How did the conflict between the
Vijayanagara and Bahmani Kingdoms
impact their economic stability
The conflict between the Vijayanagara Empire and the Bahmani Sultanate over the
Raichur Doab (fertile region between the Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers) significantly
destabilized their economies through the following impacts:
1. Drain on Resources
Military Expenditure: Prolonged warfare diverted funds to sustain armies,
fortifications, and mercenaries, straining state treasuries [1][2].
Taxation: Both kingdoms imposed heavy taxes on peasants and traders to finance
wars, leading to social unrest and reduced agricultural/commercial productivity [2][3].
2. Disruption of Agriculture
The Raichur Doab, a fertile agricultural zone, faced repeated invasions,
destroying crops, irrigation systems, and displacing farmers. This reduced agrarian
output, a primary revenue source for both kingdoms [1][2].
Vijayanagara’s irrigation projects (e.g., Tungabhadra dam) were neglected due to
resource diversion, exacerbating food shortages [2].
3. Trade Decline
Trade Routes: Instability in the Doab disrupted land trade routes, forcing
merchants to avoid the region. Coastal trade via Vijayanagara’s ports (e.g., Goa,
Mangalore) also suffered due to redirected resources [4][5].
Diamond Mines: Control over the Golconda mines (in the Doab) fluctuated,
impacting revenue from diamond exports, a key economic pillar for both kingdoms [1]
.
[6]
4. Inflation and Currency Devaluation
To fund wars, both kingdoms minted more coins (e.g., Vijayanagara’s gold Varaha),
leading to inflation and reduced purchasing power [5][3].
5. Long-Term Economic Weakening
Vijayanagara: The costly conflicts left it vulnerable to the Battle of Talikota
(1565), where its capital, Hampi, was sacked, destroying markets, temples, and
trade networks[7].
Bahmani Sultanate: Economic strain accelerated its fragmentation into five
weaker sultanates (e.g., Bijapur, Golconda), which competed for resources, further
destabilizing the region[8][6].
6. Social and Political Fallout
Peasant revolts and merchant dissatisfaction arose due to high taxes and disrupted
livelihoods, weakening administrative control [2][3].
Both kingdoms prioritized military over infrastructure, leading to neglected
irrigation, urban decay, and stagnant economic growth [2][3].
Conclusion
The conflict over the Raichur Doab drained resources, disrupted agriculture and trade,
and fueled internal dissent, eroding the economic foundations of both kingdoms. This left
them ill-prepared to counter external threats, culminating in Vijayanagara’s collapse and
the Bahmani Sultanate’s fragmentation.
1. https://prepp.in/news/e-492-conflict-of-vijayanagar-empire-with-the-bahmani-kingdom-medieval-
india-history-notes
2. https://www.historydiscussion.net/history-of-india/causes-of-conflicts-between-the-vijayanagar-
and-bahamni-kingdoms/2748
3. https://www.learnohub.com/media/pdf/1692762767033_Notes_ICSE_SST 7_Rise of the Vijayanagar
and Bahmani Kingdom.pdf
4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vijayanagara_Empire
5. https://edukemy.com/blog/upsc-ncert-notes-ancient-history-vijayanagara-and-bahmani-kingdoms/
6. https://www.ijrhss.org/pdf/v2-i4/8.pdf
7. https://vajiramandravi.com/upsc-exam/battle-of-talikota/
8. https://prepp.in/news/e-492-economic-condition-of-vijayanagar-empire-medieval-india-history-
notes
