Consider the following statements regarding the royal center in Vijaya

Consider the following statements regarding the royal center in Vijaya- nagara Empire :

  • 1. The royal center was located in the south-western part of the settlement
  • 2. It included over 60 temples
  • 3. About 30 building complexes at the site have been identified as palaces

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

1 only
2 only
1, 2 and 3
1 and 2 only
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2023
Statement 1: Archaeological studies of Vijayanagara (Hampi) confirm that the Royal Centre was indeed located in the south-western part of the urban core of the city. This area contained important ceremonial structures, palaces, and temples associated with the rulers. So, statement 1 is correct.
Statement 2: The Royal Centre area contains numerous structures, including temples. While pinpointing an exact number can be complex depending on the definition of the area, archaeological surveys indicate a significant concentration of temples, and ‘over 60 temples’ within or closely associated with the royal centre is consistent with archaeological findings. So, statement 2 is correct.
Statement 3: Archaeological excavations and surveys have identified various building complexes within the Royal Centre as residential or palatial structures. Sources and site maps often list approximately 30 or more such complexes identified as palaces, audience halls, or residential buildings of importance. So, statement 3 is correct.
Since all three statements align with archaeological descriptions of the Vijayanagara Royal Centre, all are correct.
The Vijayanagara Royal Centre was located in the south-western part of the city and contained a large number of temples and building complexes identified as palaces.
The Royal Centre was the political and ceremonial heart of the Vijayanagara capital, contrasting with the Sacred Centre located towards the north, which housed the Virupaksha Temple and other major religious structures.