The Maduravijayam is a Sanskrit source that describes ................... .

The correct answer is - The expansion of the Vijayanagar kingdom into Madurai territory

Key Points

• Maduravijayam
  • Maduravijayam is a historical text written in Sanskrit by Gangadevi, the wife of Vijayanagar ruler Kampana.
  • The work primarily documents the military expedition of Kampana against the Madurai Sultanate and the subsequent expansion of the Vijayanagar kingdom into the Madurai region.
  • The text is considered an important source for understanding the political and military strategies employed by the Vijayanagar empire.
• Purpose of Maduravijayam
  • The text was written to celebrate the victory of Kampana over the Madurai Sultanate.
  • It also emphasizes the restoration of Hindu temples and culture in the region following the defeat of the Sultanate.
  • The work showcases the Vijayanagar empire's commitment to preserving Hindu traditions amidst the challenges posed by invading forces.

Additional Information

• The Vijayanagar Empire
  • Founded in 1336 by Harihara I and Bukka Raya I, the Vijayanagar Empire was a prominent South Indian kingdom.
  • It played a crucial role in resisting invasions by the Delhi Sultanate and other Islamic forces.
  • Known for its contributions to art, architecture, and culture, the empire left a lasting legacy, especially in the city of Hampi.
• The Madurai Sultanate
  • The Madurai Sultanate was established in the 14th century following the campaigns of Malik Kafur, a general of the Delhi Sultanate.
  • It ruled over parts of Tamil Nadu until it was defeated by Kampana’s forces under the Vijayanagar Empire.
  • The Sultanate's decline was marked by the restoration of Hindu rule in the region, as described in Maduravijayam.
• Religious and Cultural Context
  • The Vijayanagar empire actively worked to revive and protect Hindu practices and traditions.
  • Maduravijayam highlights the restoration of temples and religious institutions after the conquest of Madurai.
  • This cultural revival was seen as a way to unify South India against foreign invasions.