Saluva Dynasty
Saluva Dynasty (1485-1505):
Saluva Narasimha Deva Raya seized power in 1485. He removed the confluences and established the Saluva dynasty.He expanded the boundaries of the empire and strengthened its army, carving out his name as an able ruler.Art and literature flourished under his patronage, marking a golden age of cultural expression.Narasimha’s son Thimma Bhupala takes over but is soon tragically murdered.The younger brother, Narasimha Raya II, becomes king, but struggles with internal power struggles.His influential minister, Tuluva Narasa Nayake, eventually usurped the throne in 1505 and founded the Tuluva .
Rulers of Saluva dynasty:
| Ruler | Rule | Notable achievements |
| Saluva Narasimha Deva Raya | 1485-1491 | – Overthrew Praudaraya and ascended the throne. – Conquered the western ports of Mangalore and Bhatkal. – Madhva saint inspired “Ramapyudayam” by supporting Sripadaraya. |
| Thimma Bhupa | 1491 | He ruled for a while after the death of his father, being tragically killed by a military commander. |
| Narasimha Raya II | 1491-1505 | – Became king after his brother’s death, but the real power was with Tuluva Narasa Nayaka. – Saw the expansion of the empire and the strengthening of defences. |
Saluva Narasimha Deva Raya (1485-1491 CE):
Saluva Narasimha Deva Raya of the Saluva dynasty ruled the Vijayanagara Empire from 1485 to He played an important role in maintaining order after the death of Virupaksha Raya II and the beginning of Prita Deva Raya’s reign, marked by anarchy.To protect the kingdom, Narasimha Deva Raya himself cleverly appointed Tuluva Narasa Nayak to Vijayanagara. This led to the retreat of Pritha Raya and the ascendancy of Saluva Narasimha.His reign faced challenges from rebel leaders, resulting in the loss of Udayagiri to Gajapati Kapilendra in 1491.
Saluva Narasimha successfully captured the western ports in the Kannada region.Madhva monk supported Sripadaraya and inspired “Ramapyudayam“.He prioritized the development of his cavalry and army. He contributed to the military strength of the empire.Saluva Narasimha Deva Raya died in 1491. He left his sons in the care of Narasa Nayak.
Thimma Bupa: (1491)
- Thimma Bhupa, son of Saluva Narasimha Deva Raya, briefly ascended the throne in 1491 but faced political turmoil.
- During the reign of his father, he held the office of the Yuvaraja.
- Unfortunately, he was assassinated by the Army Commander during this period of unrest.
Narasimha Raya II: (1491-1505)
Narasimha Raya II, the second son of Saluva Narasimha Deva Raya, assumed power after the assassination of his elder brother Thimma Pupa.Despite being an important king, the real control was in the hands of Tuluva Narasa Nayaka, an able general of the empire.In 1505, Narasimha Raya II met his death at Penukonda.There he was imprisoned by Tuluva Narasa Nayaka for his protection.The rule of the Saluva dynasty, marked by challenges and strategic successes, played a significant role in the complex history of the Vijayanagara Empire in South India .
