The History Of Bangalore

In this episode, Ramjee Chandran explores the pivotal events of 1510 and Krishnadevaraya's strategic decision not to oppose the rising Portuguese power. The episode details the Portuguese takeover of Goa from the Bijapur sultanate and the roles played by Alfonso de Albuquerque and minister Timmarasu. By examining the political landscape of the time, the episode delves into the central question of whether Krishnadevaraya's choice to trade with the Portuguese was a pragmatic masterstroke or a miscalculation with lasting consequences for the subcontinent. It highlights the disunity of the Deccan sultanates, their naval weakness, and the new era of warfare ushered in by the Portuguese. We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Prestige Group, that makes this podcast possible. Follow The History Of Bangalore on social, here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyofbangalore/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HistoryOfBangalore Twitter: https://twitter.com/HistoryOfBLR YouTube: https://youtube.com/@HistoryOfBangalore?si=mnH3BsYfI4BUU234 iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1323-the-history-of-bangalore-163453722/ Follow Ramjee Chandran on Instagram and Twitter: @ramjeechandran The theme music for the show was composed by German-Indian Koln based percussionist, Ramesh Shotham. Ramjee Chandran's photos by Asha Thadani. RESEARCH AND SOURCES: All our episodes are based on published research and archive records. To request information about our sources, write to hob@explocity.com. Let us know if you are a researcher (either institutional or independent) and also provide some information about why you need this information. Researchers will get priority. We only have time to engage serious, academic queries so please understand if we do not respond to casual requests.

Ramjee Chandran continues his mini-series on Krishnadevaraya's reign, exploring how the new Vijayanagara emperor navigated a world in flux, both within his empire and globally. This episode highlights Krishnadevaraya's strategic genius in navigating the complex political landscape of the Deccan, which was fractured into five sultanates and faced the new threat of the Portuguese. The episode details his different approaches to each rival: swift retaliation against Bijapur, cautious diplomacy with the Portuguese, and a calculated decision to wage war against the Gajapatis of Odisha. It also offers a fascinating glimpse into the king's character through a story about his nocturnal wanderings and his use of a spy network to ensure a high-functioning administration. We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Prestige Group, that makes this podcast possible. Follow The History Of Bangalore on social, here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyofbangalore/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HistoryOfBangalore Twitter: https://twitter.com/HistoryOfBLR YouTube: https://youtube.com/@HistoryOfBangalore?si=mnH3BsYfI4BUU234 iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1323-the-history-of-bangalore-163453722/ Follow Ramjee Chandran on Instagram and Twitter: @ramjeechandran The theme music for the show was composed by German-Indian Koln based percussionist, Ramesh Shotham. Ramjee Chandran's photos by Asha Thadani. RESEARCH AND SOURCES: All our episodes are based on published research and archive records. To request information about our sources, write to hob@explocity.com. Let us know if you are a researcher (either institutional or independent) and also provide some information about why you need this information. Researchers will get priority. We only have time to engage serious, academic queries so please understand if we do not respond to casual requests.

