Which battle in the sixteenth century led to the downfall of the Vijayanagar empire in South India.

Introduction / Context:
The Vijayanagar empire was one of the greatest kingdoms in South Indian history, known for its capital at Hampi and its role in protecting the region from repeated invasions. However, its power was decisively broken in a famous battle against a coalition of Deccan Sultanates. This question asks for the name of that battle, which marked the beginning of the end for Vijayanagar dominance. It is an important landmark in both South Indian and all India history.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The focus is on the downfall of the Vijayanagar empire. • The event is a specific battle in the sixteenth century. • The question asks which battle led to this downfall. • Options list several major battles from different periods.

Concept / Approach:
The key concept is to connect the decline of Vijayanagar with the Battle of Talikota, fought in 1565. In this battle, the combined forces of the Deccan Sultanates of Ahmadnagar, Bijapur, Golconda, and Bidar defeated the army of Vijayanagar under Rama Raya. The capital city was later plundered and left in ruins, and although the dynasty continued in a weaker form, the empire never recovered its former strength. Therefore, among the given options, the Battle of Talikota is the correct answer.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the great defeat of Vijayanagar occurred at Talikota in 1565. Step 2: Remember that this battle involved a coalition of Deccan Sultanates against the Vijayanagar army. Step 3: After the defeat of Rama Raya, the capital Hampi was sacked, leading to the effective collapse of central authority. Step 4: Examine the options. Battles of Takkolam, Kanwah, Panipat, and Plassey relate to other periods and dynasties. Step 5: Conclude that the Battle of Talikota is the only battle directly linked with the downfall of Vijayanagar.

Verification / Alternative check:
Any standard textbook on medieval India describes the Battle of Talikota as a turning point in South Indian history. The ruins of Hampi today stand as a reminder of the destruction that followed this defeat. Battles of Panipat are associated with the Mughal and later Afghan conflicts in North India. The Battle of Plassey is linked with the British conquest of Bengal. The Battle of Kanwah concerns Rana Sanga and Babur, and Takkolam is related to earlier Chola and Rashtrakuta conflicts. None of these fit the Vijayanagar context, confirming Talikota as the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Battle of Takkolam: Involved the Cholas and Rashtrakutas in an earlier period and did not concern Vijayanagar. Battle of Kanwah: Fought between Babur and Rana Sanga in North India, not connected to the Vijayanagar empire. Battle of Panipat: There were three major battles at Panipat, all involving North Indian powers, not the southern kingdom of Vijayanagar. Battle of Plassey: A crucial battle in 1757 marking the beginning of British rule in Bengal, unrelated to Vijayanagar downfall.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse the many battles they study and pick Panipat or Plassey simply because those names are familiar. However, it is essential to associate specific battles with the regions and dynasties involved. A simple rule is to remember that Vijayanagar is linked with Talikota and Hampi, while Panipat is linked with Mughal and Maratha conflicts in North India, and Plassey with British expansion in Bengal.

Final Answer:
The battle that led to the downfall of the Vijayanagar empire was the Battle of Talikota.