Feature | Vijayanagara Empire | Bahmani Sultanate

Foundation | 1336 CE | 1347 CE

Founders | Harihara I and Bukka Raya I (Sangama dynasty) | Ala-ud-Din Hasan Bahman Shah (also known as Zafar Khan)

Location | Deccan Plateau in Southern India. Named after its capital, Vijayanagara (modern-day Hampi). | Deccan Plateau in Central India. Initially based in Gulbarga (Ahsanabad), later shifted to Bidar.

Dominant Religion | Hindu | Muslim (Persianate kingdom)

Rivalry | Constant conflict with the Bahmani Sultanate over control of the fertile Raichur Doab region and trade routes. | Constant conflict with the Vijayanagara Empire over territorial and economic interests.

Peak of Power | Reached its zenith under the rule of Krishnadevaraya (1509-1529 CE) of the Tuluva dynasty. | Reached its peak under the vizierate of Mahmud Gawan (1466-1481 CE).

Decline & Fall | The empire's power declined significantly after a major military defeat in the Battle of Talikota in 1565 CE against an alliance of the Deccan Sultanates. It eventually disintegrated by 1646 CE. | Began to decline due to internal strife and the revolt of provincial governors. It formally dissolved by 1527 CE, and fragmented into five independent states known as the Deccan Sultanates.

Dynasties | Ruled by four main dynasties:
- Sangama (1336–1485)
- Saluva (1485–1505)
- Tuluva (1491–1570)
- Aravidu (1542–1646) | Ruled by the Bahmani dynasty.

Important Rulers | Harihara I, Bukka Raya I, Deva Raya I, Krishna Deva Raya, and Rama Raya. | Ala-ud-Din Bahman Shah, Muhammad Shah I, Feroz Shah Bahmani, Ahmad Shah, and Muhammad Shah III (with his regent Mahmud Gawan).

Key Accomplishments | Known for its rich cultural heritage, including advancements in art, architecture (e.g., the Hampi monuments), and literature. It was a bulwark against invasions from the north. | Known for its distinctive Indo-Islamic architecture (e.g., Gulbarga Fort and Bidar Fort), as well as patronage of Persian and Arabic learning.