Inscriptions of the Vijayanagara Rulers, Volume II (A.D. 1466–1587)

About the Book
Inscriptions of the Vijayanagara Rulers, Volume II (A.D. 1466–1587) is a major scholarly compilation of 913 inscriptions from the later phase of the Vijayanagara Empire. These inscriptions provide rich primary material for understanding the political history, social structure, religion, language, literature, and art of one of South India’s most significant imperial formations.This volume is part of a larger effort under the “Inscriptions of India Programme” initiated by the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR), which aims to consolidate epigraphical records scattered across journals, reports, and rare publications into accessible and systematically edited volumes.The inscriptions in this volume are primarily in Kannada, with some records—especially copper plates—written in Nagari script and incorporating Sanskrit along with regional languages. Geographically, most inscriptions originate from Karnataka, with additional records from Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.Covering a crucial historical period marked by both the zenith and decline of the Vijayanagara Empire, this volume offers invaluable data for fresh interpretations and continued research. It significantly expands the corpus available to historians and epigraphists and supports deeper study across multiple disciplines.
 
About the Editor
Dr. Shrinivas Ritti (b. 1929)
Dr. Shrinivas Ritti is a distinguished epigraphist who began his career at the Government Epigraphist’s Office, Ootacamund (1955–1964). He later served at Karnatak University, Dharwad, as Lecturer, Professor, and Head of the Department of Ancient Indian History and Epigraphy.
He has been associated with the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) and has made significant contributions to the study of South Indian epigraphy. His major works include studies on the Seunas (Yadavas of Devagiri) and edited volumes of inscriptions from districts such as Nanded, Solapur, and Kolhapur. He also edited the Descriptive Glossary of Administrative Terms in Ancient Karnataka.
Dr. Ritti has served as Chairman of the Epigraphical Society of India and presided over its 18th Annual Congress. He has been honoured with a Copper Plate Charter in recognition of his contributions to Indian epigraphy.
 
Dr. B. R. Gopal (1930–1997)
Dr. B. R. Gopal began his career at the Government Epigraphist’s Office in 1955 and later joined Karnatak University, Dharwad, where he worked alongside Dr. Ritti on major historical and epigraphical projects.
He authored and contributed to significant works including History of Karnataka and A History of Ancient India, and published multiple volumes of Karnatak Inscriptions. At Mysore University, he led the revision of the Epigraphia Carnatica series, producing several volumes in rapid succession.
In 1986, he joined Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapur, as Professor and Head of the Department of History, where he continued his contributions to South Indian historiography. His notable works include studies on the Chalukyas of Kalyana and the Kalachuris.
Dr. Gopal also presided over the 15th Annual Congress of the Epigraphical Society of India and was honoured with the Society’s Copper Plate Charter for his contributions to the field.
 
About the Series
This volume is part of the “Inscriptions of India Programme” launched by the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR). The programme seeks to systematically collect, edit, and publish inscriptions from different regions and dynasties across India.Given that inscriptions are often dispersed across multiple publications and archives, the series provides consolidated, annotated, and accessible volumes arranged chronologically and dynasty-wise. The Vijayanagara inscriptions project forms a dedicated sub-series within this programme, covering inscriptions in Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, and Sanskrit across multiple volumes.
 
Book Specifications
Title: Inscriptions of the Vijayanagara Rulers
Volume: II
Period Covered: A.D. 1466–1587
Editors: Dr. Shrinivas Ritti, Dr. B. R. Gopal
Publisher: Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR), Southern Regional Centre, Bangalore
Year of Publication: 2008
Total Pages: Over 1000 pages (including preliminary sections and index)
Number of Inscriptions: 913
Primary Language: Kannada (with Sanskrit and other regional languages in select inscriptions)
Format: Hardcover scholarly volume
Price (Original): ₹1500