Vijayanagara Empire

1. Which one of the following UNESCO world heritage sites was severely da

Which one of the following UNESCO world heritage sites was severely damaged by the victors of the battle of Talikota, leading it to be abandoned?

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Kakatiyas
Elephanta
Art Deco
Hampi
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The UNESCO world heritage site severely damaged by the victors of the battle of Talikota is Hampi.
The Battle of Talikota in 1565 resulted in the decisive defeat of the Vijayanagara Empire by the allied Deccan Sultanates. Following the battle, the capital city of the empire, located at present-day Hampi, was sacked, plundered, and largely destroyed over several months by the victorious armies, leading to its eventual abandonment.
The ruins of Hampi are located in Karnataka, India, and represent the magnificent capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its historical significance and architectural remnants. The Battle of Talikota marked a turning point in South Indian history and the decline of the Vijayanagara Empire.

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2. Krishnadevaraya’s capital city Vijayanagara was situated on the banks

Krishnadevaraya’s capital city Vijayanagara was situated on the banks of

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Tungabhadra.
Krishna.
Godavari.
Mahanadi.
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The capital city of the Vijayanagara Empire, founded by Harihara I and Bukka Raya I, was located on the southern bank of the Tungabhadra River.
– The ruins of the city are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as Hampi, situated in present-day Karnataka.
– The Tungabhadra River provided water resources and also formed a natural defense for the city.
The Vijayanagara Empire ruled much of South India from the 14th to the 17th centuries. Krishnadevaraya (reigned 1509–1529) was the most famous ruler of the empire, known for his administrative skills, military campaigns, and patronage of art and literature. The Krishna, Godavari, and Mahanadi rivers flow further north and east of the Vijayanagara region.

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3. The Vijayanagara Kings ruled in the name of which of the following God

The Vijayanagara Kings ruled in the name of which of the following Gods ?

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Rama
Vishnu
Vithoba
Virupaksha
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The Vijayanagara Kings ruled in the name of Lord Virupaksha.
Virupaksha is the principal deity of the Virupaksha Temple in Hampi, which was the capital of the empire. The rulers considered themselves representatives or regents of the god.
Royal orders were often signed with the phrase “Sri Virupaksha”. While other deities like Vishnu (especially Vithoba, a form popular in the region) were also worshipped, Virupaksha was the state deity.

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4. Of the following visitors, who compared medieval Vijayanagara with Rom

Of the following visitors, who compared medieval Vijayanagara with Rome ?

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Nicolo de Conti
Afanasy Nikitin
Domingo Paes
Fernao Nuniz
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Domingo Paes, a Portuguese traveller who visited the Vijayanagara Empire during the reign of Krishnadevaraya (1520s), provided detailed accounts of the city’s grandeur and wealth.
Paes was greatly impressed by the size, prosperity, and architecture of Vijayanagara and compared it favourably to Rome.
Other travellers like Nicolo de Conti (Italian), Afanasy Nikitin (Russian), and Fernao Nuniz (Portuguese) also visited Vijayanagara and wrote about their experiences, but Paes is specifically known for the comparison with Rome.

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5. Who among the following Chola Kings conquered and annexed the

Who among the following Chola Kings conquered and annexed the Maldives?

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Parantaka
Rajaraja
Rajendra
Gandaraditya
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The correct option is B.
Rajaraja I (also known as Rajaraja the Great), who ruled the Chola kingdom between 985 and 1014 CE, was a powerful ruler and naval commander. He significantly expanded the Chola empire through conquests. His military campaigns included the conquest of parts of Sri Lanka, the Chera kingdom, the Pandya kingdom, and the Maldives.
His son, Rajendra I, further expanded the empire, including expeditions to North India and Southeast Asia, but the conquest of the Maldives is attributed to Rajaraja I.

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6. Who of the following rulers of medieval India gave permission to the P

Who of the following rulers of medieval India gave permission to the Portuguese to build a fort at Bhatkal ?

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Krishnadevaraya
Narasimha Saluva
Muhammad Shah III
Yusuf Adil Shah
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The correct answer is A, Krishnadevaraya.
Bhatkal was a significant port town under the control of the Vijayanagara Empire during the early 16th century. Krishnadevaraya, who reigned from 1509 to 1529, was one of the most powerful rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire. The Portuguese, establishing their presence on the west coast of India after Vasco da Gama’s arrival, sought to control or gain access to profitable trading ports like Bhatkal, which was important for pepper trade. Historical accounts indicate that the Portuguese interacted and made agreements with the Vijayanagara rulers, including Krishnadevaraya, securing trade privileges and permission to build factories and fortifications in their territories, including Bhatkal.
The relationship between the Vijayanagara Empire and the Portuguese was complex, involving trade alliances against common enemies (like the Deccan Sultanates) as well as competition and conflict over coastal territories and trade routes. The Portuguese presence significantly impacted the maritime trade landscape of the region.

