The Vijayanagara Empire (also called Karnataka Empire, and the Kingdom of Bisnegar by the Portuguese) was based in the Deccan Plateau region in South India. It was established in 1336 by Harihara I and his brother Bukka RayaI of Sangama Dynasty. It lasted until 1646, although its power declined after a major military defeat in 1565 by the Deccan sultanates.