Best Narendra Vikram Podcasts (2024)

1
Vijayanagara - Sangamas & The Madurai Sultanate 1:18:58

6d ago1:18:58

1:18:58

In this episode, Abhijit and Narendra discuss the political history of India before the foundation of Vijayanagara. They explore the rise and fall of the Khilji and Tughlaq dynasties, the power dynamics within the court, and the influence of foreign Muslims in India. The episode ends with the emergence of the Sangama dynasty and their attempts to c…

1
Vijayanagara - The Legacy & Origins with Abhijeeth Hiliyana 1:33:15

15d ago1:33:15

1:33:15

In this episode, Narendra Vikram and Abhijeeth Hiliyana discuss the legacy of Vijayanagara. They explore what Vijayanagara means to them personally and its impact on preserving their cultural identity. The conversation also delves into the invasions of Khiljis and Tuglaqhs into the South and events that lead to the foundation of Vijayanagara.…

1
Vijayanagara - India's Past Unfolded with Abhijeet Hiliyana - Part 1 (Introduction) 1:01:52

17d ago1:01:52

1:01:52

Welcome to new mini-series, "India's Past Unfolded.". Introducing a new video podcast format where Indian history comes alive! Join Narendra Vikram, the host of Ithihasa India History Podcast, as he teams up with Abhijeet Hiliyana—a passionate history buff, historical fiction writer, and tech enthusiast. Together, we dive deep into the rich tapestr…

1
Secret Location of Sri Krishna Deva Raya's Samadhi 28:27

2M ago28:27

28:27

We delve into an episode that combines the intrigue of an unsolved mystery with the enduring legacy of one of India's greatest rulers—Sri Krishna Deva Raya. This episode was inspired by an interesting question from a handful of the listeners of this podcast and also something I have seen floating around on the internet forums and comment sections r…

1
Vijayanagara's Last Lion Roars - Venkatapati Raya II - Part 4 27:06

9M ago27:06

27:06

placeholderBy Narendra Vikram D

1
Vijayanagara's Last Lion Roars - Venkatapati Raya II - Part 3 28:53

9M ago28:53

28:53

placeholderBy Narendra Vikram D

1
Vijayanagara's Last Lion Roars - Venkatapati Raya II - Part 2 28:13

9M ago28:13

28:13

Before Venkata's reign, the Vijayanagara Empire had largely contented itself with defending its territories. Notably, Tirumala and later Ranga concentrated on safeguarding their domains from external threats. Ranga I, for instance, had taken action only to expel Muslims from Ahobilam and its surroundings. However, Venkata II chose a different path.…

1
Vijayanagara's Last Lion Roars - Venkatapati Raya II - Part 1 24:22

9M ago24:22

24:22

Imagine, if you will, a time when the grandeur of the Vijayanagara Empire, once an epitome of power and prosperity, was slowly waning. Even as the shadows of its own demise encroached around it, the empire started to cast its most brilliant and vibrant light, like a candle nearing its end. The emperor Venkatapati Deva Raya II, whose legacy we are a…

1
Every Star Eventually Falls - Last Years & Fall of Sri Krishna Deva Raya 26:59

1+ y ago26:59

26:59

The very mention of the downfall of Krishna Deva Raya might sound blasphemous for the romanticists of History and die-hard fans of him. Nevertheless, this fall was the logical conclusion of a meteoric rise. After all, the fate and fortune of empires and emperors are at the mercy of the gravity of time. And the great Krishna Deva Raya was no excepti…

1
Vijayanagara and Gajapati Series Finale: The Rise of Sri Krishna Deva Raya: Pt 6 21:38

2+ y ago21:38

21:38

Saluva Thimmarasu's idea of forging letters from the 16 of Gajapati’s Mahapatras and making it seem like the vassals of Gajapati were actively conspiring with the Vijayanagara Emperor to betray Prataparudra on the day of the battle was a masterstroke. Meanwhile, Subuddhi, the officer who had been sent by the Gajapati to keep him updated of all that…

1
Vijayanagara and Gajapati Series: The Rise of Sri Krishna Deva Raya: Pt 5 24:32

2+ y ago24:32

24:32

We had ended the last episode at a cliffhanger, a crucial juncture for Sri Krishnadevaraya and his army. The Great Raya’s blitzkrieg took him deep into the enemy Gajapati territory, only to realize that he and his army were trapped. “Their strategy totally foils our plans,” he thought. “In fact, the whole campaign is quickly becoming a disaster! Da…

