The empire led a religious and political revival of  Hinduism and provided a barrier against invasion by the Muslim sultanates of the north. Sanskrit scripture served as a unifying force, and regional literature thrived. The country flourished in unexampled peace and prosperity until 1565 when the Hindus were defeated by the Muslims at the battle of Talikota.

The city of Vijayanagar was destroyed and internal dissensions led to the final collapse of the empire in 1614.