Harihara I

Harihara I belonged to the Sangama dynasty and named his kingdom as Vijayanagar Empire in 1336, after the death of his father. Harihara established himself in the valley of the Tungabhadra and the surrounding places and ruled from 1336-1343. He established his control over portions of Konkana and Malabar Coast. With the disappearance of Hoysala power, Harihara was able to assume the status of an independent sovereign.

The grant to Sringeri Math, in which Harihara is mentioned as ruler of the whole country between the eastern and western seas, and the inscription of 1348 stating that Vidya Nagara was his capital, shows his improved political status after the death of Ballala IV.

Harihara introduced an efficient and orderly government, which ensured the peace and security ofhis subjects. His brothers were appointed as viceroys over different regions.

The establishment of the Bahamani Sultanate at Gulbarga in 1347 curtailed the northward expansion of Vijayanagara Kingdom.

Harihara I was succeeded by Bukka I (1356 – 1377), one of the most distinguished rulers of the Sangama dynasty.