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Siege of Vijayanagar: Difference between revisions
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=== Struggles at Vijayanagar=== | === Struggles at Vijayanagar=== | ||
This internal conflict within the Bahmani Sultanate may have appeared to present [[Vijayanagara Empire|Vijayanagar]] with an opportune moment to dismantle the Sultanate entirely. However, the Vijayanagar Empire was not in a position to capitalize on it. In the same year, 1422, the Palace of Vijayanagar was also embroiled in internal turmoil. It is possible that [[Deva Raya II]]'s return from his campaigns north of the Krishna was prompted by awareness of the impending power struggle in Vijayanagar, thereby inadvertently aiding the Bahmanis. Additionally, Ahmad's cautious bid to seize the throne from his brother may have been influenced by the unfolding events in Vijayanagar, presenting him with an opportune moment. Alternatively, this convergence of events may simply have been one of the unpredictable twists of history.{{sfn|Watson|1964|p=191}} | This internal conflict within the Bahmani Sultanate may have appeared to present [[Vijayanagara Empire|Vijayanagar]] with an opportune moment to dismantle the Sultanate entirely. However, the Vijayanagar Empire was not in a position to capitalize on it. In the same year, 1422, the Palace of Vijayanagar was also embroiled in internal turmoil. It is possible that [[Deva Raya II]]'s return from his campaigns north of the Krishna was prompted by awareness of the impending power struggle in Vijayanagar, thereby inadvertently aiding the Bahmanis. Additionally, Ahmad's cautious bid to seize the throne from his brother may have been influenced by the unfolding events in Vijayanagar, presenting him with an opportune moment. Alternatively, this convergence of events may simply have been one of the unpredictable twists of history.{{sfn|Watson|1964|p=191}} | ||
== Prelude== | |||
[[File:Raichur Doab.jpg|Bahmani-Vijayanagar border|thumb]] | |||
After the significant loss of civilian lives in the [[Bahmani–Vijayanagar War (1362–1367)|Bahmani-Vijayanagar war of 1367]], both Vijayanagar and Bahmani rulers recognized the need to minimize civilian casualties in future conflicts. They agreed to a treaty aimed at protecting innocent civilians during wars between them, which was signed by [[Mohammed Shah I|Muhammad Shah I]] and [[Bukka Raya I]].{{Sfn|Allan|1964|p=172}} This policy of avoiding harm to civilians was followed by Firuz Shah during his [[Bahmani–Vijayanagar War (1398)|conflict with Vijayanagar]] in 1398.{{Sfn|Haig|1928|p=389}} The policy was breached by Vijayanagar, as following [[Deva Raya I|Deva Raya]]'s triumph in the [[Bahmani–Vijayanagar War (1417–1419)|war of 1420]], he massacred the local Bahmani population, thus violating the treaty. In response, Ahmad Shah sought to avenge the massacre of non-combatants, which was the primary reason for launching the campaign.{{Sfn|Allan|1964|p=282}} Therefore, Ahmad was determined to seek retribution for his brother's defeat during the final years of his reign.{{Sfn|Sherwani|1985|p=198}} | |||
=== Preparations of the Bahmanis === | |||
Ahmad focused primarily on strengthening the army, a task he was well-versed in. In addition to bolstering the royal forces and mobilizing troops from provincial governors and local tributary chiefs, he actively recruited mercenaries from across the [[Muslim world|Islamic world]]. However, he was unwilling to delay striking at Vijayanagar until his forces were fully reinforced. He and his advisors believed it was imperative to act while the Empire was experiencing disorganization at the highest levels.{{Sfn|Watson|1964|pp=197–198}} | |||
Ahmad meticulously defined the status and authority of the kingdom's high-ranking officials more than his predecessors. Each provincial governor held the rank of commander of 2000 horse, although the size of their provincial troops was not limited to this number. When Ahmad went to war, these forces were augmented by significant contingents from the prominent [[Fief|fief-holders]].{{Sfn|Haig|1928|p=396}} Following a display of strength towards his northern frontier, which repelled a force that had invaded the Deccan from Gujarat, Ahmad led a march with 40,000 horse to confront Vira Vijaya.{{Sfn|Allan|1964|p=282}} | |||
===Preparations of the Vijayanagar=== | |||
Feeling the weight of his isolation, Bukka III, the ruler of Vijayanagar, wisely recognized the need for assistance and dispatched messengers to [[Recherla Nayakas|Anapota Velama]] of Telangana for aid. In response, Anapota sent his forces, likely under the command of Linga, to support Vijayanagar, his southern neighbor.{{Sfn|Sherwani|1985|p=198}} Vira Vijaya, aided by the Velamas of Telangana, commanded an army, comprising nearly a million infantry and gunners, to the southern bank of the [[Tungabhadra River]]. His intention was to block the passage of the Bahmanis.{{sfn|Haig|1928|p=397}} | |||
==Reference== | ==Reference== | ||
{{reflist}} | {{reflist}} | ||