In this second part of the Krishnadevaraya series, Ramjee Chandran takes us into the early years of the emperor’s reign — a period of uncertainty, risk, and revelation.The year is 1509. The Portuguese have just defeated a powerful naval coalition off the coast of Diu, shifting the balance of power along the Indian Ocean. The Deccan sultanates are still a threat, the Gajapatis of Odisha remain undefeated in the east, and within Vijayanagara itself, no one is quite sure whether the new king — Krishnadevaraya — is ready for the crown.But this episode tells the story of how he proved it.We begin with a realm in flux, and a ruler still untested. Drawing on both Persian silences and Portuguese eyewitnesses, the narrative explores how Krishnadevaraya moved swiftly to establish control. A forensic audit of military resources revealed a dangerous imbalance: his feudal lords, the nayakas, had more troops than the crown. With the help of his minister Timmarasu, the king restructured the imperial army — not through war, but through statecraft.And then came the campaigns.Krishnadevaraya turned south to crush the rebellion in Ummattur and retake the strategic forts of Sivasamudram and Srirangapatna. These early victories, though often overshadowed by his later eastern conquests, were crucial in asserting his authority and signalling that this was no ceremonial monarch.This episode paints a portrait of Krishnadevaraya not only as a capable general and strategist, but as a man of presence, discipline, and deep ambition. We hear of his training routines, his command on the battlefield, and his unexpected blend of physical strength and personal grace.And at the heart of it all, we see the quiet brilliance of Timmarasu — the loyal mentor who turned a young king into a sovereign. We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Prestige Group, that makes this podcast possible. Follow The History Of Bangalore on social, here: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/historyofbangalore/⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/HistoryOfBangalore⁠⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/HistoryOfBLR⁠⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://youtube.com/@HistoryOfBangalore?si=mnH3BsYfI4BUU234⁠⁠⁠ iHeartRadio: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1323-the-history-of-bangalore-163453722/⁠⁠⁠ Follow Ramjee Chandran on Instagram and Twitter: @ramjeechandran The theme music for the show was composed by German-Indian Koln based percussionist, Ramesh Shotham. Ramjee Chandran's photos by Asha Thadani. RESEARCH AND SOURCES: All our episodes are based on published research and archive records. To request information about our sources, write to ⁠⁠⁠hob@explocity.com⁠⁠⁠. Let us know if you are a researcher (either institutional or independent) and also provide some information about why you need this information. Researchers will get priority. We only have time to engage serious, academic queries so please understand if we do not respond to casual requests.

Ramjee Chandran introduces the extraordinary reign of Krishnadevaraya, the Vijayanagara emperor who ascended the throne in 1509. This episode delves into the legends surrounding his rise, including the dramatic tale of the goat's eyes, and examines his pragmatic approach to kingship. More broadly, it places Krishnadevaraya's era within the context of monumental global shifts of the 16th century: the Protestant Reformation in Europe, the arrival of the Portuguese in India and their naval dominance, and the impending rise of the Mughal Empire. Discover how these distant events subtly influenced the Deccan and set the stage for Krishnadevaraya's transformative rule and the eventual founding of Bangalore. We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Prestige Group, that makes this podcast possible. Follow The History Of Bangalore on social, here: Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/historyofbangalore/⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/HistoryOfBangalore⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠https://twitter.com/HistoryOfBLR⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/@HistoryOfBangalore?si=mnH3BsYfI4BUU234⁠⁠ iHeartRadio: ⁠⁠https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1323-the-history-of-bangalore-163453722/⁠⁠ Follow Ramjee Chandran on Instagram and Twitter: @ramjeechandran The theme music for the show was composed by German-Indian Koln based percussionist, Ramesh Shotham. Ramjee Chandran's photos by Asha Thadani. RESEARCH AND SOURCES: All our episodes are based on published research and archive records. To request information about our sources, write to ⁠⁠hob@explocity.com⁠⁠. Let us know if you are a researcher (either institutional or independent) and also provide some information about why you need this information. Researchers will get priority. We only have time to engage serious, academic queries so please understand if we do not respond to casual requests.

