Synonyms
More meanings
Tip: select a single word for meaning & synonyms.
Select multiple words normally to copy text.
New Architecture (Hampi): NBSE Class 12 (Arts) History answers
Get summary, textual answers, solutions, notes, extras, PDF to NBSE Class 12 (Arts) History (Themes in Indian History) chapter 6 “New Architecture: Hampi”. However, the educational materials should only be used for reference and students are encouraged to make necessary changes.
Summary
The chapter presents a thorough and detailed examination of the history and architecture of the Vijayanagara Empire, a prominent power in South India from the 14th to the 16th centuries. Organized into several sections, the chapter delves into various aspects of the empire, providing a rich understanding of its magnificence and significance in the context of South Indian history.
The narrative begins with the captivating discovery of Hampi, the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, by two 19th-century British officials who were astonished by the city’s magnificent ruins. The chapter also highlights the cultural significance of rituals associated with the city, such as the Mahanavami Dibba festival, offering insights into the customs and traditions of the empire.
Detailed descriptions of the Vitthala temple at Hampi are provided, including its architectural features and the exquisite frescoes that decorate its walls. The chapter delves into the architectural traditions that influenced Vijayanagara architects and how they ingeniously adapted and transformed these styles to create distinctive and iconic structures. Additionally, the chapter examines the city layout of Vijayanagara, offering insights into the lives of its ordinary citizens, the various buildings, and the palaces constructed by the rulers. It provides a glimpse into the daily lives, living conditions, and social dynamics of the people who once resided in this remarkable city.
Furthermore, the chapter investigates the impressive fortifications of the Vijayanagara Empire, describing how they captivated the Persian ambassador Abdur Razzak during the 15th century. It also discusses the expansion and consolidation policies of Krishnadeva Raya, one of the empire’s most celebrated rulers, delving into his strategies and accomplishments during his reign.
The chapter explores the Nayakas, successors of the Vijayanagara rulers, and their continuation of the building traditions established by their predecessors. It also examines the reasons why the rulers of Vijayanagara adopted earlier traditions of spiritual architecture and how they integrated these elements into their own constructions.
Textual questions and answers
Very Short Answer Type Questions
1. Give one feature of Vijaynagar style of temple architecture.
Answer: The Vijayanagar style of temple architecture is characterised by strong enclosures, usually with a sanctum, porch, garbhagriha, antarala, mandapa, and a rangamandapa.
2. What is the style of the structure of king’s court at Vijaynagar?
Answer: The king’s court at Vijayanagar is known for its impressive platforms such as the audience hall and the Mahanavami Dibba, surrounded by high double walls.
3. What do you know about the granite chariot of the Sun god outside the Vitthal temple at Hampi?
Answer: The granite chariot of the Sun god outside the Vitthal temple at Hampi is an iconic stone chariot representing the rich architectural heritage of the Vijayanagar Empire.
4. Name the means of irrigation in the kingdom of Vijaynagar.
Answer: The means of irrigation in the kingdom of Vijaynagar included numerous canals, tanks, water reservoir embankments, check dams, erosion control walls, and wells.
5. What was the main purpose of building forts at Vijaynagar?
Answer: The main purpose of building forts at Vijaynagar was to provide protection against invasions and symbolize the authority of the rulers.
Short Answer Type Questions
1. Describe the Vijayanagara or Hampi style of architecture.
Answer: The Vijayanagara architecture (Hampi architecture) of the period (1336-1565) was a unique building style evolved by the imperial Vijayanagara empire. It ruled the whole of South India from its capital city of Vijayanagara on the Tungabhadra River in Karnataka. The Vijayanagara rulers built a number of temples, monuments, palaces, and other structures over South India, with the largest concentration located at its capital. The monuments in and around Hampi, in the Vijayanagara principality, are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Besides building new temples, the Vijayanagara empire added new structures and made modifications to hundreds of existing temples across South India. Some structures at Vijayanagara are from pre-Vijayanagara period. The Mahakuta temples are from the Western Chalukya era. The region around here had been a popular place of worship for centuries before the Vijayanagara period with earliest records dating from AD 689 when it was known as Pampa Tirtha after the local river Goddess Pampa.
