The correct answer is: b) Decline of the Vijayanagara Empire.
The Battle of Talikota was fought on January 16, 1565, near the village of Talikota, Karnataka, India. The battle was fought between the Vijayanagara Empire and a coalition of four Muslim Deccan sultanates: the Adilshahi of Bijapur, the Qutb Shahi of Golconda, the Nizamshahi of Ahmednagar, and the Barid Shahi of Bidar. The battle resulted in the decisive defeat of the Vijayanagara Empire, which led to its decline and eventual collapse in 1646.
The Vijayanagara Empire was a Hindu empire that ruled over much of southern India from the 14th to the 16th centuries. The empire was founded in 1336 by Harihara I and Bukka Raya I, two brothers who were generals in the Hoysala Empire. The Vijayanagara Empire reached its peak under the reign of Krishnadevaraya (1509-1529), who is considered to be one of the greatest rulers in Indian history.
The Battle of Talikota was a turning point in the history of South India. The defeat of the Vijayanagara Empire led to the rise of Muslim power in the Deccan, and it also marked the beginning of the decline of Hindu power in southern India.
The other options are incorrect because:
- The Marathas were a Hindu warrior group that emerged in the 17th century. They were not founded until after the Battle of Talikota.
- The Mughal Empire was a Muslim empire that ruled over much of northern India from the 16th to the 18th centuries. The Mughal Empire did not expand into southern India until after the Battle of Talikota.
- The Portuguese arrived in India in the 15th century. They established trading posts along the coast of India, but they did not have a significant impact on the history of South India until after the Battle of Talikota.