Religious Toleration of Vijayanagara Rulers

Summary

The article analyses the religious policy of the Vijayanagara rulers, focusing on their stance of tolerance and accommodation toward different sects within the Hindu fold and other faiths. It begins by describing the four principal dynasties—Sangama, Saluva, Tuluva and Aravidu—that ruled the empire from the 14th to the 17th century. Drawing upon royal seals, inscriptions and literary evidence, it notes that the Sangama dynasty was primarily Śaiva in affiliation, as reflected by their emblem of Vīrūpākṣa, whereas the later dynasties were predominantly Vaiṣṇava, venerating Śrī Rāma. Nevertheless, the article emphasises that personal devotion did not translate into persecution of other sects; successive emperors extended patronage to Śaiva, Vaiṣṇava and Śākta temples alike. Through examples such as the joint grant by the Sangama brothers to a monastery at Sringeri and Krishnadevaraya’s rebuilding of the Śiva temple at Hampi despite being a devout Vaiṣṇava, the study shows that rulers supported diverse religious institutions. It discusses how Tuluva kings like Krishnadevaraya implemented endowments for Varāha and Nṛsiṃha temples while also honouring Jain and Buddhist communities, though the latter were a small minority. The article examines the role of Brahmin ministers who shaped religious discourse while advising the kings to maintain harmony. It argues that this policy of tolerance was driven by pragmatic considerations of statecraft in a multi‑sectarian society, where securing the allegiance of nobles and subjects required conciliatory gestures. The author concludes that the Vijayanagara empire became a refuge for Hindu culture during periods of Turko‑Afghan dominance in the north not through coercion but by cultivating an inclusive environment that allowed various traditions to flourish.