Why was the Vijayanagara Empire so dominated by Telugus? For example, when the rulers appointed governors to Tamil lands, it was all Telugus (Nayaks). Why?

 Background: Many may not be aware that,

Vijayanagara Empire had atleast seven feudatory Kingdoms.

1. Tulu Rajya (Kanara) with Bangalore and Mangalore as capital. (Later mentioned as Mysore also)

2. Malai Rajya (Shimoga and North Kanara) with Banavasi as capital.

3. Udayagiri Rajya (Nellore and Cuddappa) with Udayagiri as capital.

4. Penukonda Rajya with Penugonda as capital.

5. Muluvai Rajya (Kolar, Chittor, Salem, Dharmapuri, North Arcot) with Mulbagal as capital.

6. Rajagambira Rajya- Chola and Tondaimandalam (mentioned as Chandragiri also).

7. Pandiya Rajya with Madurai as capital.

Let us see the reasons from Sangama Dynasty onwards.

The eldest son of the emperor generally assumed the charge of governor of Muluvai Rajya and the first one to take charge of this province was Kumara Kampana son of Bukka I.

His father Bukka I gave him the responsibility of defeating the Sambuvarayas of Padaivedu and Sultans of Madurai. Kampana inflicted a crushing defeat upon these two rulers and annexed their kingdoms with the help of Telugu commanders.

Through out the history, it is the Telugu families helped them to maintain the dignity and prestige of the empire. In some cases, the commanders were more powerful than emperors.

The emperors had marital alliances with these Telugu commander families, and in turn made them Governors, in later century become feaudatory kings. The queens were well educated, accompanied them during battles and written an account of them.

Prince Kumara Kampanna’s wife Ganga Devi is a Telugu Princess and a Sanskrit Scholar, who wrote “Madura Vijayam” on account of his victory over Madurai.

You can find some of her poems here:

Mohan N R's answer to Who saved ancient tamilagam from Madurai sultanates?

Prince Kampanna died earlier than his father and his Children were made Governors of Muluvai, Raja Gambira and Madurai.

The tradition continued in Saluva, Tulu and Araiva iti dynasties as well.

Saluva Narasimha Raya was the Governor of Chandragiri (read as Raja Gambira) before becoming Vijaya Nagara Emperor. His great grand father was the brain behind attacking Madurai Malabar Sultans alongwith Prince Kumara Kampanna. The plan was made in South East corner of the Tirupati temple, called Ranga Mandapam

Krishna Devarayas grand father Tuluva Ishwara Naicker was commander of Saluva Narasimharaya.

The nine houses,that helped Krishna Deva Rayalu, in maintaining the dignity and prestige of his State are:

Aravitivaru,
Bellamvaru,
Nandiyalavaru,
Pemmasanivaru,
Velugotivaru,
Poottaharivaru,
Durugantivaru,
Tuluva Doralu and
Ravillavaru

During Achuta Rayas time, the empire has reached its peak geographically. His wife Varadamma is the sister of Saluka Pedda Tirumalai who won him the South all the way upto Kollam. Queen Varadamma is Patta Mahishi.

It is said that other than Vijayanagara Kings, expedite to loot treasures, while Achuta Devaraya make expedition to endow villages to temples. Sri Rangam Rajagopuram could not be completed due to his death and completed after 400 years in 1987 is another mention.

Achuta Devarayas second wife is a Sanskrit Scholar who wrote account of his rule, rose to the rank of Raja Mahishi. Her Sister was married to Thanjavur (area reduced due to Nagamma Naickers treachery and annexed to Madurai) new King Sevappa Naicker. It is just a mention, that Thanjavur and Mysore kingdoms were loyal till the end of Vijayanagara Empire, and they fought wars with Madurai Kingdom later. This internal rivalry between Madurai and Thanjavur over loyalty to empire, lead to Thanjavur going into the hands of Marathas, in later part of history.

Achuta Devarayas third Rajmahishi is from Tenkasi Pandiya Princess, daughter of Jadavarma Vallabha Pandiyan. The temple in Thiruppudai Marudhur is expanded during this time. It is just a mention, many Palayams in this region are “Mannariya (Royal) Polypats with no tax” that is not under Madurai. These polygars later fought wars with British. One such freedom fighter is Puli Thevan from Nerkattum Seval.

Vijayanagara Emperors also maintained that all inscriptions in Tamil Country were in Tamil and the accounts were maintained by Kanakkappillais. That is why the Telugus in Tamil Country are proficient in Tamil, do not read and write Telugu.

Only after 1665, last emperor without empire, Sri RangaIII’s death, Muluvai, Chandragiri inscriptions changed by invading Golconda and Maraththa rulers and Kanakkappillais were replaced with Kanungos.

In a nutshell, through out the history, it is the Telugu families helped the Vijayanagara Empire to maintain the dignity and prestige of the empire and in turn rewarded.