Best Narendra Vikram D Podcasts (2024)

1
Vijayanagara's Last Lion Roars - Venkatapati Raya II - Part 4 27:07

6M ago27:07

27:07

The tension and strife in Venkata Raya's family life accelerated the fall of the Empire itself, and his relatives' personal affairs were a major factor in this. The birth of a false heir was part of a cunning plan, and King Venkata Raya knew all about it. He kept the secret, though, because he cared about Queen Venkatamba and did not want the scand…

1
Vijayanagara's Last Lion Roars - Venkatapati Raya II - Part 3 28:54

6M ago28:54

28:54

Contrary to misconceptions, the Vijayanagara Empire did not crumble entirely after the Battle of Talikota in 1565. Such beliefs are not only far from the truth but also result from false propaganda. This Hindu Empire didn't collapse like a house of cards; it engaged in a fierce clash of civilizations and defended itself with unwavering determinatio…

1
Vijayanagara's Last Lion Roars - Venkatapati Raya II - Part 2 28:14

6M ago28:14

28:14

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

6M 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

2y 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

2y 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 21:55

2y ago21:55

21:55

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

2+ y 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 24:24

2+ y ago24:24

24:24

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

2+ y 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

2+ y ago24:41

24:41

The Sangamas were imploding due to a series of incompetent successors after the death of the Great Devaraya II. The Empire was literally teetering at the edge and shrinking from all sides, while its enemies and opportunistic rebels reared their heads sensing the vulnerability of the Imperial Structure at the Capital. And there was a dramatic civil …

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 18:30

3y ago18:30

18:30

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 19:12

3y ago19:12

19:12

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

3y ago28:36

28:36

Welcome to Ithihasa, a Indic History Podcast and you are listening to Episode 42 of the Season Vijayanagara and the 1st full length episode of 2021. With this we resume our exploration of the Mighty Vijayanagara Empire’s rich history. Today we will be embarking on yet another mini-series that will delve in depth into a very interesting chapter of b…

1
Vijayanagara: Welcome Back To Karnataka Samrajya 7:05

3y ago7:05

7:05

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 24:20

3+ y ago24:20

24:20

The inner tension in the Nayaka world was between the role of a Komara and Nayankara. To be a Komara meant that the Nayaka was a part of an inner circle of service elite. And to be a Nayankara partner implied having access to and share of political power along with the Rayas. There was this simmering tension between the paths of mobility and loyalt…

1
Vijayanagara: Nayankara System p2 - Saluva Thimma's Sleight Of Hand 31:20

3+ y ago31:20

31:20

In a 3 part mini-series, we will see in depth how the Vijayanagara rulers innovated on the previous patterns of political and administrative instruments in the south, to build a robust framework to rule the ever expanding Vijayanagara Empire. Nayamkaras were the political and economic instruments through which the Nayakas of Vijayanagara reworked t…

1
Vijayanagara: Nayankara System p1 - Rani Rudrama Devi's Gamble 34:20

3+ y ago34:20

34:20

In this episode and the next we shall look at the birth of Nayankara System, which was one of the most fascinating aspects of the Vijayanagara Empire and its legacy. In a 3 part mini-series, we will see in depth how the Vijayanagara rulers innovated on the previous patterns of political and administrative instruments in the south, to build a robust…

1
Vijayanagara: Devadasi : A Fallen Goddess 35:35

3+ y ago35:35

35:35

In this episode we will look in depth at one of the most fascinating women of the 15th & 16th century Vijayanagara. These women straddled the royal courts of Emperors, held the nobility in their palm of the hand and cuddled with the richest of the merchants. And they are normally referred to as Devadasis. Forced to become courtesans at an early age…

1
Vijayanagara:Art and Architecture p6: Varaha O Varaha 34:16

3+ y ago34:16

34:16

In this episode we shall explore the coinage and currency of Vijayanagara. We will try to understand how mundane things like Coins were used as tools of royal propaganda and power. Vijayanagara was one of the first South Indian empires that realized the potential of Coins in furthering its influence in the form of soft power on the minds of its sub…

1
Vijayanagara:Art and Architecture p5: Gandabherunda : The Vanquisher Of Enemies 21:02

3+ y ago21:02

21:02

In this episode we shall look at a very interesting and powerful motif that was widely used by Vijayanagara royalty and especially by the Emperor Achyuta Devaraya who was the successor of Sri Krishna Deva Raya . The motif in question is known as , “Gandabherunda”. “Bherunda” means terrific and frightful, a species of bird in Sanskrit; while Ganda i…

