Tuluva Dynasty: History, Major Rulers, Economy & Administration | UPSC Notes

The Tuluva Dynasty ruled Vijayanagara from 1485 to 1570. They were the third dynasty. They are seen as successors of Tuluva Narasa Nayaka. They oversaw a phase of consolidation and administrative reforms. The Tuluva Dynasty tried to preserve the Vijayanagara Empire through innovative governance even when existential threats emerged.

This article covers the Tuluva Dynasty. It forms an important part of the UPSC IAS exam. Both UPSC Prelims and Mains Paper I have many questions on this topic. It is also crucial for UPSC History Optional and UGC NET History exam. 

About Tuluva Dynasty

The Tuluva Dynasty was the third dynasty of the Vijayanagara Empire. It ruled from approximately 1491 to 1570 CE. The dynasty derived its name from Tuluva Narasa Nayaka. He was a prominent warlord from the Tulu-speaking region. Tuluva Narasa Nayaka orchestrated the downfall of the preceding Saluva dynasty. He ascended the Vijayanagara throne as Viranarasimha Raya, bringing the Tuluva dynasty to prominence. The dynasty reached its zenith during the reign of Krishnadevaraya, the son of Tuluva Narasa Nayaka. The decline of the Tuluva dynasty marked the beginning of the disintegration of the Vijayanagara Empire.

History of Tuluva Dynasty

The Tuluva rulers controlled the Vijayanagara Kingdom from 1491 to 1570. Timmarusu started the Tuluva rule. He took the royal name Narasimha I after becoming king. These are some of the important factual details about Tuluva dynasty:

• Timmarusu came from a Tuluva family. They were chieftains from Tuluva Nadu, a place in modern Karnataka. Not much is known about his early life.
• After the Sangama ruler died in 1490, there was no one entirely in control. Many people tried to take the throne.
• Timmarusu marched to Vijayanagara City in 1491. He got support from important Saluva and Tuluva leaders. His army beat the armies of other contenders. Then Timmarusu sat on the Vijayanagara throne, starting the Tuluva rule.
• Narasimha I shifted the capital to Penukonda. The walls there were stronger. This made the government work better.
• Narasimha is known for reorganizing the government to work more effectively. He changed government departments, police and military. He made "rayas" and "nayakas" as local and area governors to help the central administration.
• Timmarusu followed a policy of being friendly with feudal armies and chiefs. He promoted many supporters to essential jobs. This reduced conflicts within the kingdom.
• Externally, Timmarusu followed a defensive policy. He made the military and walls stronger. This kept Vijayanagara's enemies away during his rule.
• Timmarusu ruled for about 12 years, from 1491 to 1503. He did not launch extensive military campaigns. He focused on making changes, reorganizing the government and keeping stability.
• After Timmarusu, his son Krishnadevaraya became king in 1509. The Vijayanagara Empire Krishnadevaraya ruled was built on the stable base laid by Timmarusu.
• Timmarusu became king at a time when no one was entirely in control. Through friendly policies, government changes and making the capital stronger, Timmarusu brought needed stability.
• He strengthened the military. Though he did not fight big battles, Timmarusu laid a stable base for Krishnadevaraya to build the Vijayanagara Kingdom into a significant power in South India. So Timmarusu deserves recognition as an essential founder of the Tuluva rule.

Tuluva Narasa Nayaka: Founder of the Tuluva Dynasty

Tuluva Narasa Nayaka, a powerful warlord from the Tulu-speaking region, is considered the founder of the Tuluva Dynasty. His strategic maneuvers led to the downfall of the Saluva dynasty and his own ascent to the Vijayanagara throne as Viranarasimha Raya. This marked the beginning of the Tuluva dynasty's prominence within the empire.

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Major Rulers Of Tuluva Dynasty

The Tuluva Dynasty was the third dynasty that ruled the Vijayanagara Empire in South India from the late 15th to the early 16th century. These are some of the famous and important rulers of the Tuluva Dynasty:

• Timmarusu: Timmarusu founded the Tuluva dynasty in 1491. His real name was Narasimha. He brought stability after the conflicts among the contestants for the throne. He shifted the capital from Vijayanagara to Penukonda. He reorganized the administration and strengthened the military. He settled disputes between feudal lords peacefully.
• Krishnadevaraya: Krishnadevaraya ruled from 1509 to 1529. His reign is remembered as the golden age. He conquered major areas like Raichur Doab, Kannada country and Orissa. He defeated the Qutub Shahi dynasty of Golkonda and the Bahmani Sultanate.Many temples were built during his rule. Literature flourished under him. He wrote the famous work 'Amuktamalyada'.
• Achyutaraya: Achyutaraya ruled from 1529 to 1542. He faced challenges from rebel feudal lords and external enemies. But he maintained stability for some time.
• Sri Rangaraya: Srirangaraya ruled from 1542 to 1565. He had to deal with attacks from the Sultanate of Bijapur. Bijapur captured prominent cities during his reign, but Srirangaraya managed to retain control over the core territories of the empire.
• Tirumala: Tirumala ruled from 1565 to 1572. Major parts of the empire fell to the combined forces of Bijapuri Sultanates in the Battle of Talikota in 1565. Though Tirumala survived the battle, he lost most of his kingdom. He tried to consolidate what was left but was later assassinated. This marked the beginning of the decline of the Vijayanagara Empire.

