Vijayanagara Empire

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

[amp_mcq option1=”Krishnadevaraya” option2=”Narasimha Saluva” option3=”Muhammad Shah III” option4=”Yusuf Adil Shah” correct=”option1″]

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.

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?

[amp_mcq option1=”Devaraya I” option2=”Mallikarjuna” option3=”Vira Vijaya” option4=”Virupaksha” correct=”option1″]

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.

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

[amp_mcq option1=”Clothing” option2=”Coins” option3=”Ornaments” option4=”Weapons” correct=”option2″]

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.

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

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

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

[amp_mcq option1=”1, 2 and 3 only” option2=”1, 3 and 4 only” option3=”2 and 4 only” option4=”1, 2, 3 and 4″ correct=”option4″]

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.

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

[amp_mcq option1=”Chalukya” option2=”Chandela” option3=”Rashtrakuta” option4=”Vijayanagara” correct=”option4″]

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.