The Vijayanagara architecture can be broadly classified into religious, courtly, and civic architectures. It combines Chalukya, Hoysala, Pandya, and Chola styles, characterized by a return to the simplistic and serene art. Local hard granite was preferred in the Badami Chalukya style, although soapstone was used for a few reliefs and sculptures. Artists employed plaster to give rough surfaces a smooth finish and then painted them with lively colors.
Hampi temples like Hazara Rama, Balakrishna, and Virupaksha are usually surrounded by strong enclosures. Medium-sized temples have a sanctum, a hall, and a porch. Larger temples have more complex structures with large halls supported by numerous pillars, often adorned with carvings from Hindu mythology.
2. “Mahanavami Dibba was a typical structure of Vijaynagara.” Justify the statement.
Answer: The Mahanavami Dibba is a significant structure within the Vijayanagara Empire, highlighting its architectural and cultural grandeur. Located in the Royal Enclosure, it is a large platform rising from a base of about 11,000 square feet to a height of 40 feet. The platform is covered with intricate relief carvings, showcasing the craftsmanship of the period.
The structure served as a stage for the Mahanavami festival, a major annual event marked by various rituals and ceremonies. These included worship of state horses, sacrifices, dances, wrestling matches, and processions of caparisoned horses, elephants, chariots, and soldiers. The Mahanavami festival was an occasion for the Vijayanagara kings to display their power and prestige, making the Dibba an important symbol of royal authority and cultural identity.
The Mahanavami Dibba’s strategic location on one of the highest points in the city provided an excellent vantage point for the king and his court to view the festivities. This positioning also reinforced the connection between the ruler and the divine, as the height of the platform symbolized the elevated status of the king.
In essence, the Mahanavami Dibba encapsulates the essence of Vijayanagara architecture with its grandeur, detailed carvings, and its role in the socio-political and religious life of the empire. It stands as a testament to the sophisticated urban planning and architectural prowess that defined the Vijayanagara period.
3. What do you know about the temple of Virupaksha?
Answer: The Virupaksha Temple is one of the oldest and most important temples in the Vijayanagara Empire, located in Hampi. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva, known here as Virupaksha, and serves as the guardian deity of the Vijayanagara kings. The temple has a long history, dating back to the 7th century, with significant additions and renovations carried out during the Vijayanagara period.
The temple complex consists of a sanctum, three ante chambers, a pillared hall, and an open pillared hall. It also includes a large temple kitchen, a courtyard, and a few smaller shrines. The entrance of the temple is marked by a towering gopuram, or gateway tower, which is intricately decorated with carvings and sculptures.
Inside the temple, the ceiling of the Ranga Mandapa (the hall preceding the sanctum) is adorned with paintings depicting various scenes from Hindu mythology, including the ten incarnations of Vishnu. The central sanctum houses the main deity, Virupaksha, in the form of a lingam.
The Virupaksha Temple has remained an active site of worship for centuries, surviving the fall of the Vijayanagara Empire and continuing to attract devotees and tourists. Its architectural brilliance, combined with its religious significance, makes it a key monument in understanding the cultural heritage of the Vijayanagara period.
4. Describe the contribution of John Marshall in the Indian archaeology.
Answer: John Marshall was a pioneering figure in Indian archaeology, serving as the Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) from 1902 to 1928. His contributions significantly advanced the study and preservation of India’s ancient heritage.
Marshall’s most notable achievement was the discovery and excavation of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization sites of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro in present-day Pakistan. This discovery pushed back the known history of Indian civilization by several millennia and provided insights into the sophisticated urban planning and culture of the Indus Valley people.
He also initiated systematic excavations at other significant sites, including Sanchi, Sarnath, and Taxila, revealing important aspects of Buddhist and early Indian history. His work at Sanchi helped in the preservation and restoration of the Great Stupa and other monuments, which are now recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Marshall emphasized the importance of using scientific methods in archaeology, including careful excavation techniques, detailed documentation, and the conservation of artifacts. He also promoted the publication of findings, making archaeological knowledge accessible to both scholars and the general public.