1
Vijayanagara and Gajapati Series: The Rise of Sri Krishna Deva Raya: Pt 4 21:54

2+ y ago21:54

21:54

Welcome back to Ithihasa Indic History Podcast! This is the 1st episode of 2022 and the Episode 52 of the Season Vijayanagara. Loyal Listeners who have been asking me, your wait is finally over. Let us pick up where we left in December of 2021. We had ended the previous episode with the conquest of the Udayagiri fortress by the Vijayanagara Army af…

1
Vijayanagara and Gajapati Series: The Rise of Sri Krishna Deva Raya: Pt 3 24:41

2+ y ago24:41

24:41

This episode and the next will look closely at the campaigns of Sri Krishna Devaraya against the Orissa Gajapati’s scion, Prataparudra Deva and their intense personal rivalry that added fuel to the already simmering fire between these two Hindu powers. Not many people realize that the aftermath of this long simmering war between these two great pow…

1
Vijayanagara and Gajapati Series: The Rise of Sri Krishna Deva Raya: Pt 1 22:57

3y ago22:57

22:57

Krishna Deva Raya’s period of rule constitutes the glorious epoch in the history of the Vijayanagara empire, with back to back military victories scored on all sides, in quick succession, besides being the apex time in the history of arts and culture in the South. The name Krishna Deva Raya, even till this day evokes the same response in the hearts…

1
Vijayanagara and Gajapati Series: The Rise of Sri Krishna Deva Raya: Pt 2 24:23

3y ago24:23

24:23

Krishna Deva Raya’s period of rule constitutes the glorious epoch in the history of the Vijayanagara empire, with back to back military victories scored on all sides, in quick succession, besides being the apex time in the history of arts and culture in the South. The name Krishna Deva Raya, even till this day evokes the same response in the hearts…

1
Vijayanagara and Gajapati Series: The Tuluva Coup D'etat : p6 21:07

3y ago21:07

21:07

The 1st Emperor of the Saluva Dynasty, Saluva Narasimha died in about the year 1490 CE, without enjoying the power and position for long, leaving two minor sons behind him. Placing the kingdom under the charge of his trusted lieutenant, Tuluva Narasa Nayaka as a regent. When Narasanayaka raised the eldest of the princes to the throne, Timmaraja opp…

1
Vijayanagara and Gajapati Series: Saluva The Eagle : p5 24:41

3y ago24:41

24:41

This episode is going to be focused on Saluva Narasimha’s journey to the Lion’s Throne and what it meant to the waning fortunes of Vijayanagara.By Narendra Vikram D

1
Vijayanagara and Gajapati Series: The Fall of Sangamas : p4 19:20

3y ago19:20

19:20

The great Emperor Devaraya II had passed away, his inexperienced and not so talented successor Mallikarjuna Raya had ascended the throne. And the dark clouds of war were already hovering around Vijayanagara. It’s arch rivals, the Bahamanis and Gajapatis were more than eager to commence a pincer move to finish it off with their opportunistic allianc…

1
Vijayanagara and Gajapati Series: Devaraya I & II - Last Great Sangamas : p3 18:29

3y ago18:29

18:29

Yet another war between the Vijayanagara and Bahamani had ended, but it was followed by a brutal famine throughout the Deccan and Karnataka that distressed the populations of both the kingdoms up until 1424 CE for two long years. In spite of these setbacks, Vijayanagara soon recovered its strength, making Devaraya I and his successor Devaraya II's …

1
Vijayanagara and Gajapati Series: DevaRaya's Revenge : p2 19:11

3+ y ago19:11

19:11

The breathing room and crucial buffer that DevaRaya II’s reign provided to the Empire cannot be understated. His rule had prevented it from being eaten up by its rivals, the Gajapatis and Bahmanis, who were eagerly waiting to carve it up for themselves. And it is exactly for this reason that I will be dedicating some time to the under appreciated r…

1
Vijayanagara and Gajapati Series: DevaRaya II vs KapilendraDeva : p1 28:36

3+ y ago28:36

28:36

How and why did two powerful Hindu emperors and contemporaries of their time end up on the opposite side instead of joining forces against the Islamic Sultanate rivals? If you are interested to know the Why and How of it, then you are at the right place. Like never before on any Indian History Podcast, we shall go in depth into this fascinating his…

1
Vijayanagara: Welcome Back To Karnataka Samrajya 7:04

3+ y ago7:04

7:04

2020 has been an eventful year that most of us wish never happened in first place. The economic and human devastation that transpired across the globe so rapidly due to this deadly pandemic; is a grim reminder to each one of us to not take our fragile life, peace, material luxuries and the semblance of order in our daily lives for granted. So to al…

