1. The Vijaynagara empire was founded by the two brothers Harihara and Bukka in 1336. The Sangama dynasty was the first important dynasty. It kept its control till 1485. 

2. The Saluvas military commanders replaced the Sangamas. They remained in power till 1503. 

3. Tuluvas replaced the Saluvas. The most famous of the Tuluva dynasty was Krishnadeva Raya. Under his regime the empire was expanded and consolidated. 

4. The Raichur doab was acquired and severe defeats inflicted on the rulers of Orissa and Bijapur. Trade and industry flourished. 

5. After Krishnadeva’s death, his successors were troubled by rebellious ‘nayaks’. Aravidu dynasty came to power, but the real power was exercised by the triumvirate among which the leading person was Rama Raya. 

6. Ram Raya’s policy of playing off one sultanate king against the other, finally resulted in the three kingdoms (Bijapur, Golconda and Ahmednagar joined their hands). 

7. They inflicted a crushing defeat on Vijaynagar in the battle of Talikota (1565). 

8. The city of Vijayanagara was sacked. The battle of Talikota marked the end of the great age of Vijaynagar. The kingdom lingered on till the 17th century. The seat of Aravidu power shifted to the east. It ruled from Penikonda and later Chandragiri.