Krishnadeavaraya was a talented army commander and an expert statesman

First, Krishnadevaraya defeated the Reddies of Kondavidu in Andhra. His commanders Lakkanna levied tribute on Kerala and Sri Lanka. He faced the Bahamani Sultan Ahmad Shah and recaptured the forts of Mudgal, Raichur and Bankapur. From his times, the empire clashed with the Gajapathis of Kalinga (Orissa).

A subordinate of Ummattur (near Mysore) had declared he free and Gajapathi Prataparudra of Kalinga was continuing his enmity against the empire. The ruler of Bijapur, Yusuf Adilkhan had occupied Raichur Doab.  

Praudha Devaraya followed the policy of religious tolerance of his predecessors. He built a mosque in the capital city. Many Jaina and Sri Vaishnava temples were also built during times. Telugu poet Srinatha, Sanskrit scloar Dindima, and Kannada author Lakkanna who was his commander, adorned his court. The Veerashavia religion saw its renaissance in his times.  

In 1510 A.D he conquered the fort of Shivasamudra. He acquired the Raichur fort under the occupation of Bijapur. In the same year (1510) he helped the Portuguese to conquer Goa from Bijapur. He developed commercial relationship with the Portuguese. In 1513 A.D. he conquered the Udayagiri fort and proceeded of Kalinga victorious. He captured the Gajapathi’s capital Cuttack and installed a pillar of victory at Simhacalam. In 1518 A.D. he made peace with Gajapathi and married his daughter Jaganmohini.