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 founded the Saluva dynasty, the second dynasty of the empire. He was a powerful military commander who usurped the throne to save the empire from chaos. He ruled from 1485 to 1491 AD.
Who was the Portuguese traveler who visited Vijayanagar during the reign of Achyuta Deva Raya?
Correct Answer: A. Fernao Nuniz
Fernao Nuniz visited the Vijayanagar Empire during the reign of Achyuta Deva Raya. He was a horse trader and chronicler who wrote about the history of the empire. His writings detail the Mahanavami festival and the market prices.
Which dynasty ruled the Vijayanagar Empire at the time of the Battle of Talikota?
Correct Answer: B. Tuluva
The Tuluva dynasty was in power during the Battle of Talikota in 1565. The puppet king was Sadasiva Raya, but the de facto power lay with his minister Rama Raya. The defeat in this battle marked the beginning of the empire's decline.
The 'Kalyana Mandapa' with carved pillars is a distinctive feature of which architectural style?
Correct Answer: B. Vijayanagar Style
The Kalyana Mandapa (marriage hall) was a prominent feature of Vijayanagar temple architecture. These halls featured elaborately carved pillars often depicting hippogryphs and horses. The Vitthala and Virupaksha temples contain excellent examples.
Who was the famous Vedic scholar and commentator associated with the founding of Vijayanagar?
Correct Answer: C. Sayana
Sayana was a renowned Sanskrit scholar and commentator on the Vedas. He, along with his brother Vidyaranya, inspired Harihara and Bukka to establish the empire. He served as a minister in the early Vijayanagar court.
What was the term used for the village administrative functionaries in the Vijayanagar Empire?
Correct Answer: B. Ayagars
The 'Ayagar' system was used for village administration. It consisted of a body of 12 functionaries known as Ayagars who managed village affairs. They were paid through tax-free lands known as Manyams.
During the Vijayanagar period, women were known to be experts in which of the following fields?
Correct Answer: C. Wrestling and Accounting
Foreign travelers like Nuniz noted that women in Vijayanagar held various positions. They were experts in wrestling, astrology, accounting, and music. Some women also served as guards and bearers in the royal palace.
Where did the Aravidu dynasty, the last dynasty of Vijayanagar, initially rule from?
Correct Answer: A. Penukonda
After the destruction of Hampi in 1565, the capital was shifted to Penukonda. Tirumala Deva Raya established the Aravidu dynasty there to keep the empire alive. Later, the capital was moved further south to Chandragiri.
Who was the ruler of Odisha (Gajapati Kingdom) defeated by Krishnadevaraya?
Correct Answer: D. Prataparudra Deva
Krishnadevaraya defeated Prataparudra Deva, the Gajapati ruler of Odisha. After the war, a peace treaty was signed, and Krishnadevaraya married the Gajapati princess. This victory secured the eastern frontiers of the Vijayanagar Empire.
What was the standard gold coin of the Vijayanagar Empire called?
Correct Answer: C. Varaha (Pagoda)
The standard gold coin was called Varaha or Pagoda by foreign traders. It typically featured the image of a boar (Varaha), an avatar of Vishnu. The weight and purity of these coins were highly regarded in international trade.