In summary, the Tuluva rulers are important because they brought stability initially during Timmarusu and Krishnadevaraya's reigns.However, internal conflicts and external attacks weakened the empire gradually till it began declining under Tirumala.

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Administration Under Tuluva Dynasty

The Tuluva rulers ruled Vijayanagara from 1485 to 1570. They ran an efficient administration. 

The kingdom had areas called provinces headed by a governor. This dynasty was built upon the foundations laid by the preceding Saluva and Sangama dynasties. It is to be noted that the Tuluva administration had a strong robust military organization, stable revenue systems, and effective system of governance at provincial level to maintain and expand the empire. 

• King Krishnadevaraya made changes to make the system work better. He put officials in charge of each central province and five mahanadus to run parts of the kingdom.
• Officials called Prabhus and Nayaks (Naiks or Palegars) were an important part of the administrative system. The Kin of the king including princes,uncles, brothers etc. played important roles in administrative as well as military frameworks of the empire. Lower officials like Amarayya and Deshpande wrote records and gave orders. Karkans helped them. 
• Villages had their own administration.
• Spies known as machhali gave the king information about threats. The army supported the system. The king was the chief of the army. 
• Officials commanded parts of the army. Soldiers got paid and landed. Land tax gave the most money for running the system. Some other small taxes also existed. 
• Officials wrote things down on metal and stone to keep records of land, taxes and how the system worked. The Tuluva rulers tried to improve how provinces and villages were run. 
• They worked to collect taxes regularly and pay officials and soldiers. But corruption and favoritism were issues. The rulers focused more on keeping the kingdom stable than making it more prominent.

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Economy During Tuluva Dynasty

The Tuluva rulers ruled Vijayanagara from 1485 to 1570. They focused on improving the kingdom's economy. These are some of the important facts about the economy during Tuluva Dynasty:

• Agriculture was the mainstay of the Vijayanagara economy. Rice was the main crop. Other crops grown were ragi, wheat, pulses and oilseeds. Cash crops like cotton, tobacco and sugarcane were also cultivated.
• Irrigation support helped agriculture. The kingdom had channels, tanks and wells for irrigation. Kings built new irrigation works to expand cultivation.
• Land grants were given to encourage farming. The land was given to temples, military officers, government officials and poets. They had to pay taxes to the government from the farm income.
• Sericulture was practiced under this dynasty. Silkworm rearing and weaving of silk were done in households. Vijayanagara silk was renowned for its texture and designs.
• Cottage industries involved in steel and wood works, handicrafts, textiles and dyeing also thrived. Indigenous artisan communities like goldsmiths, weavers and carpenters supported these industries.
• Trade and commerce flourished due to political stability. Vijayanagara capital city, hosted one of India's largest periodic markets. Traders from many countries visited the city.
• Precious gems, textiles, spices and drugs were exported. Horses and elephants were also imported from other kingdoms. Trade links existed with Persia, Arabia, Egypt and European countries by sea.
• Foreign travelers were impressed by the prosperity and number of merchants in the capital city. State taxation and transit duties were levied on traders.
• Metallurgy supported the economy. Iron was used for agricultural tools and weapons. Golconda region supplied diamonds, and Vijayanagara coins became popular.
• Tuluva kings like Krishnadevaraya and Achyutaraya patronized economic activities and introduced reforms. They cracked down on corrupt officials and reduced internal trade barriers.
• Agricultural revenue was the main source of income for the government. Land tax was collected both in cash and kind. There were minor taxes on non-agricultural activities also.
• A strong banking system existed. Private moneylenders, bankers and traders lent money to farmers and traders. The money-changing business also thrived.
• The kingdom maintained a strong currency system. Vijayanagara coinage became popular and was accepted in many kingdoms. Coins of gold, silver and copper were in circulation.

