Harihara II

Harihara II (died 31 August 1404) was an Emperor of the Vijayanagara Empire from the Sangama Dynasty. He patronised the Kannada poet Madhura, a Jaina. An important work on the Vedas was completed during his time. He earned the titles Vaidikamarga Sthapanacharya and Vedamarga Pravartaka.

Biography

He ascended the throne after the death of his father Bukka Raya I in 1377 and reigned till his death in 1404. He was succeeded by his son Virupaksha Raya.

During his reign, Harihara II continued to extend the empire's territory through fighting against the Reddis of Kondavidu for control of the Andhra between Nellore and Kalinga. From the Reddis of Kondavidu, Harihara II conquered the Addanki and Srisailam areas as well as most of the territory between the peninsula to the south of the river Krishna, which would eventually lead to fights in Telangana with the Velamas of Rachakonda. Harihara II took advantage of the death of Mujahid Bahmani in 1378 and extended his control into the northwest, controlling such ports as Goa, Chaul, and Dabhol.

Harihara II reigned from the capital city of Vijayanagara whose ruins are now known as Hampi. The ruins of Harihara's palace are believed to be located among the Hampi ruins.

His general Iruguppa was a disciple of Simhanandi, a Jain teacher. He built a tank for Gomatteshvara (Bahubali) and the stone temple of Kumthu-Jinanatha in Vijayanagara.

During his fight against the Reddis of Kondavidu, he delegated the rule of Mysore and the task of fighting the Dalvoys in Mysore to Yaduraya, thereby appointing the first ruler of another mighty future-kingdom.