Which of the following statements about the Vijayanagara Empire is / are true?
- 1. The kings claimed to rule on behalf of the God Virupaksha
- 2. Rulers used the title “Hindu Suratrana” to indicate their close links with Gods
- 3. All royal orders were signed in Kannada, Sanskrit and Tamil
- 4. Royal portrait sculpture was now displayed in temples
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
4 only
1 and 2 only
1, 2 and 3
1, 2 and 4
Answer is Right!
Answer is Wrong!
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-1 – 2016
– Statement 1: The rulers of Vijayanagara considered themselves representatives of God Virupaksha, the presiding deity of their kingdom and the deity of the Virupaksha temple at Hampi. Royal orders were often signed with the phrase “Sri Virupaksha”. This is true.
– Statement 2: The Vijayanagara rulers adopted the title “Hindu Suratrana” or “Hindu Sultan”, signifying their role as protectors of Hinduism against the Deccan Sultanates. This title is found in inscriptions and accounts. This is true.
– Statement 4: Royal portrait sculpture was a notable feature in Vijayanagara art. Stone portraits of kings and sometimes queens were installed in temples, particularly in gopurams and mandapams, often depicting them in a posture of worship. This is true.
– Statement 3: While Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, and Sanskrit were used in inscriptions and official documents depending on the region and context, it is not accurate to say that *all* royal orders were signed in *all three* languages (Kannada, Sanskrit, and Tamil). The language used would often depend on the local language of the area where the order was issued or effective, in addition to Sanskrit for formality or religious contexts.