Saluva Narasimha’s dramatic seizure of the Vijayanagara throne may have rescued the empire — but it did not restore its stability. In this episode, Ramjee Chandran explores the fragile legitimacy of Narasimha’s rule, the chaos that followed his death, and the rise of his trusted general, Narasa Nayaka. As the Saluva dynasty crumbles with the murder of Narasimha’s elder son Timmabhupala and the imprisonment of the younger, Immadi Narasimha, power passes decisively to the Tuluva faction. What follows is a tale of regency, coercion, and strategic dominance — as Narasa Nayaka sets the stage for the rise of Krishnadevaraya, the most celebrated emperor in Vijayanagara’s history. NOTE: All references to the Sangama king Virupaksha must be taken to mean Praudharaya — they were in all likelihood the same man, We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Prestige Group, that makes this podcast possible. Follow The History Of Bangalore on social, here: Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/historyofbangalore/⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/HistoryOfBangalore⁠ Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/HistoryOfBLR⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/@HistoryOfBangalore?si=mnH3BsYfI4BUU234⁠ iHeartRadio: ⁠https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1323-the-history-of-bangalore-163453722/⁠ Follow Ramjee Chandran on Instagram and Twitter: @ramjeechandran The theme music for the show was composed by German-Indian Koln based percussionist, Ramesh Shotham. Ramjee Chandran's photos by Asha Thadani. RESEARCH AND SOURCES: All our episodes are based on published research and archive records. To request information about our sources, write to ⁠hob@explocity.com⁠. Let us know if you are a researcher (either institutional or independent) and also provide some information about why you need this information. Researchers will get priority. We only have time to engage serious, academic queries so please understand if we do not respond to casual requests.

In this insightful interlude, Ramjee Chandran steps back from the historical narrative to examine how the history of the Deccan has been recorded and interpreted over time. Explore the evolution of historical writing from ancient inscriptions and Persian chronicles to British colonial accounts and modern scholarship. Understand how political agendas, religious biases, and cultural perspectives have shaped our understanding of the past, and why a critical approach to historical sources is essential. This episode offers a crucial lens through which to view the narratives of the Deccan's rich and complex history. We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Prestige Group, that makes this podcast possible. Follow The History Of Bangalore on social, here: Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/historyofbangalore/⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/HistoryOfBangalore⁠ Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/HistoryOfBLR⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/@HistoryOfBangalore?si=mnH3BsYfI4BUU234⁠ iHeartRadio: ⁠https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1323-the-history-of-bangalore-163453722/⁠ Follow Ramjee Chandran on Instagram and Twitter: @ramjeechandran The theme music for the show was composed by German-Indian Koln based percussionist, Ramesh Shotham. Ramjee Chandran's photos by Asha Thadani. RESEARCH AND SOURCES: All our episodes are based on published research and archive records. To request information about our sources, write to ⁠hob@explocity.com⁠. Let us know if you are a researcher (either institutional or independent) and also provide some information about why you need this information. Researchers will get priority. We only have time to engage serious, academic queries so please understand if we do not respond to casual requests.

Ramjee Chandran shines a spotlight on Saluva Narasimha, the general who rose amidst the chaos of Vijayanagara's declining years to become its saviour. Explore his early life, his strategic military campaigns against the Gajapatis and the Bahmanis, and his crucial role in stabilising the fractured empire. Discover how his decisive actions, often overlooked in favour of later rulers, prevented the complete disintegration of Vijayanagara and paved the way for its resurgence. This episode examines the man who, through his unwavering resolve and leadership, rescued a kingdom on the brink of collapse.We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Prestige Group, that makes this podcast possible.Follow The History Of Bangalore on social, here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyofbangalore/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HistoryOfBangaloreTwitter: https://twitter.com/HistoryOfBLRYouTube: https://youtube.com/@HistoryOfBangalore?si=mnH3BsYfI4BUU234iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1323-the-history-of-bangalore-163453722/Follow Ramjee Chandran on Instagram and Twitter: @ramjeechandranThe theme music for the show was composed by German-Indian Koln based percussionist, Ramesh Shotham. Ramjee Chandran's photos by Asha Thadani.RESEARCH AND SOURCES: All our episodes are based on published research and archive records. To request information about our sources, write to hob@explocity.com. Let us know if you are a researcher (either institutional or independent) and also provide some information about why you need this information. Researchers will get priority. We only have time to engage serious, academic queries so please understand if we do not respond to casual requests.

