The Battle of Talikota, also known as the Battle of Rakshasi Talikota, was fought in 1565 CE between the allied forces of the Vijayanagara Empire and the Deccan Sultanates. The battle was fought in the Talikota region of modern-day Karnataka, India, and resulted in the victory of the Deccan Sultanates and the end of the Vijayanagara Empire.

The Vijayanagara Empire had ruled much of Southern India since 1336 CE, but by 1565 CE, the Sultanates of Bijapur, Golconda, Ahmadnagar, and Bidar had grown increasingly powerful. The Sultanates were united in their desire to end the Vijayanagara Empire's rule. To this end, they sent envoys to the Vijayanagara ruler, Rama Raya, seeking a peaceful settlement.

The battle was fought between the forces of the Deccan Sultanates, led by the Sultan of Bijapur and joined by the Sultans of Golconda, Ahmadnagar, Bidar, Berar, and Khandesh, against those of the Vijayanagara Empire, led by its last king, Rama Raya. The armies of the Vijayanagara Empire were outnumbered by the forces of the Deccan Sultanates, and the Sultan of Bijapur had the advantage of being able to bring in more reinforcements from his other territories.

The battle began on the morning of January 23rd, 1565, when Rama Raya led his army to the banks of the Tungabhadra River, where the Sultan of Bijapur and his allies had already established their camp. The Vijayanagara army was made up of infantry, cavalry, and elephant units, and the Sultan's forces were primarily cavalry and infantry.

The Sultanates, on the other hand, assembled an even larger army of over 200,000 men. This was led by the Sultan of Bijapur, Ali Adil Shah, and the Sultan of Ahmadnagar, Ibrahim Adil Shah. The Sultan's forces were able to overwhelm the Vijayanagara forces by the end of the day, and the Vijayanagara army was decimated. Rama Raya himself was killed in battle, and the Vijayanagara Empire was effectively destroyed. 

The Battle of Talikota marks an important milestone in Indian history, as it ended the rule of the Vijayanagara Empire and ushered in the rule of the Deccan Sultanates. It also helped to establish the Sultanates as major powers in the south of India in the years to come.