Assertion (A): Saluva Narasimha put an end to the old dynasty and assumed the royal title. Reason (R): He wanted to save the kingdom from further degeneration and disintegration.

Saluva Narasimha was a powerful governor of Chandragiri during the Vijayanagara Empire. At that time, the ruling Sangama dynasty had become weak due to incompetent rulers, internal rebellions, and external threats from the Bahmani Sultans and the Gajapatis of Odisha. The Assertion is true because in 1485, Saluva Narasimha overthrew the last weak Sangama ruler, Virupaksha Raya II, and seized the throne. This event is known as the First Usurpation, marking the end of the old dynasty and the start of the Saluva dynasty. The Reason is also true and explains the Assertion. Saluva Narasimha took this drastic step because the central authority had collapsed and the empire was facing total disintegration. He believed that by taking direct control, he could restore order, strengthen the military, and preserve the territorial integrity of the kingdom. Therefore, both statements are correct, and the reason accurately explains why he assumed power.