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Rama Raya

Type Figure Region South Asia Time c. 1485–1565 Also known as Rama Raya、Rama Raja、Aliya Rama Raya

De facto ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 16th century, born c. 1485; defeated and killed at Talikota in 1565, after which the empire declined.

Timeline

  1. c. 1485–1542Vijayanagara · KarnatakaRama Raya came from a Telugu noble family and became related by marriage to Achyuta Raya, gradually accumulating military and political influence at court and becoming one of the empire's core powerful ministers.
  2. 1542–1550Vijayanagara · KarnatakaAfter Achyuta Raya's death, Rama Raya served as regent for the young king Sadashiva Raya, gradually sidelining the royal house, monopolizing government, and suppressing political opponents with forceful measures.
  3. 1550–1564Deccan Plateau · Deccan PlateauIn the empire's name, Rama Raya repeatedly campaigned against the Deccan sultanates, intervening in succession disputes in Bijapur, Golconda and other states, sharpening long-standing conflicts with the Muslim polities of the northern Deccan.
  4. 1565Talikota · KarnatakaIn 1565 Rama Raya led the Vijayanagara army against the combined forces of Bijapur, Ahmadnagar, Golconda, and Bidar. The line collapsed during the battle, Rama Raya was captured and executed, and the imperial capital was subsequently sacked, leaving the state's fortunes irrevocably weakened.

Sources