Vijayanagara Military Organization

Timeline

1. c. 1400–1420Territory of the Vijayanagara Empire · Deccan PlateauThe empire exchanged Nayankara land grants for cavalry and infantry supplied by local Nayakas, forming a dual military structure of royal standing forces alongside feudal vassal forces; the system matured during this period.
2. 1411–1420Battlefields of the southern Deccan · KarnatakaWar elephants served as shock forces in formation alongside armored cavalry and archers, while chains of fortresses and border garrison posts supported defense and expeditions against the Bahmani Sultanate and neighboring states such as Raichur.
3. 1565Talikota · KarnatakaIn the Battle of Talikota, the coalition's artillery and tactical superiority routed Vijayanagara's main forces; the feudal military system subsequently collapsed, and local Nayakas one after another declared independence.