1
Vijayanagara:Art and Architecture p4: In A Land Of Kings and Deities 34:29

3+ y ago34:29

34:29

In this episode, we will look at not just the legacy of Vijayanagara when it came to temples and sculptures; but we will also look at the evolution of art and culture as a result of political developments that took place in the Empire during the 16th and 17th centuries. Episode Visual Guide Links: Anjali Mudra Krishna Deva Raya portrait image at Sr…

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

3+ y ago30:50

30:50

The adoption of Islamicizing forms of courtly dress is in fact paralleled by the appropriation of Islamicate modes of political language. And the most striking instance of which appears in Vijayanagara rulers adoption of the title, “Hindu-Raya-Suratrana” which literally meant, “Sultan among Hindu Kings”. In this episode we will resume our analysis …

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

3+ y ago35:13

35:13

In this episode we will switch gears after the last three back-back episodes from the Architecture and Art Series; and look at some fascinating aspects of Religion, Culture, Realpolitik and Fashion in the Royal Court of Hampi. I can assure you, it will be an illuminating episode. At the end of it you will most certainly come out with a lot more cla…

1
Vijayanagara:Art and Architecture p3: Mahanavami Dibba: The Great Platform 34:23

3+ y ago34:23

34:23

In this episode we will look at one of the most intriguing monuments at Vijayanagara, the Great Stone Platform, which is also known as Mahanavami Dibba or Dasara Dibba that’s located in the Royal Centre part of Hampi. The huge platform-like structure in the episode artwork is the Mahanavami Dibba and it’s a great example of Vijayanagara architectur…

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

3+ y ago28:33

28:33

In this episode we will explore the art, architecture and philosophy of Vidyashankara Temple of Sringeri, which was one of the most important temples that were built during the Vijayanagara Empire. The Vidyashankara temple was built in the year 1338 A.D., in commemoration of the pontiff Sri Vidyashankara, by Sri Vidyaranya, patron-saint of Harihara…

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

3+ y ago39:09

39:09

Starting with this episode this week, we will embark upon yet another journey into Vijayanagara. This time we will go on a tour of the state of Literature, Art & Architecture in the empire and the legacy it left behind. All episodes on these aspects will be part of it's own Series similar to how we did the Foundation Series. And the episodes will b…

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

3+ y ago30:56

30:56

In this episode we will see how the Battle of Raichur was also a prelude to the more famous and epic Battle of Talikota (which took place 45 years after this battle), a battle that permanently altered the geopolitical map of the Deccan and South.By Narendra Vikram D

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

3+ y ago33:00

33:00

In the last episode we understood the importance of the fertile and resource rich triangular tract of land called Raichur Doab in the Deccan and how intensely contested it was for many empires that existed even prior to the Bahmanis and Vijayanagara. And we also set the stage for an inevitable and epic conflict between Bijapur and Vijayanagara;,wit…

1
Vijayanagara: Battle Of Raichur: p1: Golden Triangle 30:09

3+ y ago30:09

30:09

In a series of 3 full episodes starting with this one, we will explore one of the most important chapters of Vijayanagara history. The Battle Of Raichur. This battle is fascinating not just because of the intense drama and intrigue that engulfs it, but also due to the far reaching impact it had on the fortunes of the empire. Before we dive neck dee…

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

3+ y ago37:05

37:05

This is the 9th and final installment in the Foundation Series of this Season. In this episode we will look at the mysterious character of Sage Vidyaranya of Sringeri Matha who was the power behind the power. Vidyaranya was renowned to be the Kingmaker who inspired, funded and oversaw the eventual rise of Sangamas as the torch bearers of Sanatana D…

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

3+ y ago4:45

4:45

This is a prelude to final installment in the Foundation Series and a 4 min bonus bit which depicts the interesting legend around the foundation of the City of Vijayanagara. Full length episode and the finale of foundation series releases on August 21st.By Narendra Vikram D

1
Vijayanagara: Foundation:Bonus: Prelude To A Nemesis Is Born 4:26

3+ y ago4:26

4:26

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 33:01

3+ y ago33:01

33:01

This is the 8th installment in the Foundation Series of this Season. In the last episode, “Blunder Thy Name Tughluq” we explored the beginning of the end of the Tughluq Sultanate under Muhammud Bin Tughluq. As Vijayanagara came out of the womb of Destiny and took its first breaths in the South; it’s nemesis and arch rival, the Bahamani Kingdom was …

