Deccan the old Hindu dynasties had been replaced by the Hoysalas (c. 1117-1310 A.D.) and the Yadavas (1180-1309 A.D.) with capitals at Halebid and Daulatabad respectively.  Both were destroyed by Malik Kafur, the slave general of Sultan Ala-ud-Din, but the spirit of the Deccan was not broken and within a few years the brothers Bukka and Harihara founded the state of Vijayanagar, “the never-to-be-forgotten Empire” as a native scholar has aptly termed it, which for more than two centuries was the centre of Hindu political power.  The imposing ruins of its capital may still be seen at Hampi on the Tungabhadra and its possessions comprised everything to the south of this, and, at times, also territory to the north, for throughout its existence it was engaged in warfare with the Bahmani dynasty or the five sultanates.  Among its rulers the most notable was Krishnadeva (1509-1529) but the arrogance and weakness of his successors provoked the five Moslim Sultans to form a coalition.  They collected an immense army, defeated the troops of Vijayanagar at the battle of Talikota and sacked the city (1565).

In two other districts the Hindus were able to retain political independence until the time of Akbar, namely Orissa and Rajputana.  In the former the best known name is Anantavarman Colaganga (1076-1147) who built the temple of Jagannath at Puri, established the Eastern Ganga dynasty and ruled from the Godaveri to the Ganges.  The Mohammedans never occupied Rajputana, and though they captured the principal fortresses, they did not retain them.  The State of Mewar can even boast that it never made any but a nominal and honourable submission to the Sultans of Delhi.  Akbar incorporated the Rajputs in his Empire and by his considerate treatment secured their support.

The history of the Mughals may be divided into three periods.  In the first Baber acquired (1526 A.D.) the dominions of the Lodi dynasty as well as Jaunpur, but his death was followed by a troubled interval and it was not till the second period (1556-1707) comprising the reigns of Akbar, Jehangir, Shah Jehan and Aurungzeb that the Empire was securely established.  Akbar made himself master of practically all India north of the Godaveri and his liberal policy did much to conciliate his Hindu subjects.  He abolished the poll tax levied from non-Moslims and the tax on pilgrimages.  The reform of revenue administration was entrusted to an orthodox Hindu, Todar Mall.  Among the Emperor’s personal friends were Brahmans and Rajputs, and the principal Hindu states (except Mewar) sent daughters to his harem.  In religion he was eclectic and loved to hear theological argument.  Towards the end of his life he adopted many Hindu usages and founded a new religion which held as one of its principal tenets that Akbar was God’s Viceregent.  His successors, Jehangir and Shah Jehan, were also tolerant of Hinduism, but Aurungzeb was a fanatical Moslim and though he extended his rule over all India