Vijayanagara Kingdom : Copper Plates Discovered
A collection of copper plate inscriptions featuring two leaves from the 16th Century CE was discovered at the Sri Singeeswarar temple in Mappedu village, Tiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu.
- The two leaves of the copper plates strung together using a ring featuring the seal of the Vijayanagara Kingdom.
- The inscription, donating a village to Brahmins by the Raja of Chandragiri, is written in Sanskrit and the Nandinagari script.
- It was engraved in 1513 during the reign of King Krishnadevaraya.
- The Kingdom of Vijayanagar was ruled by Krishnadevaraya from 1509 to 1529 AD.
- After Krishna Deva Raya, Achyuta Raya took over in 1530, followed by Sada Siva Raya in 1542.
- He was known by various titles, including “Kannadaraya” and “Kannada Rajya Ramaramana.”
- He is regarded as one of the greatest statesmen in Indian history and is considered one of the most significant rulers of mediaeval South India.
- The Vijayanagara Empire was established in the Deccan region from 1336 onwards, founded by Harihara (also known as Hakka) and his brother Bukka Raya.
- They made Hampi the capital city (declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1986).
- Vijayanagar Empire was ruled by four important dynasties (Sangama, Saluva, Tuluva, Aravidu).
- The empire lasted from 1336 until around 1660, although it faced a gradual decline in its final century following a devastating defeat by an alliance of deccan sultanates, leading to the capital being captured, looted, and destroyed
