‘A Forgotten Empire: Vijayanagar’ by Robert Sewell is a historical account of the Vijayanagar Empire, one of the most powerful and prosperous kingdoms in South India. First published in 1900, the book provides a detailed narrative of the empire's rise, administration, cultural achievements, and eventual downfall.Sewell, a British historian and civil servant, relied primarily on accounts from Portuguese travelers such as Domingo Paes and Fernão Nunes, along with inscriptions and local sources. He describes Vijayanagar as a flourishing Hindu kingdom that resisted Islamic invasions for over three centuries. The book captures the grandeur of its capital, Hampi, with its magnificent temples, palaces, and markets. It also highlights the military strategies, trade connections, and religious tolerance under its rulers.One of the most striking parts of the book is its vivid description of the Battle of Talikota (1565), where Vijayanagar suffered a crushing defeat against the Deccan Sultanates, leading to its rapid decline. Sewell’s work remains an important historical source, despite some colonial biases. For readers interested in Indian history, ‘A Forgotten Empire: Vijayanagar’ offers a fascinating glimpse into the legacy of Vijayanagar, a kingdom that played a crucial role in shaping medieval South India.