Abstract : The Vijayanagara Empire (1336–1646 CE) stands as a monumental yet underrepresented chapter in South Indian and broader Indian history. Established as a cultural and military response to northern invasions, the empire developed a unique administrative model that combined centralized ritual kingship with regional governance by Nayakas. This research paper explores the empire’s foundation, political and economic infrastructure, cultural and religious synthesis, and eventual decline, while also examining the historiographical neglect that has overshadowed its legacy. Drawing on a wide range of scholarly sources, the study illustrates how Vijayanagara’s agrarian economy, bio-resource management, and expansive trade networks fueled its prosperity and longevity. The cultural landscape, defined by Dravidian temple architecture, Bhakti devotionalism, and religious pluralism, positioned Vijayanagara as a spiritual and artistic nucleus in South India. However, post-Talikota interpretations and colonial-era historiography contributed to its marginalization in mainstream narratives. The paper argues for a reevaluation of Vijayanagara’s significance, advocating for deeper academic engagement, heritage preservation, and curriculum reforms. In highlighting both the grandeur and the historical erasure of the empire, the study calls for an inclusive retelling of Indian history that accounts for regional powers and their contributions to cultural identity and political imagination. The legacy of Vijayanagara persists not only in ruins and rituals but also in the evolving narrative of South Indian history.

keywords: Vijayanagara Empire, Southerm India, Nayaka system, Hampi, Temple architecture, Decentralization, Colonial narratives.