Vijayanagara Empire

11. Regarding the taxation system of Krishna Deva, the ruler of Vijayanaga

Regarding the taxation system of Krishna Deva, the ruler of Vijayanagar, consider the following statements :

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  • 1. The tax rate on land was fixed depending on the quality of the land.
  • 2. Private owners of workshops paid an industries tax.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2016
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The Vijayanagar empire, particularly during the reign of Krishna Deva Raya, had a sophisticated administrative and taxation system designed to generate revenue for the state while ensuring the welfare of the people and promoting economic activities.
Let’s evaluate each statement based on historical accounts of the Vijayanagar Empire:
1. **The tax rate on land was fixed depending on the quality of the land:** Land revenue was the principal source of income for the Vijayanagar state. Historical sources, including accounts by foreign visitors like Domingo Paes and Fernao Nuniz, indicate that land was classified based on its fertility, irrigation facilities, and type of crop cultivated. The tax rate varied accordingly, ensuring a more equitable system where better quality land with higher productivity paid more tax. This statement is correct.
2. **Private owners of workshops paid an industries tax:** Besides land revenue, the state levied various other taxes, known as “professional taxes” or taxes on trades and industries. These included taxes on workshops, merchants, artisans, and other professionals. This tax was imposed on the income or output of these activities. This statement is correct.
Other sources of revenue included taxes on trade, customs duties, taxes on gardens and forests, taxes on social functions, and tributes from subordinate rulers. The state also maintained monopolies over certain industries. The taxation system was generally considered heavy but efficiently collected.

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12. Who of the following founded a new city on the south bank of a tributa

Who of the following founded a new city on the south bank of a tributary to river Krishna and undertook to rule his new kingdom as the agent of a deity to whom all the land south of the river Krishna was supposed to belong?

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Amoghavarsha I
Ballala II
Harihara I
Prataparudra II
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UPSC IAS – 2015
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Harihara I, along with his brother Bukka I, founded the Vijayanagara Empire in 1336 CE. The empire was established on the southern bank of the Tungabhadra River, a tributary of the Krishna River. The founders initially ruled the kingdom as representatives of the deity Virupaksha, the principal deity of the region and the site of the new capital, Vijayanagara.
– The question describes the founding of the Vijayanagara Empire.
– The location is specified as the south bank of a tributary to the Krishna (Tungabhadra).
– The founders ruled as agents of a deity (Virupaksha).
– Harihara I was one of the founders of the Vijayanagara Empire and fits this description.
The Vijayanagara Empire grew into one of the most powerful South Indian kingdoms, known for its resistance to the Sultanates in the Deccan and its patronage of arts and culture. The worship of Virupaksha remained central to the state ideology.

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13. Consider the following statements about Mahanavami dibba, a massive pl

Consider the following statements about Mahanavami dibba, a massive platform :

  • 1. It is situated on one of the highest points in the city of Vijayanagara
  • 2. Virupaksha temple is located on it

Which of the above statements is/are correct ?

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1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2024
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Let’s evaluate the statements about Mahanavami Dibba:
1. It is situated on one of the highest points in the city of Vijayanagara: This is correct. The Mahanavami Dibba, also known as the “House of Victory” or “Audience Hall,” is a large, multi-layered platform located within the Royal Centre of Vijayanagara. It is built on elevated ground, providing a commanding view of the surrounding area and serving as a prominent structure for royal ceremonies.
2. Virupaksha temple is located on it: This is incorrect. The Virupaksha Temple is a major, active temple dedicated to Lord Shiva (Virupaksha is a form of Shiva) located in Hampi, near the Hampi Bazaar, and is a distinct complex separate from the Royal Centre where the Mahanavami Dibba is located.
The Mahanavami Dibba was a ceremonial platform in the Royal Centre of Vijayanagara, used for festivals and royal displays, distinct from the major religious temples like the Virupaksha Temple.
The Mahanavami Dibba was particularly important during the annual Mahanavami (or Dasara/Dussehra) festival, where the Vijayanagara kings would hold elaborate ceremonies, receive guests, and display their power and wealth. It is decorated with carvings depicting various scenes, including processions, hunts, and tribute bearers.

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14. Abdur Razzak, the traveler to Vijaya- nagar, had referred to the prese

Abdur Razzak, the traveler to Vijaya- nagar, had referred to the presence of a number of flower merchants in Vijayanagar and noted a particular flower that seemed as necessary as food to the people of that part. Which variety of flower was being referred to by Abdur Razzak ?

