Bahmani–Vijayanagar War (1362–1367)
The Bahmani–Vijayanagar war, also known as the First Bahmani–Vijayanagar War, spanning from 1362 to 1367, was a significant period of conflict between the Bahmani Sultanate and the Vijayanagar empire in Deccan India during the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. It began due to disputes over the acceptance of coins in both states, with Bahmani ruler Muhammed Shah I banning Vijayanagar coins in his dominions. This move prompted Vijayanagar's Bukka Raya I to forge an alliance with Musunuri Nayakas, the then rulers of Warangal, Kanhayya, and local bankers, resulting in the destruction of Bahmani coins and the escalation of tensions leading to outright war. This was the first war in India where the Europeans fought at the Deccan and the infantry is used.
| Bahmani–Vijayanagar War | |||||||||
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| Part of Bahmani–Vijayanagar Wars | |||||||||
Fort of Mudgal, which was captured by Bukka Raya, and then recaptured by Muhammed Shah I | |||||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||||
| Bahmani Sultanate |
Vijayanagara empire Musunuri Nayakas | ||||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||||
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Muhammed Shah I (WIA) Safdar Khan Sistani Azam-i Humayun Khan Muhammed Musa Khan † Isa Khan † |
Bukka Raya I Kanhayya Vinayak Deva Mallinatha † | ||||||||
| Strength | |||||||||
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At Mudgal:
At Kauthal:
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At Mudgal:
At Kauthal:
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| Casualties and losses | |||||||||
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The location where the Battle of Kauthal occurred Bahmani–Vijayanagar War (1362–1367) (India) | |||||||||
The conflict intensified with the execution of Warangal's prince by the Bahmanis, a consequence of disputes over horse trading. This event ultimately led to the vassalization of Warangal, further fueling the animosity between the two powers. As the war progressed, Bahmani victories over Vijayanagar forces at Mudgal and Kauthal resulted in heavy casualties among the civilian population. In 1367, Muhammed Shah laid a siege on Vijayanagar, where Bukka Raya shut himself after two consecutive defeats, and massacred the Vijayanagar population, prompting Bukka Raya I to seek peace. However, the conflict continued, with subsequent battles further decimating Vijayanagar's resources and population. Kanhayya, the ruler of Warangal gave the famous Turquoise Throne to the Bahmani Sultan during these campaigns.
Ultimately, both parties signed a treaty aimed at preventing civilian massacres in future conflicts, marking a pivotal moment in the military history of fourteenth-century Deccan India. The war highlighted the complex dynamics between regional powers and the devastating impact of conflict on civilian populations in the region.