The Kampili kingdom was a short-lived Hindu kingdom of the 13th-century in the Deccan region.[1][2] The kingdom existed near Ballari and Tungabhadra river in northeastern parts of the present-day Karnataka state, India.[2] It ended after a defeat by the armies of Delhi Sultanate, and a jauhar (ritual mass suicide) in 1327/28 CE when it faced a certain defeat.[3][4] The Kampili kingdom in some historical accounts is called the Basnaga kingdom, and as what inspired and ultimately led to the Hindu Vijayanagara Empire.[5]
History
The founder of the kingdom was a Hoysala commander, Singeya Nayaka-III (1280–1300 AD), who declared independence after the Muslim forces of the Delhi Sultanate defeated and captured the territories of the Seuna Yadavas of Devagiri in 1294 CE. Nayaka-III was succeeded by his son Kampilideva in 1300, who remained in dispute with the territorial claims of Delhi Sultanate. The Kampili kingdom fell to the invasion in 1327/28 CE from the north by the forces of Muhammad bin Tughluq, the Sultan of Delhi.[1] The army led by Malik Zada sent the news of its victory over Kampili kingdom to Muhammad bin Tughluq in Delhi by sending a straw-stuffed severed head of the dead Hindu king.[3] The Vijayanagara Empire emerged in 1336 CE from the remains of the kingdom, which ruled Southern India for over 200 years.[1][5]
Gallery
Old Kannada inscription (1326 A.D.) of Kampili Raya, King of Kampili Kingdom, in mantapa of a Shiva temple built by him on Hemakuta hill in Hampi.
Old Kannada inscription (1326 A.D.) of Kampili Raya, King of Kampili Kingdom, on rock face of Hemakuta hill in Hampi.
Old Kannada inscription dated 1309 A.D., of Kampili Raya, King of Kampili Kingdom, on rock face of Hemakuta hill in Hampi.