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

3+ y ago28:06

28:06

As Vijayanagara came out of the womb of Destiny and took its first breaths in the South; it’s nemesis and arch rival, the Bahmani Kingdom was being forged in the same fires of Deccan. Bahmani Kingdom's rise corresponds to the great turbulence and chaos that plagued the Deccan especially during the spontaneous rebellions against the Tughluq overlord…

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

4y ago54:34

54:34

Note: Scroll to end to read a note on minor correction(s) in the published episode. In this special extra full length episode, we will explore in depth about Sangamas, their rise and how they ended up forging an empire at a critical time when Hindus were cornered all over India. And had no other choice but to fight back against the onslaught of Tug…

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

4y ago4:06

4:06

This is a bonus bit that acts as a prelude to the upcoming special full length episode and 6th installment of the foundation series. This prelude sets the stage before we unravel all the mysteries behind the enigmatic founders of Vijayanagara and see the birth of a glorious Hindu empire in the next episode.…

1
Vijayanagara: Listener Feedback and Show Updates 11:14

4y ago11:14

11:14

With the Episode 16, "Sangama Rahasya" we hit the half way mark for the Season Vijayanagara. So I thought this might be an appropriate moment to take a stock of the listener feedback, reviews and suggestions that the show received. I will be picking four interesting reviews and use that discuss a little about the show and also give you some updates…

1
Vijayanagara: Foundation p5: Sangama Rahasya 47:40

4y ago47:40

47:40

Bonus Bit included in the first 2 minutes. This is the 5th installment in the Foundation Series of this Season and it’s a special one to me personally because of what I went through to produce it for you wonderful people out there. Retelling of any History is nothing but the act of Storytelling and the Origins of Vijayanagara is a special kind of s…

1
Vijayanagara: Foundation p4: Blood Of The Last Hoysala 44:30

4y ago44:30

44:30

In this episode, we will look closely at the events that transpired from the perspective of the Hoysala ruler, Veera Bhallala.His valuable contributions towards the expulsion of Tuglaqhs from the South have to be told. Most often this aspect is completely ignored or given a token mention in modern historical narratives. Without understanding the ro…

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

4y ago40:21

40:21

The first 3 min of this episode has a Bonus Bit. In this episode we shall look at the last major kingdom of Hoyasala and a small kingdom of Kampili in the Karnataka. We shall see their conflict with the Tuglaqhs and the events that transpired.By Narendra Vikram D

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

4y ago35:29

35:29

In the second part of the Foundation mini-series of the Season Vijayanagara, we will look at the Khilji and Tuglaq conquests of Deccan and South India.By Narendra Vikram D

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

4y ago31:34

31:34

This episode begins a multi part episode series that will delve in depth into the Foundation of Vijayanagara like never before. In this episode we shall delve into the political conditions before the foundation of the mighty Vijayanagara Empire. These conditions along with many other factors played a crucial role in gradually forging this glorious …

1
Vijayanagara: Tirumala vs Tirumala 46:44

4y ago46:44

46:44

In this episode, we will explore in depth the reasons for Tirumala Raya being forced to abandon the capital permanently and falling back to Penukonda. This episode includes a Bonus bit in the first 5 minutes of drama.By Narendra Vikram D

1
Vijayanagara: Scarred But Alive 44:09

4y ago44:09

44:09

This episode has a bonus bit preceding it, in the first 5 min. In the usual narratives, the Battle Of Talikota is not just referred to as a watershed event, but also as the end of Vijayanagara. While the former is accurate, the latter is again a loose interpretation of the real events that transpired after Talikota.…

1
Vijayanagara: Death and Taxes 32:34

4y ago32:34

32:34

In this episode, we will delve into the revenue and taxation system of Vijayanagara. The stability of any State or Empire depends on its economic resources. Source(s): IHC Vol.39 Vol.1 1978,ISSN No.2231-0045 and Society In Vijayanagara by Sri Lakshmi KatragaddaBy Narendra Vikram D

1
Vijayanagara: 7 Hills Tirupati Connection 38:17

4y ago38:17

38:17

We will understand the importance of now 1700 year old Tirumala Tirupati Aalayam(temple) to the 16th century Vijayanagara rulers, it’s polity and citizens. We will also go in depth into the fascinating aspects of the Tirupati temple and the powerful role it played on both the economic and political front. We shall see Vijayanagara's patronage of th…

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