Through his efforts, Marshall laid the foundation for modern archaeological practices in India and left a lasting legacy in the preservation and understanding of the country’s rich historical heritage.
5. Describe the features of the temples built by Vijayanagara rulers.
Answer: The temples built by the Vijayanagara rulers are renowned for their distinct architectural features, which blend the styles of previous South Indian dynasties, such as the Chalukyas, Hoysalas, Pandyas, and Cholas. These temples are characterized by their grandeur, intricate carvings, and complex structures.
A prominent feature of Vijayanagara temples is the towering gopuram, or gateway tower, which serves as the entrance to the temple complex. These gopurams are elaborately decorated with sculptures of deities, mythological figures, and floral motifs, showcasing the artistic skills of the period.
The main sanctum, or garbhagriha, houses the primary deity of the temple and is often surrounded by additional shrines dedicated to other gods and goddesses. The sanctum is usually connected to a pillared hall, or mandapa, which serves as a space for devotees to gather and participate in religious ceremonies.
Many Vijayanagara temples also feature a kalyanamandapa, or ceremonial hall, used for conducting marriages and other significant rituals. These halls are supported by intricately carved pillars, often depicting scenes from Hindu mythology and everyday life.
The use of local hard granite is a distinctive characteristic of Vijayanagara temple architecture. While granite provided durability, artists employed plaster to smooth out the rough surfaces and painted them with vibrant colors, adding to the visual appeal of the temples.
Long Answer Type Questions
1. Describe the features of the temples built by Vijayanagara rulers.
Answer: The features of the temples built by Vijayanagara rulers are as follows:
The Vijayanagara style is a combination of Chalukya, Hoysala, Pandya, and Chola styles. The local hard granite was preferred, although soapstone was used for a few reliefs and sculptures. To cover the unevenness of the stone used in sculptures, artists employed plaster to give the rough surface a smooth finish and then painted it with lively colours.
The Hampi or Vijayanagara temples are usually surrounded by strong enclosures like walls or fences. A small shrine usually has a garbhagriha, a sanctum, and a porch. Medium-sized temples have a garbhagriha, a shukanasi which is a small room leading to a large room, an outer mandapa or hall, and a rangamandapa which is a hall supported by pillars. Large temples have halls and a Rayagopuram built with wood, brick, and stucco. The term Raya is added to indicate a gopuram built by Vijayanagara Raya rulers. The top of the gopuram has a Shalashikhara resembling a barrel made to rest on its side, and large life-sized figures of men, women, Gods, and Goddesses adorn the gopuram.
Medium-sized temples also have a closed circumambulatory passage round the sanctum, an open mahamandapa or large hall, a kalyanamandapa or ceremonial hall, and a temple tank for annual ceremonies and festivals. The temples have pillars often with engravings of charging horses or hippogryphs. The horses are shown standing on their hind legs with their forelegs lifted and riders on their backs, standing seven to eight feet tall. The other side of the pillar usually has carvings from Hindu mythology. Pillars that do not have such hippogryphs are generally rectangular with mythological themes sculptured on all sides. Some pillars have a cluster of smaller pillars around a central pillar shaft, and the bottom supports have engravings of gods and goddesses.
The mandapas are built on square or polygonal plinths with carved friezes that are four or five feet high and have ornate stepped entrances on all four sides with miniature elephants or yali balustrades. The mandapas are supported by ornate pillars, and the thousand-pillared style with large halls was popular. Large temples also have a separate shrine for female deities.
2. Write an essay on the Vitthala temple at Hampi.
Answer: The Vitthala temple at Hampi is a famous and impressive structure. The traveller Paes described it by stating that the outer side of the gate of the temple up to the roof is covered with copper and gilded, and on each side of the roof on the top are certain great animals that look like tigers, all gilt. As you enter the idol shrine, you perceive from pillar to pillar that it is supported by many little holes in which stand oil lamps that burn every night, numbering between 2500 to 3000.
Even today, although it has been stripped of all but its stone, the Vitthala temple remains an impressive sight. The delicate flowers, fearsome beasts, fluid dancers with sensuous curves, and mesmerising mandalas have lost nothing of what their creators intended to communicate. In some places, remnants of ancient colour still mark the walls.
