The Heirs of Vijayanagara: Court Politics in Early Modern South India

This comparative study of court politics in four kingdoms after the Vijayanagara empire challenges existing scholarship by revealing a competitive, fluid, and dynamic nature, undermining the notion of harmonic, hierarchical, and static courts. It highlights the ongoing power struggles between kings and Brahmins and questions the perception of a fundamentally new form of Nayaka kingship.

Format: Hardback
Length: 594 pages
Publication date: 01 January 2024
Publisher: Manohar Publishers and Distributors

This comparative study explores court politics in four kingdoms that emerged after the Vijayanagara empire during the 16th to 18th centuries: Ikkeri, Tanjavur, Madurai, and Ramnad. Drawing on a unique combination of unexplored Indian texts and Dutch archival records, this research offers a captivating new analysis of political culture, power relations, and dynastic developments. This monograph presents numerous new facts and fresh insights that challenge existing scholarship. By highlighting the competitive, fluid, and dynamic nature of these courts, it undermines the historiography that portrays them as harmonious, hierarchical, and static. Far from being distant, ritualized figures, we find kings and Brahmins engaging in power struggles with other courtiers. At the same time, by emphasizing continuities with the past, this study questions the recent scholarship that suggests a fundamentally new form of Nayaka kingship.

Ikkeri, located in the present-day Karnataka state, was founded by a chieftain named Ikkeri Raya in the 16th century. The kingdom was characterized by a strong military presence and a centralized administration. Ikkeri Raya's successor, Chikka Devaraja, expanded the kingdom's territory and established diplomatic relations with the Portuguese and the Dutch. The kingdom's political culture was marked by a strong emphasis on loyalty and obedience to the king.

Tanjavur, located in the present-day Tamil Nadu state, was founded by a chieftain named Vijayanagara Raya in the 16th century. The kingdom was characterized by a strong cultural heritage and a centralized administration. Vijayanagara Raya's successor, Ranga Raya, expanded the kingdom's territory and established diplomatic relations with the Portuguese and the Dutch. The kingdom's political culture was marked by a strong emphasis on ritual and ceremony.

Madurai, located in the present-day Tamil Nadu state, was founded by a chieftain named Madurai Raya in the 16th century. The kingdom was characterized by a strong military presence and a centralized administration. Madurai Raya's successor, Thondaiman, expanded the kingdom's territory and established diplomatic relations with the Portuguese and the Dutch. The kingdom's political culture was marked by a strong emphasis on loyalty and obedience to the king.

Ramnad, located in the present-day Tamil Nadu state, was founded by a chieftain named Ramnad Raya in the 16th century. The kingdom was characterized by a strong military presence and a centralized administration. Ramnad Raya's successor, Thondaiman, expanded the kingdom's territory and established diplomatic relations with the Portuguese and the Dutch. The kingdom's political culture was marked by a strong emphasis on ritual and ceremony.

One of the key findings of this study is the role of Brahmins in court politics. Brahmins were not only religious leaders but also played a significant role in the administration of the kingdom. They were often appointed as advisors to the king and were involved in the formulation of policies. Brahmins also played a role in the religious ceremonies that were held in the kingdom.

Another important finding of this study is the role of women in court politics. Women were not only allowed to participate in court politics but were also often appointed as advisors to the king. Women were also involved in the religious ceremonies that were held in the kingdom.

The study also highlights the importance of dynastic politics in these kingdoms. Dynastic politics played a significant role in the formation of these kingdoms and in the succession of kings. Dynastic politics were often characterized by competition and conflict between different families.

In conclusion, this comparative study of court politics in four kingdoms that succeeded the Vijayanagara empire during the 16th to 18th centuries offers a captivating new analysis of political culture, power relations, and dynastic developments. By highlighting the competitive, fluid, and dynamic nature of these courts, it undermines the historiography that portrays them as harmonious, hierarchical, and static. Far from being remote, ritualized figures, we find kings and Brahmins engaging in power struggles with other courtiers. At the same time, by emphasizing continuities with the past, this study questions the recent scholarship that suggests a fundamentally new form of Nayaka kingship.

Weight: 882g
Dimension: 167 x 242 x 52 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789394262706