Penugonda is well known as one of the capitals of the Vijayanagaras, next to Hampi and continued to enjoy the historical importance of eminence under the Vijayanagara.

The Hoysalas established an outpost at Penugonda so as to defend their conquests against their rivals in the east. When the rulers of Vijayanagara replaced the Hoysalas, Bukka moved to Penugonda. This indicated the thrust towards the south of this newborn empire. Special attention has been devoted in this book to the religious history of this town which was a centre of worship for Hindus, Jains and Muslims as numerous rulers built and maintained temples and mosques. In addition to evaluating the inscriptions, author has provided detailed plans and descriptions of major temples and surveyed the images in these temples.