The Position of Women During Vijayanagara Period (1336-1646) (A Rare Book)

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The History of Vijavanagara is one of the most fascinating periods in the South Indian History. The empire was founded by the famous Sangama brothers, Harihara and Bukka, on the banks of the river Tungabhadra in 1336 A.D. and was ruled by the four different dynasties The Sangamas , The Saluvas, The Tutuvas and the Aravidus.

Vijayanagara period occupies an unique place in the social and cultural history of South India. From the point of view of social history, it offers a varied picture of social life. The contribution of women to social-cultural development of the period were outstanding. They figured prominently in different walks of life.

The aim of this study is to trace the position of women during Vijayanagara Period. The position of women in Vijayanagara as compared to other provinces in India was unique indeed It examines the role of women as administrators, poetess, literary geniuses, beauty queens, wrestlers, warriors, religionists, and patrons of art, architecture, learning, music and dance.

In preparing this book, I have consulted Inscriptions, various books, reports, journals, foreign accounts, published and unpublished materials. I shall be grateful to the critics who may suggest corrections to be made in this book.

It is my foremost duty to record my deep sense of gratitude to the Tirumalai- Tirupati Devasthanams for the for the award of rupees ten thousand for the publication of this book.

In preparation of this book, I have received help and encouragement from various persons and Institutions. My thanks are due to the authorities of the Mysore University Library, Palace Library, City Central Library, Institute of Kannada studies, under - Graduate Library, Department of History, Studies in Research. Manasagangotri Library, and the Epigraphist's Office, Mysore.

I am indebted to the Tamil Nadu Archives. Canammera Library, Madras, Madras University Library, Karnatak University Library,'" Kannada Research Institute, Dharwar and Osamania University Library, Hyderabad for affording me facilities to consult the original documents in their collections.

I am grateful to the Directors of Government Museum, Madras. American Institute of Indian studies of Ramgarh, Varanasi, Institute Francais D. Indologic, Pondichery, Folk-lore Museum, Manasagangotri, Mysore-6 and Archacoloqical Museum, Hampi for suppling me with photographs.

My thanks are due to Prof. A. V. Venkatarathnam, Prof. B, Muddachari, Prof. M. V. Srinivas, Prof. M. B. Rajamani, Prof. O. Anatharamaiah, Chairman Department of History, Manasagangotri, Mysore for encouraging me to complete this book. I would be failing in my duty if I do not place on record my gratefulness to Dr. K. S. Nanjundappa, Dr. Syed Azam, Dr. Sebastian Joseph, Dr. Meera Rao, Dr. K. S. Shivanna, Dr. Shivanna, Dr. Lakshamma and other members of the staff of the Department of studies in History, Manasagangotri, Mvsore-6.

I would like to thank Sri Boregowda, Assistant Commissioner, Mandya, Prof. S. Settur, Dr. Rajashekar, Karnatak University, Dharwar. Prof. Shivaganesh Murthv, Department of Sanskrit, Manasagangotri, Mysore-6, Prof. J. S. Paramashiviah, Institute of Kannada studies, Manasagangotri, Mysore, M. R. Satish, Department of Sociology, ICC & CE, MGM, Mysore, Prof. A. V. Narasimhamurthv. Dr. M. S. Krishnamurthy and other staff members of the Ancient History and Archaeology Department, M G M Mysore for their suggestions.

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