Highlight the contribution of Krishnadeva Raya in the expansion of the Vijayanagara Empire.

Krishnadeva Raya belonged to the Tuluva dynasty who reigned from 1509-1529. He made the following contributions in the expansion of Vijayanagara Empire:

• It was during his reign that the land between the Tungabhadra and Krishna rivers (the Raichur doab) was acquired (1512), the rulers of Orissa were subdued (1514) and severe defeats were inflicted on the Sultan of Bijapur(1520).

• He was credited with building some fine temples and adding impressive gopurams to many important south Indian temples.

• He founded a suburban township near Vijayanagara called Nagalapuram which was named after his mother.

• Thus, under his reign, the kingdom flourished under conditions of unparalleled peace and prosperity.