Question

Who was the last king of the Aravidu dynasty?

Answer 1

Hint: The Aravidu dynasty ruled the Vijayanagara Empire in South India. Tirumala Deva Raya was its founder. His brother Rama Raya had been the masterful agent of the last ruler of the previous dynasty. Rama Raya’s death at the battle of Rakkasa-Tangadi in 1565 and the destruction of Vijayanagar was deadly damage to the empire.

Complete step by step answer:
Sri Ranga Raya III was the last king of the dynasty. He was confined to the tiny principality of Vellore, which was also lost to the armies of Bijapur and Golconda in 1664. This brought an end to the Aravidu dynasty. The Vijayanagar Empire from South India was split into four dynasties. These are the Sangam dynasty, Saluva Dynasty, Tuluva Dynasty, and Aravidu dynasty. Rama Raya was a regent of the last ruler of the Tuluva dynasty. Unfortunately, Rama Raya died in the battle of Raksha Talikota that was fought between the Vijayanagar Empire and the Deccan Sultanate. The defeat eventually weakened the Empire and it fell into pieces completely because of the combined forces of Bijapur and Deccan Sultanate. Aravidu kings belonged to the Atreya Gotra. Rama Raya was popularly known as Aliya, which means son-in-law in the Kannada language. Rama Raya and Tirumala Raya were the sons-in-law of Krishna Deva Raya in the Tuluva dynasty. During Krishna Deva Raya’s reign, Rama Raya was appointed as an army general. Rama Raya was an able administrator and a tactful diplomat. He led many victorious campaigns.

Note: Rama Raya changed officers by replacing many earlier officers and servants with new officers who were loyal to him. Finally, he made a mistake by appointing the Gilani brothers which cost his life at the Battle of Talikota. They had assumed victory of the huge Vijayanagar army, but Gilani cheated Rama Raya and he was killed. The Empire was conquered and people were massacred, including the royal family which was left with desolation.