Outside, in a central courtyard, the granite chariot of the sun god stands proudly. Its stone wheels could still be turned by hand until a few years ago when the authorities sealed them to prevent damage. The architecture of the Vitthala temple strikes a fascinating balance between delicate craftsmanship and awesome presence. It is also noted as an example of a large temple that has a separate shrine for female deities.
3. Identify the rituals and practices associated with the Mahanavami Dibba, a structure in the Royal Centre of Vijananagara Empire.
Answer: The rituals and practices associated with the Mahanavami Dibba were part of a grand festival. The rituals probably coincided with Mahanavami, the great ninth day of the ten-day festival known variously as Dussehra in northern India, Durga Puja in Bengal, and Navaratri in South India. This occasion was used by the Vijayanagara kings to display their prestige, power, and suzerainty.
Many ceremonies were performed on this occasion. These included:
- Worship of the image.
- Worship of the state horse.
- The sacrifice of buffaloes and other animals.
The occasion was also marked by dances, wrestling matches, and processions of caparisoned horses, elephants, chariots, and soldiers. A key practice was the ritual presentation before the king and his guests by the chief nayakas and subordinate kings. These ceremonies carried deep symbolic meanings.
On the last day of the Mahanavami festival, the king inspected his army and the armies maintained by the nayakas in a grand ceremony in an open place. On this occasion, the nayakas brought rich presents for the king as well as the stipulated tribute.
4. What impression of the lives of the ordinary people of Vijayanagara can you cult from the various descriptions given about it?
Answer: From the descriptions given, I can form an impression that the ordinary people of Vijayanagara lived in well-organized communities, though direct archaeological evidence of their houses is scarce.
The 16th-century Portuguese traveller Barbosa wrote that the houses of the ordinary people were thatched, but nonetheless well built and arranged according to occupations, in long streets with many open places. This suggests an organized urban layout. For transport, people used boats that were round like baskets, made of cane, and covered with leather, capable of carrying fifteen to twenty people.
Field surveys indicate that the entire area was dotted with numerous shrines and small temples, pointing to the existence of a variety of cults, perhaps supported by different communities. This suggests a rich and diverse religious life among the common people. For their water needs, they likely used wells, rainwater tanks, and temple tanks.
However, much about their lives remains unknown. We do not know much about the ordinary men, women, and children who formed the vast majority of the population, what they thought about the magnificent buildings, or if they had access to areas within the king’s Royal Enclosure.
5. Outline the distinctive features of the Virupaksha temple and the Vithala temple in the Royal Centre of Vijayanagara Empire.
Answer: The distinctive features of the Virupaksha temple and the Vithala temple are as follows:
The Virupaksha temple is the shrine of the guardian deity of the Vijayanagara kingdom. The kings of Vijayanagara claimed to rule on behalf of the god Virupaksha. The temple is the centre of the town of Hampi. At the end of the 18th century, the shrine was thoroughly renovated, which included the repair of the entrance gopuram and the cleaning and decoration of the ceiling paintings inside. A plan of the temple shows it contains a shrine and a tank.
The Vithala temple is another impressive sight. A distinctive feature is the granite chariot of the sun god that stands in its central courtyard. The temple’s architecture is known for its delicate craftsmanship and awesome presence, featuring carvings of delicate flowers, fearsome beasts, and fluid dancers. The traveller Paes described its gate as being covered with copper and gilded, with gilt tiger-like animals on the roof, and thousands of oil lamps lighting the interior. Like other large temples of the period, it also has a separate shrine for female deities.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. When was the Vijayanagar Empire founded?
