Ancient and Medieval Indian Rulers

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj inaugurated the 500th anniversary of the coronation of Sri Krishnadevaraya, who ruled Vijayanagar Empire, at Hampi in Bellary district of Karnataka on January 27, 2010.

After a 21-year glorious rule from 1509-1529, Krishnadevaraya left behind a rich legacy that included a royal city Hampi that was declared in 1986 a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

A foundation stone to build a theme park with a 25-foot-tall bronze statue of Krishnadevaraya on the banks of the Tungabhadra River was also laid during the three day event from January 27 to 29, 2010. Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram released the book titled 'Hampi The Splendour That Was' on the occasion.

The Sanchi Stupa was commissioned by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE. It is one of the oldest stone structures in India.

The Bahmani Sultanate was founded by Alauddin Bahman Shah (also known as Alauddin Hasan Gangu) in 1347. It was a major Muslim power in the Deccan.

Allahabad Stone Pillar Inscription of Samudra Gupta. 

The earliest phase of the Ajanta Caves, dating back to the 2nd century BCE, was commissioned under the patronage of the Satavahanas, but the later, more elaborate caves were built under the Vakatakas, who are often associated with the peak of the site's development.

Rock Edict XIII is the most significant edict where Emperor Asoka explicitly expresses his remorse and sorrow for the destruction caused during the Kalinga War.

Tulsidas composed the Ramacharitamanas during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Akbar, though he was not directly associated with the court.

In the Vijayanagar Empire, the Nayaka system was a form of decentralized administration where Nayaks served as military governors or provincial rulers.

While Krishnadevaraya is the most famous ruler, Devaraya II is often cited by historians as a significant patron of literature, particularly for his support of Kannada and Sanskrit scholars.

The Tughlaq dynasty ruled Delhi for the longest period (about 110 years from 1320-1414), while the Khalji dynasty had the shortest rule (about 30 years from 1290-1320) among the major dynasties. The 'Das dynasty' is not historically accurate - it's likely a corruption of 'Slave dynasty'.

According to local legends, Delhi is named after Raja Dillu, who is traditionally associated with the Maurya (often transliterated as Mayur) dynasty.

Ashoka was the grandson of Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Mauryan Empire.

The Kushan dynasty, particularly under rulers like Vima Kadphises, is credited with introducing gold and silver coins into the Indian economy on a large scale.

The Heliodorus pillar is an ancient Indian stone column erected around 113 BCE by Heliodorus, a Greek ambassador to the court of the Shunga king Bhagabhadra.

Pushyamitra Sunga was the founder and first ruler of the Sunga dynasty, which he established after the fall of the Mauryan Empire.