) Vittala Temple

9.     Consider the following statements about the Vijayanagara Empire:

1.                 The empire maintained trade relations with the Portuguese.

2.                 The empire was founded in 1336 AD by Harihara and Bukka.

3.                 Krishnadevaraya was known as "Kannadaraya."

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

o    (a) 1 and 2 only

o    (b) 2 and 3 only

o    (c) 1, 2, and 3

o    (d) 1 and 3 only

Answer: (c) 1, 2, and 3

10.                        The literary work "Amuktamalyada" was composed by which ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire?

o    (a) Deva Raya II

o    (b) Krishnadevaraya

o    (c) Harihara II

o    (d) Achyuta Raya

Answer: (b) Krishnadevaraya