It is said that the founders of the Vijayanagara empire, Harihara and Bukka were commanders in the hoysala empire, and that they took the control of the northern region after decline of Hoysala. They were supported by Shri Vidyaranya, a saint from sringeri, some believe that Shri Vidyaranya showed them a cave with treasure, enough to build an empire, a Hindu Empire to stop Muslim invasion in south indian region.
Before the Empire was built, northern muslim rulers invaded many kingdoms of south until Hoysala was the only remaining one, then after the gradual empowerment of Vijayanagara, the Hoysala empire got merged and the South India was Dominated by The Vijayanagara Empire. The very Name, Vijayanagara meant 'The City of Victory'.
