Sufism or mysticism emerged in the 8th century. Some of the early known Sufis are as follows: Rabia al-Adawiya, Al-Junaid, and Bayazid Bastami. Sufism evolved into a well-developed movement by the end of the 11th century.
Under the rule of the Vijayanagar empire, irrigation became prominent. The development of irrigation took place mainly during the rule of Deva Raya I. New tanks were built and dams were constructed across the river Tungabhadra.