Raya
Topic: Vijayanagara and the Deccan · NCERT: Class 12, Ch 3 "An Imperial Capital: Vijayanagara"
Meaning
"Raya" was the title used by the rulers of Vijayanagara (1336–mid-17th century). They gave themselves this title. Popular tradition also gave each big power of the region a title. The Gajapati rulers of Orissa were lords of elephants. The Deccan Sultans were ashvapati, or lords of horses. The rayas were narapati, or lords of men. These titles show how the kings saw their own power.
Example
Krishnadeva Raya (r. 1509–29), of the Tuluva dynasty, is the best-known raya. Rayas also used other titles. One was "Hindu Suratrana", a Sanskrit form of the Arabic word Sultan, meaning "Hindu Sultan".
Don't confuse with
- Raya gopuram: this is a building, not a ruler. It is a huge royal gateway built by the rayas, and it was often taller than the tower over the main shrine.
Related concepts
- Sangama dynasty
- Deva Raya II
- Saluva dynasty
- Tuluva dynasty
- Krishnadeva Raya
- Battle of Raichur
- Ashtadiggajas
- Allasani Peddana
- Tenali Ramakrishna
- Rama Raya