In AD 1309 the indigenous Hindu kingdoms of southern India were attacked by Malik Kafur, general of the Delhi Sultanate army. After overthrowing the Kakatīya dynasty of Warangal, he made forays further south. Later in this period the Tughluqs also attempted to consolidate the control of Delhi over the south. Between 1334 and 1336 Muhammad bin Tughlaq captured much of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, including Anegondi, a fortified settlement on the River Tungbhadra. A young nobleman there named Hakka was taken to Delhi, converted to Islam, and duly installed as governor of Karnataka.

Lack of effective administrative control during Muhammad bin Tughluq’s reign led to revolts in many parts of the Tughluq empire and Hakka himself rebelled in 1336. Assuming the name Harihara Raya, he repudiated Islam and in about 1340 established the royal city of Vijayanagara (Hampi) on the banks of the Tungabhadra. Harihara was succeeded in about 1343 by his brother, Bukka Raya, who ruled until about 1379. By the end of Bukka's reign, most of India south of the Tungabhadra had accepted his suzerainty. The empire lasted until 1565 but is generally considered to have reached its peak during the rule of Krishna Deva Raya (about 1406-1412). He was responsible for the colossal stone image of Hanumān at Vijayanagara.