The Aravidu dynasty, the last dynasty of the Vijayanagara empire, was founded by:

The Aravidu dynasty, the fourth and last dynasty of the Vijayanagara empire, was founded by Tirumala Deva Raya.

Background:

• Tirumala was the younger brother of Rama Raya, the powerful regent who controlled the Vijayanagara empire during the reign of the Tuluva ruler Sadashiva Raya.
• Rama Raya was the son-in-law of Krishnadeva Raya, and was the real power behind the throne.
• At the Battle of Talikota (1565), Rama Raya was killed and the Vijayanagara army was defeated.
• Tirumala escaped from the battlefield with the treasure and the puppet king Sadashiva Raya, and moved to Penukonda.
• He later set aside Sadashiva Raya and became king himself, founding the Aravidu dynasty.

His reign:

• He tried to rebuild the empire from Penukonda, but the old capital could not be restored.
• He divided the empire into regions, which were placed under his sons.
• He ruled for a few years and then retired.

Later Aravidu rulers:

• Sriranga I: Tirumala's son.
• Venkata II (Venkatapati Raya): the most capable ruler of the dynasty; he moved the capital to Chandragiri, and later Vellore; he had relations with the Portuguese and other Europeans.
• Sri Ranga III: the last ruler; he lost his kingdom to Bijapur and Golconda in the mid-17th century.

Literature:

• The Aravidu rulers continued to patronise Telugu and Sanskrit literature.
• Rama Raya's name is associated with "Rama Raya's arrogance" in the accounts of the war.

The nayakas:

• During this period, the Nayakas of Madurai, Thanjavur and Gingee became virtually independent.
• The ruler of Mysore took over Srirangapatna from the Vijayanagara viceroy in 1610.

Why not the other options?

• ✗Rama Raya was Tirumala's elder brother and regent.
• ✗Venkata II was a later ruler.
• ✗Sadashiva Raya was the last Tuluva ruler.