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Jasmine
Lotus
Hibiscus
Rose
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The correct option is A.
Abdur Razzak was a Persian traveler who visited the Vijayanagar Empire during the reign of Devaraya II (mid-15th century CE). His account, the ‘Matla-us-Sadain wa Majma-ul-Bahrain’, provides a vivid description of the city of Vijayanagar and its grandeur.
Abdur Razzak indeed noted the abundance of flowers in Vijayanagar and their extensive use by the people. While many flowers were cultivated, accounts from travelers and local literature suggest that Jasmine (Mallige in Kannada, or variations in other South Indian languages) was particularly popular and widely used for garlands, religious offerings, hair adornments, and fragrances. It was deeply integrated into the daily life and cultural practices of the people of South India. The description of a flower being “as necessary as food” strongly points towards something ubiquitous, culturally significant, and perhaps economically important due to trade and cultivation. Jasmine fits this description well within the context of South India and Vijayanagar.
Other options:
– Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is religiously significant but perhaps not used in the sheer volume or variety of everyday applications as Jasmine.
– Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) is also used in religious ceremonies and for hair care but was likely not as pervasive as Jasmine.
– Rose (Rosa species) was known and cultivated, but less central to the daily floral economy and customs compared to Jasmine in this region during that period.
Based on historical descriptions of Vijayanagar and the use of flowers in South India, Jasmine is the most likely flower Abdur Razzak was referring to as being exceptionally necessary.
Abdur Razzak was an ambassador sent by the Timurid ruler Shah Rukh to the court of Devaraya II of Vijayanagar in 1442-1443 CE. His travelogue is one of the most important primary sources for understanding the administration, society, and prosperity of the Vijayanagar Empire during its peak. He described the city as magnificent, comparing it favourably with others he had seen. His observations on the economy, religious practices, and daily life, including the extensive use of flowers, are highly valuable to historians.

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15. Consider the following pairs with reference to textiles in Southern In

Consider the following pairs with reference to textiles in Southern India :

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(Tax)(Meaning)
1.Panjupeeli:on cotton yarn
2.Nulayam:on cotton thread
3.Tari kadamai:on silk clothes
4.Sella:on silk thread

Which of the pairs given above is/are correct ?

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1 only
1 and 2 only
2, 3 and 4 only
1, 2, 3 and 4
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2023
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During the medieval period in Southern India, particularly under dynasties like the Cholas, various taxes were levied on economic activities, including textile production. Terms like Panjupeeli and Nulayam were associated with taxes on cotton yarn and thread (Nul means thread/yarn in Tamil). Tari kadamai literally means ‘loom duty’ or tax on looms or weaving, not specifically on silk clothes. Sella is not a widely recognized tax term for silk thread.
Based on historical records of medieval South Indian taxes, Panjupeeli and Nulayam were indeed taxes related to cotton yarn/thread, making statements 1 and 2 correct. Tari kadamai was a tax on looms/weavers, not specifically on silk clothes, making statement 3 incorrect. Statement 4 is also likely incorrect.
Taxes like Tari-kadamai were significant revenue sources, levied on weavers based on the number of looms operated, and sometimes varying with the type of fabric produced (though “on silk clothes” is a specific interpretation). Panjupeeli and Nulayam were taxes on the raw material (yarn) used by weavers.

16. ‘The King of Dance’ is a description of

‘The King of Dance’ is a description of

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Trimurti at Elephanta Caves
Kaliyamardan of Krishna
Bodhisattva Maitreya at Gandhara
Bronze Nataraja of the Cholas
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UPSC CAPF – 2022
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‘The King of Dance’ is a description associated with the Bronze Nataraja of the Cholas.
Nataraja is a depiction of the Hindu god Shiva as the cosmic ecstatic dancer. He is considered the master of dance, hence the epithet ‘King of Dance’. The bronze Nataraja sculptures from the Chola period are particularly famous representations of this form.
The Trimurti at Elephanta Caves represents Shiva in his roles as creator, preserver, and destroyer. Kaliyamardan is an episode from the life of Krishna. Bodhisattva Maitreya is a future Buddha.

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17. The Battle of Rakshasi-Tangadi is popularly known as the

The Battle of Rakshasi-Tangadi is popularly known as the

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Battle of Talikota
Battle of Khanwa
Battle of Panipat
Battle of Dharmat
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The correct answer is A) Battle of Talikota.
The Battle of Rakshasi-Tangadi, fought on January 26, 1565, is popularly known as the Battle of Talikota. The battle was fought near the villages of Rakshasi and Tangadi, situated on the banks of the Krishna River, and is named after the plain between them, or after the town of Talikota which was the Sultanates’ base.
The Battle of Talikota was fought between the Vijayanagara Empire and the alliance of the Deccan Sultanates (Ahmednagar, Bijapur, Golconda, and Bidar). The battle resulted in a decisive defeat for the Vijayanagara Empire, leading to its eventual decline. The city of Vijayanagara (Hampi) was subsequently sacked and destroyed.