As the Vijayanagara Empire begins to crack under the weight of internal decay and reckless rulers, the stage is set for upheaval—and opportunity. This episode journeys through the chaotic years before Kempe Gowda I’s ascent, when intrigue, betrayal, and ambition reshaped the Deccan. From the decadent reign of Virupaksha II to the gritty rise of Saluva Narasimha, and from the slow unraveling of the Bahmani Sultanate to the quiet rise of the Wadiyars of Mysore—Ramjee Chandran uncovers the forces that converged to shift the balance of power. This is the prelude to the age of Krishnadeva Raya, and to the founding of Bangalore itself.We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Prestige Group, that makes this podcast possible.Follow The History Of Bangalore on social, here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyofbangalore/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HistoryOfBangaloreTwitter: https://twitter.com/HistoryOfBLRYouTube: https://youtube.com/@HistoryOfBangalore?si=mnH3BsYfI4BUU234iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1323-the-history-of-bangalore-163453722/Follow Ramjee Chandran on Instagram and Twitter: @ramjeechandranThe theme music for the show was composed by German-Indian Koln based percussionist, Ramesh Shotham. Ramjee Chandran's photos by Asha Thadani.RESEARCH AND SOURCES: All our episodes are based on published research and archive records. To request information about our sources, write to hob@explocity.com. Let us know if you are a researcher (either institutional or independent) and also provide some information about why you need this information. Researchers will get priority. We only have time to engage serious, academic queries so please understand if we do not respond to casual requests.

Ramjee Chandran weaves together the intertwined histories of Vijayanagara, the Mysore Wadiyars, and the Kempe Gowdas during a period of significant change. Explore the grandeur of Vijayanagara, the political machinations of Deva Raya II, and the shifting power dynamics in the Deccan. Delve into the early lineage of the Wadiyars, the legends and realities of their rise, and the consolidation of the Kempe Gowda clan. Witness the decline of the Sangama dynasty and the rise of the Tuluvas, setting the stage for Krishnadeva Raya's reign and the eventual founding of Bangalore. This episode examines how these three strands of history shaped the destiny of the Mysore Deccan.We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Prestige Group, that makes this podcast possible.Follow The History Of Bangalore on social, here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyofbangalore/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HistoryOfBangaloreTwitter: https://twitter.com/HistoryOfBLRYouTube: https://youtube.com/@HistoryOfBangalore?si=mnH3BsYfI4BUU234iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1323-the-history-of-bangalore-163453722/Follow Ramjee Chandran on Instagram and Twitter: @ramjeechandranThe theme music for the show was composed by German-Indian Koln based percussionist, Ramesh Shotham. Ramjee Chandran's photos by Asha Thadani.RESEARCH AND SOURCES: All our episodes are based on published research and archive records. To know about sources for any specific information, we encourage you to correspond with Ramjee Chandran here: editor@explocity.com. We will pass it on. We do our best to reply expeditiously to every mail we receive.

The story of the Yelahanka Nada Prabhus unfolds alongside the rise of the Mysore Wadiyars—two families shaped by the shifting power dynamics of the Vijayanagara Empire. In this episode, Ramjee Chandran explores the role of local chieftains, the legends surrounding these dynasties, and the political landscape that defined their fate. From the last days of the Hoysalas to the dominance of Vijayanagara, the region was a complex, multilingual battleground of alliances and ambition. This episode also unpacks the origins of the name Kempe Gowda—how it emerged, what it signified, and why it endured. All of it leading to the founding of Bangalore and the legacy that followed.We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Prestige Group, that makes this podcast possible.Follow The History Of Bangalore on social, here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyofbangalore/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HistoryOfBangaloreTwitter: https://twitter.com/HistoryOfBLRYouTube: https://youtube.com/@HistoryOfBangalore?si=mnH3BsYfI4BUU234iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1323-the-history-of-bangalore-163453722/Follow Ramjee Chandran on Instagram and Twitter: @ramjeechandranThe theme music for the show was composed by German-Indian Koln based percussionist, Ramesh Shotham. Ramjee Chandran's photos by Asha Thadani.RESEARCH AND SOURCES: All our episodes are based on published research and archive records. To know about sources for any specific information, we encourage you to correspond with Ramjee Chandran here: editor@explocity.com. We will pass it on. We do our best to reply expeditiously to every mail we receive.