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Society Under Tuluva Dynasty

The Tuluva rulers who ruled from 1485 to 1570 saw a society with many groups. Krishna Deva Raya, brought a golden age to the empire. He influenced the social structure, economy, art and religious practices under his reign. These are the following important facts about the society under Tuluva dynasty:

• People belonged to different ethnic and religious groups like Kannadigas, Telugu, Muslims, Hindus and Jains.
• There were different sects in this dynasty such as Shaivites, Vaishnavites etc. Buddhists and Jains also used to live there. Muslims were in the minority. People used to live peacefully under this dynasty.
• People belonged to different castes. Brahmins were the highest. They were priests and scholars. Kshatriyas ruled and controlled land. Vaishyas traded and farmed. Shudras did manual work. Untouchables did menial jobs.
• Women had some freedom. Many women were educated. However, practices like purdah and sati also existed.
• The king led society. Nobility formed a layer below him.
• Villages mostly ran themselves. Caste groups lived apart. Farming formed the main job.
• Learning was valued. Students studied Sanskrit, grammar, scriptures and philosophy. Telugu and Kannada also gained importance.
• Art and literature blossomed under royal help. Poets like Allasani Peddana and Tenali Ramakrishna were famous. Music and dance traditions grew. Great constructions like Vittala Temple came up.
• The kingdom was culturally diverse. The cultures of Kannadigas, Telugu, Tamils and Marathis coexisted. King Krishnadevaraya's Telugu culture also had an influence.
• The family system followed elders. Joint families with many generations stayed together.
• Different groups formed separate strata in society. However, merit and achievement also mattered.
• The kings helped the needy through relief centers providing free food and shelter.
• People celebrated festivals related to religion and farming. These brought communities together.

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Culture Under The Tuluva Dynasty

The Tuluva rulers who ruled from 1485 to 1570 saw the Vijayanagara culture reach new heights.

• Literature flourished in multiple languages like Kannada, Telugu, Tamil and Sanskrit. Poets like Tenali Ramakrishna and Allasani Peddana became popular. Krishnadevaraya himself wrote the 'Amuktamalyada.'
• Music traditions like Carnatic music blossomed. Musical instruments like Veena and Mridangam were used. Dance forms like Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi were patronized.
• Art reached a peak during this era. The Vitthala temple is seen as an example of Vijayanagara architecture. It has a stone chariot, musical pillars and ornate sculptures.
• Sculptures of Nandi bulls, Gaja Virupas and mythical Yalis adorned temples. Walls and ceilings had murals depicting scenes of royal courts, battle and folk themes.
• Religious tolerance was a key feature. Hindus, Jains and Muslims coexisted. Hindu sects like Shaivism and Vaishnavism gained prominence. Tuluva kings supported all traditions equally.
• Festivals related to religion and agriculture seasons were celebrated. People gathered for fairs, processions and rituals during festivals. The Raya Samprokshana was an important royal ritual.
• Cuisine differed by region. Rice formed the staple food. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies were prepared. The use of spices like turmeric and chilli gained popularity.
• Regional languages like Kannada, Telugu, Tamil and Marathi influenced the culture. However, jargon called Dakkhini emerged from contact with people of different origins.
• Society was hierarchical based on the caste system. But social mobility existed, and merit was also valued. Poets should have their talent irrespective of birth.
• Krishnadevaraya's patronage had a deep impact on culture. He himself authored literary works and nurtured poets and artisan communities. Many scholars thrived in his court.
• Social evils like child marriage and gender inequality prevailed in society. However, women's freedom and widow remarriage were relatively more accepted.
• Clothing differed by occupation and status. Lower castes mostly wore loincloths, while noblemen and royalty donned colorful attire. Women wore saris, blouses and jewellery.
• The peace and prosperity during this period led to an organic growth of culture. With support from rulers, traditions thrived without impediments.

It can be argued that the Vijayanagara culture under the Tuluva kings rose to new heights in the spheres of architecture, literature, music and arts. The religious tolerance and patronage from rulers led to the harmony of diverse traditions within the overall cultural milieu. However, features like casteism and patriarchy remained entrenched.

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Conclusion

The Tuluva kings kept the kingdom good and calm. They made all religious groups live in peace. Literature and arts did very well with their help. The buildings from their time are still an example now. But wasteful use of money and dishonest officials also grew more. Finally, the weak kings who came later could not defend against the attack of outsiders on the Vijayanagara Empire. But for over 200 years, the Tuluva rulers left behind many good things they did with governing, culture and making beautiful palaces and temples in the Vijayanagara Kingdom.

Key Takeaway for UPSC Aspirants Society: The society under the Tuluva dynasty was caste-based and followed the traditional Varna system. However, it was largely influenced by South Indian customs. Shaivism: It is a major tradition within Hinduism that worships lord Shiva as the supreme deity.  Vaishnavites: It is a major tradition within Hinduism that centers on the worship of Vishnu as the supreme deity.  Bhakti Movement: This movement emphasized personal devotion to God over rituals and caste distinctions. Ashtadiggajas: This was a group of eight renowned scholars and poets who served in the court of Krishna Deva Raya.

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