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18. Which of the following statements about Amaranayakas of Vijayanagara a

Which of the following statements about Amaranayakas of Vijayanagara are correct?

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  • 1. The Amaranayakas were military commanders who were given territories to govern by the Raya.
  • 2. In lieu of their service and also to maintain their contingents, they were paid in cash.
  • 3. They maintained stipulated contingents and elephants.
  • 4. They used to send tribute to the king annually and personally appeared in the royal court with gifts to express their loyalty.

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
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2021
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Statement 1 is correct: The Amara-Nayaka system was a key feature of the Vijayanagara Empire. Amaranayakas were military commanders or provincial governors appointed by the Raya (king) who were granted territories (known as ‘amaram’ or ‘amaramagani’) in exchange for their services.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The Amaranayakas were primarily paid not in cash, but through the revenue collected from the territories granted to them. They were allowed to retain a portion of the revenue to maintain their contingents and for their personal expenses, while the rest was due to the king as tribute.
Statement 3 is correct: A major obligation of the Amaranayakas was to maintain a stipulated number of soldiers, horses, and elephants ready for service to the king.
Statement 4 is correct: The Amaranayakas were required to send tribute to the king annually from the revenue of their amaram lands and personally appear in the royal court with gifts to demonstrate their loyalty and allegiance.
– Amaranayakas were military chiefs or governors under the Vijayanagara rule.
– They were granted land (amaram) for their services.
– Their pay was primarily through revenue from the granted land, not cash.
– They maintained troops and were obliged to render military service to the king.
– They paid annual tribute and presented gifts to the king.
The Amara-Nayaka system is often compared to the Iqta system of the Delhi Sultanate and the feudal systems elsewhere, though it had its unique characteristics. The system played a crucial role in the military strength and administration of the Vijayanagara Empire, but also contributed to its eventual decline as Nayakas became increasingly independent.

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19. At which one of the following places is the Vitthala temple located?

At which one of the following places is the Vitthala temple located?

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Elephanta
Chidambaram
Hampi
Nagarjunakonda
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The Vitthala Temple complex is located in Hampi, Karnataka. Hampi was the capital of the powerful Vijayanagara Empire (14th to 16th centuries). The Vitthala Temple is one of the most magnificent structures in Hampi, known for its impressive architecture, intricate carvings, musical pillars, and the iconic stone chariot.
Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserving the ruins of the Vijayanagara capital. The Vitthala Temple is a major highlight of the site, showcasing the architectural prowess of the Vijayanagara period.
Elephanta caves are near Mumbai, famous for Shaivite rock-cut architecture. Chidambaram is in Tamil Nadu, home to the famous Thillai Nataraja Temple (Shiva as the cosmic dancer). Nagarjunakonda is an archaeological site in Andhra Pradesh, known for ancient Buddhist structures from the Ikshvaku dynasty period.

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20. Which one of the following dynasties ruled under the suzerainty of Kin

Which one of the following dynasties ruled under the suzerainty of Kingdom of Vijayanagar ?

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Sangamas, Saluvas, Tuluvas and Aravidus
Sangamas, Hoysalas, Aravidus and Tuluvas
Hoysalas, Saluvas, Poligars and Sangamas
Yadavas of Devagiri, Hoysalas, Saluvas and Aravidus
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UPSC CAPF – 2017
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The Vijayanagar Empire was ruled by four main dynasties in succession: the Sangama Dynasty, the Saluva Dynasty, the Tuluva Dynasty, and the Aravidu Dynasty. Option A correctly lists these four dynasties. The question is likely phrased poorly and means “Which one of the following lists comprises the dynasties that ruled the Kingdom of Vijayanagar?”.
The Vijayanagar Empire (1336–1646 CE) was a powerful South Indian empire. Its history is marked by the rule of these four distinct dynasties, each contributing to the empire’s rise, maintenance, or eventual decline.
The Hoysalas and Yadavas of Devagiri were contemporary kingdoms that were either conquered or declined before the main period of Vijayanagar’s dominance. Poligars were feudal lords or military chieftains who existed within the Vijayanagar administrative system, not ruling dynasties of the empire itself.

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