Most of the details we know about the society of Vijayanagara Empire has come through the travel books written by the contemporary visitors and the information they give us the archeological excavations. The caste system was a major social norm to be fulfilled and was enforced to the letter. Each breed was represented in each population by a council of elders. These groups were responsible for the promulgation and maintenance of law, but needed a royal decree authorizing them to apply a particular rule. The untouchables also part of the caste system and were represented by several leaders (kaivadadavaru).
Muslim communities have their own representatives in Karnataka. The caste system, however, did not influence when promoted to senior positions in the army or the administration to persons who have rendered a valuable service. On the other hand, the scheme served to be taken into high regard Brahmins . Exceptions who chose a military career, the Brahmins were devoted to spirituality and literature. Their separation of material wealth and power made them ideal referees in litigation at the local level, and the presence of Brahmins in every town and village was organized from aristocratic circles, to maintain order. And further The fame of intellectual caste (as the poets Molla , Kanaka dasa or Vemana , Telugu, or Sarvajna in kannada) shows the degree of social cohesion and fluidity which won the empire.
The ritual of Sati , although voluntary, was a common occurrence, but was done much more often among the upper classes. Only in the area of influence of Vijayanagara were discovered more than fifty entries related to the ritual. These inscriptions are in Telugu satikal name (Sati stones) or sati-viirakal (Sati stones of honor). The satikal commemorating the custom of widows, while her husband's funeral pyre burns, jump into the fire, while the sati-viirakal were intended to remind women who practiced Sati after her husband died in battle so Hon. In both cases, women were recognized at the level of a demigod , and is commemorated with an engraving of a sun and a crescent moon on the memorial stone.
Social and religious movements of past centuries, as the one led by lingayatíes , allowed greater flexibility in social behavior traditionally more coercive to women. Finally, women in southern India shot down most of the walls and are actively involved in matters previously considered "men" such as administration, business, trade, even the fine arts. Tirumalamba Devi and Ganga Devi , authors of Varadambika Parinayam and Madhuravijayam respectively, are two of the most notable poets of the time. also reached high levels of popularity pioneers of Telugu poetry as Tallapaka Timmakka or Atukuri Molla. It is known that Tanjore Nayakas sponsored a large number of poets and peotisas. There was also a place of worship devadasi , and prostitution within a designated area in each city. It is known that harems were frequented by noblemen and the royal family.
Women with possible or kullavi petha wore a silk turban with gold inlays. As in almost all Indian companies, the luxury jewelry and ornaments were a supplement used by both men and women, we have received descriptions of the use of anklets, bracelets , bangles , ring , necklace and earrings of all kinds. At parties, men and women adorned with garlands of flowers and perfumes used rosewater, musk and sandalwood. In contrast with the lowly, the royal family was surrounded by pomp in court. The queens and princesses had a multitude of servants, all of whom were dressed in the finest fabrics and jewels, and his works were not only very specific bit cumbersome.
The exercise was a very popular practice among men, and the most popular sport was wrestling. Even know the existence of fighters. The royal palaces in every city had a gymnasium, and in peacetime armies and their commanders were ordered to train. The royal palaces and markets had specific places for both the nobility and the common people enjoy cockfighting championships, sheep or female wrestling. The excavations in the city of Vijayanagara show public life in their day to day by stone carvings, stands, roads, and temples, indicating that they were places where people related. Games also appear, some still practiced today, and others yet to be identified.