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7. Who among the following rulers of Vijayanagara Empire constructed a la

Who among the following rulers of Vijayanagara Empire constructed a large dam across Tungabhadra River and canal-cum-aqueduct several a kilometres long from the river to the capital city?

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Devaraya I
Mallikarjuna
Vira Vijaya
Virupaksha
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Devaraya I, a ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire (reigned 1406-1422 CE), is credited with undertaking significant hydraulic engineering works. Historical accounts, including that of the Italian traveler Niccolo de Conti who visited Vijayanagara during his reign, mention the construction of a large dam across the Tungabhadra river and an aqueduct system to supply water to the capital city, addressing the water scarcity issue in the region.
The rulers of Vijayanagara placed great importance on irrigation and water management due to the semi-arid climate of their region. Devaraya I’s hydraulic projects were crucial for the sustenance and growth of the capital city, Hampi.
Other notable Vijayanagara rulers like Krishnadevaraya also undertook irrigation projects, but the large dam and canal system on the Tungabhadra for the capital’s supply is specifically associated with Devaraya I. The remains of these structures can still be seen near Hampi.

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8. In medieval India, the term ‘Fanam’ referred to :

In medieval India, the term ‘Fanam’ referred to :

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Clothing
Coins
Ornaments
Weapons
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In medieval India, the term ‘Fanam’ referred to a type of coin.
– The Fanam (also spelled Panam or Fanum) was a small gold coin widely circulated in South India during the medieval period, particularly under dynasties like the Vijayanagara Empire and later in various southern kingdoms.
– It was one of the smallest gold denominations used for everyday transactions.
– Historical records and numismatic studies confirm ‘Fanam’ as a monetary unit.
The value and appearance of the Fanam varied slightly across different regions and periods. It was an important part of the currency system in South India for several centuries, alongside larger gold coins (like the Varaha or Pagoda) and silver/copper coins.

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9. According to Portuguese writer Nuniz, the women in Vijayanagara Empire

According to Portuguese writer Nuniz, the women in Vijayanagara Empire were expert in which of the following areas?

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  • 1. Wrestling
  • 2. Astrology
  • 3. Accounting
  • 4. Soothsaying

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1, 2 and 3 only
1, 3 and 4 only
2 and 4 only
1, 2, 3 and 4
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Fernao Nuniz, a Portuguese horse trader who spent time in Vijayanagara in the 16th century, provided one of the most detailed accounts of the Vijayanagara Empire. His chronicle describes various aspects of life, including the roles and activities of women. Nuniz explicitly mentions that women in Vijayanagara held positions in administration, accounted for expenses, were skilled wrestlers, astrologers, and soothsayers. Therefore, women were considered expert in all the listed areas according to Nuniz’s account.
– Portuguese chronicler Fernao Nuniz described the Vijayanagara Empire.
– He noted that women were active and skilled in various fields.
– According to Nuniz, women excelled in wrestling, astrology, accounting, and soothsaying.
Nuniz’s account is a valuable primary source for understanding the social and political life of the Vijayanagara Empire, alongside the accounts of other foreign visitors like Domingo Paes. These accounts provide insights into the diverse roles played by women in society, which was remarkable for the time.

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10. Building ‘Kalyaana Mandapas’ was a notable feature in the temple const

Building ‘Kalyaana Mandapas’ was a notable feature in the temple construction in the kingdom of

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Chalukya
Chandela
Rashtrakuta
Vijayanagara
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Building ‘Kalyaana Mandapas’ (ceremonial halls, often used for divine marriages) within temple complexes was a particularly notable and distinctive feature of temple architecture that flourished under the Vijayanagara Empire (14th-16th centuries) in South India.
The Kalyaana Mandapa is a characteristic architectural element of Vijayanagara temples, showcasing elaborate pillars and sculptures.
While mandapas were part of temple architecture in various periods, the scale, prominence, and decorative richness of Kalyaana Mandapas reached their zenith during the Vijayanagara period. Dynasties like the Chalukyas, Chandelas, and Rashtrakutas had their own distinct architectural styles, but the Kalyaana Mandapa as a central, elaborate feature is most strongly associated with Vijayanagara.

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