The correct option is Krishnadeva Raya.
Explanation
The Vijayanagara Empire, particularly under the Tuluva dynasty, engaged in complex military and diplomatic relations with the neighboring Bahmani Sultanate and its successor states. The term "Yavana," originally referring to Greeks, was used in medieval Indian inscriptions to denote Muslims or people from the West/North-West.
Historical Context and Justification
- Krishnadeva Raya (1509-1529 CE): He is considered the greatest ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire. During his reign, the Bahmani Sultanate was in a state of decline and fragmentation.
- Intervention in Bahmani Politics: Following the death of the Bahmani Sultan, power struggles ensued. Krishnadeva Raya intervened in these internal conflicts. He marched to the Bahmani capital, Bidar, and defeated the usurper Barid-i-Mamalik.
- Assumption of the Title: After defeating the usurper, Krishnadeva Raya released the imprisoned Sultan, Mahmud Shah, and restored him to the throne. To commemorate this act of restoring the Muslim ruler to his position, Krishnadeva Raya assumed the title Yavana-rajya-sthapana-acharya, which translates to "the establisher of the Yavana kingdom."
- Significance: This title underscored his political supremacy and his role as a kingmaker in Deccan politics, demonstrating that he was powerful enough to stabilize neighboring kingdoms.
Key Takeaway: Krishnadeva Raya adopted the title Yavana-rajya-sthapana-acharya after restoring the Bahmani Sultan Mahmud Shah to the throne in Bidar.