Vijayanagar — Set 2
Indian History · विजयनगर · Questions 11–20 of 60
The Saluva dynasty was founded by whom after ending the Sangama dynasty?
Correct Answer: C. Saluva Narasimha
• **Saluva Narasimha** = founder of Saluva dynasty (2nd dynasty), usurped throne to end Sangama chaos. • Ruled **1485–1491 AD** — ended the Sangama dynasty which had weakened under later rulers. • Saluva dynasty was short-lived (**1485**–**1505**) before Tuluva Narasa Nayaka took over. • 💡 Rama Raya = regent of Sadasiva Raya (Tuluva era); Tirumala = Aravidu founder; Vira Narasimha = Tuluva dynasty founder — not Saluva.
Who was the Portuguese traveler who visited Vijayanagar during the reign of Achyuta Deva Raya?
Correct Answer: A. Fernao Nuniz
• **Fernao Nuniz** = Portuguese horse trader and chronicler who visited during **Achyuta Deva Raya's** reign. • Wrote **'Chronicle of Nuniz'** (c.1535–37) — detailed history and administration of Vijayanagar. • His writings describe Mahanavami festival, market prices, and military organization. • 💡 Duarte Barbosa = visited Krishnadevaraya's era; Domingo Paes = also Krishnadevaraya era; Marco Polo = pre-Vijayanagar 13th century traveler.
Which dynasty ruled the Vijayanagar Empire at the time of the Battle of Talikota?
Correct Answer: B. Tuluva
• **Tuluva dynasty** = in power at Battle of Talikota (1565), though puppet king Sadasiva Raya sat on throne. • Real power = **Rama Raya** (regent) who led the army and was captured and beheaded in battle. • After Talikota, Aravidu dynasty (4th) took over with capital shifted to Penukonda. • 💡 Saluva = 2nd dynasty, ended **1505**; Aravidu = 4th (post-Talikota); Sangama = 1st, ended **1485** — Tuluva was ruling in **1565**.
The 'Kalyana Mandapa' with carved pillars is a distinctive feature of which architectural style?
Correct Answer: B. Vijayanagar Style
• **Kalyana Mandapa** = marriage hall with elaborately carved pillars — signature of **Vijayanagar Style**. • Pillars depict **hippogryphs (yali) and rearing horses** — unique to Vijayanagar craftsmanship. • Best. • 💡 Nagara = North Indian shikhara style; Vesara = hybrid style; Hoysala = star-shaped base, intricate carvings — Kalyana Mandapa belongs to Vijayanagar only.
Who was the famous Vedic scholar and commentator associated with the founding of Vijayanagar?
Correct Answer: C. Sayana
• **Sayana** = renowned Vedic commentator who inspired Harihara and Bukka to found Vijayanagar. • Brother of **Vidyaranya** (spiritual guide) — Sayana served as minister in early Vijayanagar court. • Sayana wrote commentaries on all four Vedas — one of India's greatest Sanskrit scholars. • 💡 Madhvacharya = Dvaita philosopher (earlier era); Ramanuja = Vaishnava philosopher; Basavanna = Lingayat reformer — not associated with Vijayanagar founding.
What was the term used for the village administrative functionaries in the Vijayanagar Empire?
Correct Answer: B. Ayagars
• **Ayagars** = 12-member body managing village administration in the Vijayanagar Empire. • Paid via **Manyam lands** — tax-free plots granted instead of salary, a non-cash system. • Ayagar positions were hereditary — included accountant, washerman, blacksmith, potter, etc. • 💡 Nayakas = military governors of provinces; Urs = caste assemblies in Hoysala era; Poligars = local chieftains — none were the 12-member village functionary system.
During the Vijayanagar period, women were known to be experts in which of the following fields?
Correct Answer: C. Wrestling and Accounting
• **Women of Vijayanagar** = experts in **wrestling and accounting** as noted by Portuguese traveler Nuniz. • Also skilled in astrology, music, and fine arts — some served as **royal guards and attendants**. • Gangadevi (poet) and Tirumalamba are famous women writers of the Vijayanagar period. • 💡 Only Weaving/Cooking = too narrow; Sea Navigation = not mentioned by any traveler — wrestling and accounting is the specific.
Where did the Aravidu dynasty, the last dynasty of Vijayanagar, initially rule from?
Correct Answer: A. Penukonda
• **Aravidu dynasty** = 4th and last Vijayanagar dynasty, first ruled from **Penukonda** (not Hampi). • After Hampi's destruction in **1565**, Tirumala Deva Raya shifted capital to Penukonda in Andhra. • Capital later moved to **Chandragiri**, then Vellore — empire shrank southward over time. • 💡 Badami = Chalukya capital; Hampi = destroyed in **1565**; Mysore = Wadiyar kingdom — Aravidu initially ruled from Penukonda.
Who was the ruler of Odisha (Gajapati Kingdom) defeated by Krishnadevaraya?
Correct Answer: D. Prataparudra Deva
• **Prataparudra Deva** = Gajapati ruler of Odisha defeated by Krishnadevaraya in eastern campaigns. • Peace treaty signed — Krishnadevaraya **married Gajapati princess** Jaganmohini Devi. • Krishnadevaraya composed 'Amuktamalyada' partly during these eastern campaigns. • 💡 Kapilendra Deva = earlier powerful Gajapati (15th century); Anangabhima/Purushottama = other Gajapati rulers — Prataparudra was contemporary of Krishnadevaraya.
What was the standard gold coin of the Vijayanagar Empire called?
Correct Answer: C. Varaha (Pagoda)
• **Varaha (Pagoda)** = standard gold coin of Vijayanagar, featuring the **Varaha avatar** of Vishnu. • Called **'Pagoda'** by Portuguese traders — highly regarded for weight and purity in trade. • Vijayanagar also had silver 'Tara' and copper 'Jital' coins for smaller transactions. • 💡 Jital = copper coin; Dinar = Islamic/Sultanate coin; Tanka = Delhi Sultanate silver coin — Varaha/Pagoda was Vijayanagar's gold standard.