1
Vijayanagara: Nayankara System p3 - The Raya's Kumara Varkkam 24:19

3+ y ago24:19

24:19

Familial and succession politics of the empire constantly reproduced new political and kin alliances. In a world shaped by succession struggles and dynastic politics, shifting alliances made and unmade the Nayaka fortunes. With each new struggle at the royal court, an entire chain of political hierarchy stood to gain or lose.…

1
Vijayanagara: Nayankara System p2 - Saluva Thimma's Sleight Of Hand 31:19

3+ y ago31:19

31:19

The underlying tension within the empire was between Nayaka's role as a partner and that of a subordinate of the Raya.By Narendra Vikram D

1
Vijayanagara: Nayankara System p1 - Rani Rudrama Devi's Gamble 34:19

3+ y ago34:19

34:19

To deal with the problem of oscillating loyalties and rebellion of the vassals coupled with the problems of logistics, a robust instrument of administrative control had to be innovated and put in place. And this came in the form of the Nayankara System.By Narendra Vikram D

1
Vijayanagara: Devadasi : A Fallen Goddess 35:35

3+ y ago35:35

35:35

Forced to become courtesans at an early age when they were dedicated for life to a deity, the community of women that history now refers to as Devadasis somehow managed to carve out a powerful social space for themselves. They left their mark on medieval art and literature, on sculpture, music and dance.…

1
Vijayanagara:Art and Architecture p6: Varaha O Varaha 34:15

3+ y ago34:15

34:15

Symbols on coins remain a testament to the concepts that an issuing authority wished to project about itself throughout the area in which its coins were destined to circulate.By Narendra Vikram D

1
Vijayanagara:Art and Architecture p5: Gandabherunda : The Vanquisher Of Enemies 21:01

4y ago21:01

21:01

The legacy and history of Gandabherunda goes long way back to the times of Kadambas, Chalukyas and Hoysalas even before the advent of Vijayanagara Empire, which then adopted the motif into its pantheon of royal emblems.By Narendra Vikram D

1
Vijayanagara:Art and Architecture p4: In A Land Of Kings and Deities 34:28

4y ago34:28

34:28

As part of the research for this episode, one of my main sources has been Crispin Branfoot’s research papers by titles, “In a Land of Kings - Donors, Elite, and Temple Sculpture” published in 2011 and “Expanding Form: The Architectural Sculpture of the South India Temple from 1500-1700 CE”.By Narendra Vikram D

1
Vijayanagara: Sultan among Hindu Kings: p2 30:50

4y ago30:50

30:50

The prevailing dominant force on a global scale tends to set the rules of the conversations that take place between the dominant and the dominated. So a nation or a civilization irrespective of whether it calls the shots or not on a smaller scale, has to choose to toe the line if it has to be accepted as an legitimate participant at the geopolitica…

1
Vijayanagara: Sultan among Hindu Kings: p1 35:13

4y ago35:13

35:13

“Eat what you like and dress to please others” - Arabic Proverb“In a change of clothing, people express their response to a changing world, and they claim, even create, a place within that world..Many phases and many choices are represented in the laborious passage from ‘national’ clothing to the sartorial proclamation of involvement in a wider, an…

1
Vijayanagara:Art and Architecture p3: Mahanavami Dibba: The Great Platform 34:22

4y ago34:22

34:22

This monument spans the whole history of architectural, and more importantly sculptural traditions at Vijayanagara.By Narendra Vikram D

1
Vijayanagara:Art and Architecture p2: Disciple's Ode : Vidyashankara Temple 28:33

4y ago28:33

28:33

The picture that you can see in this episode’s cover art in your podcast player is the Vidyashankara Temple that’s located in Sringeri which is in the Chikamagalur District of KarnatakaBy Narendra Vikram D

1
Vijayanagara:Art and Architecture p1: Gopuram: A Portal To The Divine 39:09

4y ago39:09

39:09

Temples have been the lifeline of Bharath and our Indian Civilization for time immemorial. They aren’t mere dead structures made of stone and wood; they are much more than that. They are living and breathing organisms that say a lot, silently over the ages, as long as they have stood.By Narendra Vikram D

1
Vijayanagara: Battle Of Raichur p3: Kiss My Foot 30:56

4y ago30:56

30:56

The resounding success against Adil Shah in the Raichur conflict also had far reaching impact even in the psychological aspects of both the rulers of Vijayanagara and Bijapur.By Narendra Vikram D

1
Vijayanagara: Battle Of Raichur: p2: The Headshot 33:00

4y ago33:00

33:00

We begin the story with a background on the state of firearms and gunpowder technology in the Deccan; And the contributions of Portuguese to this with their own innovationsBy Narendra Vikram D

1
Vijayanagara: Battle Of Raichur: p1: Golden Triangle 30:08

4y ago30:08

30:08

Geography is often ignored in the clash of civilizations or nations. But it silently shapes everything that sits on top of it and boxing them within the walls of options and limitations.By Narendra Vikram D

