More at : http://controversialhistory.blogspot.com/2008/05/origin-of-vijayanagar-rulers.html

Thnx for the link. I would like to state one more thing, we are taught in our history books, that the modern era started with the advent of English East India Company's rule, but the truth is that the MODERN EPOCH of India's history starts with the VIJAYANAGAR Empire. Their rule was at par with emerging nations in Europe, which were passing through renaissance.

I recall reading about Harihara (Hukka) and Bukka as a child. An amazing story of their rise to power and never giving up in the face of brutal invaders.

For the first time on the Indian mainland extensive use was made of European (Portuguese) and Ottoman Turkish artillery and firearms. This battle preceded the first battle of Panipat (between Babur and Ibrahim Lodi in 1526 CE) by six years. A general misconception has been created that gunpowder cannons were used for the first time by Babur. Gunpowder use was not unknown in South India. Both Vijayanagar and the Bahmani sultanate used explosive mines, cannons and firearms in their wars in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries (FIRISHTA).But this was the first time that the most technologically up to date artillery was used by both the opponents. The way in which artillery was procured by Vijayanagar and the Bijapur sultanate was different albeit arising from the same set of circumstances: the arrival of the Portuguese in India.Bijapur was able to access the latest innovations in artillery by employing expert Ottoman gunners and manufacturers. How the Ottoman gunners came in Bijapur service is an interesting story. Krishnadeva Raya defeated Adil Shah & he had to run to save his lives...& also he didn't carry their women as war -booty like Adil Shah & his fellow invaders would do....Vijayanagaram Empire was the last greatest Hindu Empire of Southern India (& probably India too...).This is an awesome blog which would tell U about the detailed story on how the battle of Raichur was fought ! http://jambudveep.wordpress.com/2010/06/26/battle-of-raichur/

THE “KISS MY FOOT” ANECDOTE: The incident of Sri Krishnadeva Raya asking Ismail Adil Shah to come and kiss his feet is inconsistent ,as mentioned on the accounts Nunes,with the character of such a magnanimous and large hearted ruler. If Krishnadeva Raya wanted to humiliate Adil Shah he would have followed up immediately after the battle and completely destroyed Adil Shah. t must be remembered that Nunes was a horse trader and not an ambassador at the court of Vijayanagar. As such some parts of his narrative would be coloured by common gossip and rumours.

@Vikas ... Thnx for the very informative link. In fact not only in use of modern war armaments, even in governance the Vijayanagar Empire was a "modern" state.

One has to visit Hampi to see what a modern and progressive empire it was. The canal system was one of the best, if not the best. The Mysore Maharajas continued the traditions of V-Empire and built a modern State, which was described as a model State. Nunes perhaps mistook the salutation offered by the vanquished to the victor acknolwedging his superiority in warfare.