Bahmani–Vijayanagara War (1362–1367)

First Bahmani–Vijayanagar War
Part of Bahmani–Vijayanagar Wars
Fort of Mudgal, which was captured by Bukka Raya, and then recaptured by Muhammed Shah I
Date 1362–1367 Location Modern day Telangana, Andhrapradesh and Karnataka 15.6°N 77°E / 15.6; 77 Result Bahmani victory Territorial changes Golconda annexed to the Bahmani Sultanate. Warangal becomes a vassal of the Bahmani Sultanate.
Belligerents
Bahmani Sultanate	Vijayanagara empire Musunuri Nayakas
Commanders and leaders
Muhammed Shah I (WIA) Safdar Khan Sistani Azam-i Humayun Khan Muhammed Musa Khan † Isa Khan †	Bukka Raya I  Kanhayya  Vinayak Deva  Mallinatha †
Strength
At Mudgal: 8,000 At Kauthal: 50,000 Infantry 15,000 Cavalry	At Mudgal: 100,000–900,000 Infantry 30,000–80,000 Cavalry 3,000 Elephants At Kauthal: 500,000 Infantry 40,000 Cavalry
Casualties and losses
7,999 people killed at Mudgal. Unknown number of people killed at Kauthal	70,000.–90,000 Killed at Mudgal. 10,000 Killed at Vijayanagar. 400,000 to 500,000 civilians killed. 2,000 Elephants captured. 300 Gun carriages captured. 700 Horses captured. Bejeweled thrones captured from Warangal and Vijayanagar.
class=notpageimage| The location where the Battle of Kauthal occurred Bahmani–Vijayanagara War (1362–1367) (India)

The Bahmani–Vijayanagar war, also known as the First Bahmani–Vijayanagar War, spanning from 1362 to 1367, was a significant period of conflict between the Bahmani Sultanate and the Vijayanagar empire in the Deccan plateau of India during the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. It began due to disputes over the acceptance of coins in both states, with Bahmani ruler Muhammed Shah I banning Vijayanagar coins in his dominions. This move prompted Vijayanagar's Bukka Raya I to forge an alliance with Musunuri Nayakas, the then rulers of Warangal, Kanhayya, and local bankers, resulting in the destruction of Bahmani coins and the escalation of tensions leading to outright war. This was the first war in India where the Europeans fought at the Deccan and the infantry was used.

The conflict intensified with the execution of Warangal's prince by the Bahmanis, a consequence of disputes over horse trading. This event ultimately led to the vassalization of Warangal, further fueling animosity between the two powers. As the war progressed, Bahmani victories over Vijayanagar forces at Mudgal and Kauthal resulted in heavy casualties among the civilian population. In 1367, Muhammed Shah laid siege to Vijayanagar, where Bukka Raya had shut himself after two consecutive defeats, and massacred the Vijayanagar population, prompting Bukka Raya I to seek peace. However, the conflict continued, with subsequent battles further decimating Vijayanagar's resources and population. Kanhayya, the ruler of Warangal gave the famous Turquoise Throne to the Bahmani Sultan during these campaigns.

Ultimately, both parties signed a treaty aimed at preventing civilian massacres in future conflicts, marking a pivotal moment in the military history of fourteenth-century Deccan India. The war highlighted the complex dynamics between regional powers and the devastating impact of conflict on civilian populations in the region.