Krishnadeva Raya, one of the most celebrated rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire, is best known for expanding the empire to its greatest territorial extent. He led military campaigns in the south, defeated the Deccan Sultanates, and significantly enhanced the power of the Vijayanagara Empire. His reign is often seen as a period of military, economic, and cultural flourishing. While he also contributed to architecture, including the famous Thanjavur temple, his most notable achievement was the expansion of his empire.