Bukka nominated his son Harihara to throne ignoring the claims of several others who had distinguished themselves in war and in civil administration. Harihara’s accession in A.D. 1377 immedately after Bukka’s death led to many rebellions particularly in the Pandya, Chola and Tundira countries. Some of the chiefs who were dissatisfied with the new arrangements also joined hands with the rebels.
But Harihara was able to crush them. The most serious rebellion was in the Tamil country where Harihara had appointed his son Virupaksha as Viceroy. He put it down with a stern hand.
Soon Vijayanagar was threatened by its old rival, the Bahmanis. Mujahid Shah who had succeeded Muhammad Shah I in 1375 invaded Vijayanagar in A.D. 1377 to recover Tungabhadra.
Firishta’s account of the expedition is full of contradictory statements and is, therefore, not reliable. It is, however, fairly certain that mujahid did not meet with much success and failed to capture the famous fort of Adoni on the road to Gulbarga. But he laid siege to Vijayanagar which he was also obliged to lift against superior Vijayanagar forces.
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While retreating towards his capital, he was killed in his tent in A.D. 1378. Harihara took full advantage of this opportunity and invaded Konkan and northern Karnatak. Madhava Mantrin, his general, was highly successful.
He not only defeated the Turushakas but also captured the port of Goa. Harihara brought the seven Konkanas under control. He also acquired the important ports of Chaul and Dabhol on the coasts of northern Konkan.