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14. Vijayanagara - The Last Emperors Of South India

Fall of Civilizations Podcast

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Contemplation on Impermanence and Mortality in Epic Poetry

This extract from the epic poem 'Amuktamalyada' by Krishna Deva Raya reflects the author's contemplation on impermanence and mortality. It portrays a sense of the fleeting nature of life and the passing glory of great empires, as the king reflects on the temporary nature of his own empire. The poem illustrates the imagery of a once thriving capital now deserted, overtaken by nature. The king is deeply affected by a wise saying about preparing for the future and is struck by the realization of life's inevitable transience. He is overwhelmed by the realization that the glory of empires and the pleasures of life are as fleeting as lightning, and time passes swiftly without realization.

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