1
Vijayanagara: Foundation p9:Finale: A Guru's Grace 37:05

4y ago37:05

37:05

The foundation series would be incomplete without us exploring in depth the Vidyaranya-Sringeri connection with Sangamas and Vijayanagara.By Narendra Vikram D

1
Vijayanagara: Foundation: Bonus: Prelude to A Guru's Grace 4:45

4y ago4:45

4:45

Fate of Vijayanagara was sealed by a wandering Sadhu's call for alms.By Narendra Vikram D

1
Vijayanagara: Foundation:Bonus: Prelude To A Nemesis Is Born 4:25

4y ago4:25

4:25

The blood of the traitor and a former Sultan had now spilt on the Turquoise throne. If you liked this bonus bit and have piqued your interest, go ahead and hit play on the full episode, “Birth of A Nemesis” that explores the fall of Tughlaqs in Deccan and birth of the Bahmani kingdom.By Narendra Vikram D

1
Vijayanagara: Foundation p8: A Nemesis Is Born 33:00

4y ago33:00

33:00

Both the Bahamani and Vijayanagara rose almost at the same time, from the same conflicts with the same enemy, The Tuglaqhs.By Narendra Vikram D

1
Vijayanagara: Foundation p7: Blunder Thy Name Tughluq 28:06

4y ago28:06

28:06

Loss of Tughluqs is Bahmani's gain in the Deccan. This episode and the following one explore in depth the reasons for the fall of Tughluqs and rise of Bahmani.By Narendra Vikram D

1
Vijayanagara: Foundation p6: Special: A Phoenix Rises 54:34

4y ago54:34

54:34

FOUNDATION SPECIALWe will mainly try to understand how Harihara and Bukka burst onto the scene which was already being dominated by powerful forces like Veera Bhallala of Hoysala and Tughlaq Sultanate in the Deccan and the South.By Narendra Vikram D

1
Vijayanagara: Foundation:Bonus: Prelude To A Phoenix Rises 4:06

4y ago4:06

4:06

Experience a little bit suspense, drama and tension before we jump into an epic near hour long full episode that goes super in depth in the birth of a glorious empire and crown jewel of South Indian History.It's handmade with love for all the fantastic listeners and history buffs out there.By Narendra Vikram D

1
Vijayanagara: Listener Feedback and Show Updates 11:14

4y ago11:14

11:14

A special shout out to these 4 reviewers:1. Shiva Kumar Subramanian from India.2. Chandrika from Bangalore, India.3. Awesomesita user from USA.4. PreetiUM user from USA.By Narendra Vikram D

1
Vijayanagara: Foundation p5: Sangama Rahasya 47:39

4y ago47:39

47:39

We will explore the accounts, legends and evidence surrounding the founders of Vijayanagara, The Sangama Brothers. Harihara I and Bukka I are two enigmatic figures in the story of Vijayanagara's Origins. Without understanding all the narratives surrounding, one can never truly understand the birth of this glorious Hindu Empire and the Rise Of Sanga…

1
Vijayanagara: Foundation p4: Blood Of The Last Hoysala 44:29

4y ago44:29

44:29

The eventual inauguration of the Vijayanagara Empire under the Sangamas is a direct result of the sincere attempts for a Final Redemption by the Last Great Hoyasala. The blood of Veera Bhallala III's sacrifice ran through the veins of the Womb that carried the seeds of the glorious Vijayanagara.By Narendra Vikram D

1
Vijayanagara: Foundation p3: The Ashes Of Kampili 40:21

4y ago40:21

40:21

Let’s pick up from where we left in the last episode. We ended the previous episode with the ascension of Muhammud Bin Tughlaq and his quick subjugation of Pandyas, Kakatiyas and Yadavas. And he is getting ready to launch campaigns against the mighty Hoyasalas and the small kingdom of Kampili.By Narendra Vikram D

1
Vijayanagara: Foundation p2: Lovers Of Sultans 35:29

4y ago35:29

35:29

In this episode we shall delve into the political conditions in the kingdoms of Pandyas, Yadavas, the rise of the Delhi Sultanate and the impact of it’s ascendancy on the kingdoms of the South. It’s really important we understand this aspect as it sets up the stage for the conditions that gave rise to the birth of both Vijayanagara and Bahamani emp…

1
Vijayanagara: Foundation p1: The Four Kingdoms 31:34

4y ago31:34

31:34

We shall look at the medieval South Indian polity through the lenses of power structure dynamics in the setting of Andhradesa and from the perspective of the Kingdom of Kakatiyas.By Narendra Vikram D

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