A. 11th century
B. 12th century
C. 13th century
D. 14th century
Answer: D. 14th century
2. Who founded the Vijayanagar Empire?
A. Harihar
B. Bukka
C. Vijya
D. (a) and (b) both
Answer: D. (a) and (b) both
3. What did the Vijayanagar rulers call themselves?
A. Rai
B. Shah
C. Dev
D. Samrat
Answer: A. Rai
4. Vijayanagar was famous for:
A. Spices
B. Clothes
C. Gem stones
D. All the above
Answer: D. All the above
5. Who was the famous ruler of Vijayanagara?
A. Krishnadevaraya
B. Harihar
C. Krishnadevaraya III
D. Bukka
Answer: A. Krishnadevaraya
Competency-Based Questions
Multiple Choice Questions
1. Identify the dynasty of Vijayanagara with the help of the following information:
i. Harihara and Bukka belonged to this dynasty.
ii. They built Hiriya canal.
iii. It was the first dynasty of Vijayanagara empire.
A. Sangama B. Saluva C. Tuluva D. Aravidu
Answer: A. Sangama
2. Fill in the blank: In the Vijayanagara Empire, Nayakas and Amar Nayakas were regarded as powerful because both ______.
A. owned the most fertile land in the kingdom
B. had friendly relations with the Sultans
C. managed and controlled the temples
D. offered military support to the King
Answer: D. offered military support to the King
3. Why was Vijayanagar named as Hampi? Select the appropriate option from the following:
A. This name was given by Krishanadeva Raya to Vijayanagar.
B. This name was derived by Colin Meckenzie, an antiquarian.
C. This name was derived from the local goddess named Pampadevi.
D. This name was devoted to Vithhla and Virupaksha deities.
Answer: C. This name was derived from the local goddess named Pampadevi.
4. Read the following statements:
A. Krishnadeva Raya’s rule was characterised by expansion and consolidation.
B. There was peace and prosperity in his empire.
C. He was credited with building some fine temples.
D. He was defeated in the Battle of Rakshi Tangadi.
Which of the above statements are related to Krishnadeva Raya?
A. Only 1
B. 1, 2, and 3
C. 1, 3, and 4
D. 1, 2, and 4
Answer: B. 1, 2, and 3
5. Match the following:
(i) Colin Mackenzie travelled to Vijayanagar (A) 1986
(ii) Hampi was declared a UNESCO site in (B) 1800
(iii) Attack and destruction of Vijayanagara (C) 1509 – 1529
(iv) Reign of Krishnadeva Raya (D) 1565
Options:
A. (i) (C), (ii) (B), (iii) (D), (iv) (A)
B. (i) (A), (ii) (B), (iii) (C), (iv) (D)
C. (i) (B), (ii) (A), (iii) (D), (iv) (C)
D. (i) (D), (ii) (C), (iii) (A), (iv) (B)
Answer: C. (i) (B), (ii) (A), (iii) (D), (iv) (C)
Case-based Questions
1. Read the following passage and give answers to the questions:
Giving the description of Vijaynagar, Domingo writes, “The size of this city I do not write here, because it cannot all be seen from any one spot but I climbed a hill whence I could see a great part of it. I could not see it all because it lies between several ranges of hills. What I saw from thence seemed to me as large as Rome and very beautiful to the sight, there are many groves of trees within it, in the gardens of the houses and many conduits of water which flows into the midst of it and in places there are lakes and the king has close to his palace a palmgroove and other rich fruit bearing trees.”
(i) Why Paes could not write about the size of the city?
Answer: Because it cannot all be seen from any one spot.
(ii) What was his impression about the size of the city?
Answer: It seemed to him as large as Rome and very beautiful to the sight.
(iii) What did he like about the city?
Answer: He liked the many groves of trees within it, in the gardens of the houses and many conduits of water which flows into the midst of it and in places there are lakes and the king has close to his palace a palmgroove and other rich fruit bearing trees.
2. Read the following case given carefully and answer the questions that follows:
Colin Mackenzie Born in 1754, Colin Mackenzie became famous as an engineer, surveyor and cartographer. In 1815 he was appointed the first Surveyor General of India, a post he held till his death in 1821. He embarked on collecting local histories and surveying historic sites in order to better understand India’s past and make governance of the colony easier. He says that “it struggled long under the miseries of bad management … before the South came under the benign influence of the British Government”. By studying Vijayanagara, Mackenzie believed that the East India Company could gain “much useful information on many of these institutions, laws and customs whose influence still prevails among the various Tribes of Natives forming the general mass of the population to this day”.
(i) Who was Colin Mackenzie?
Answer: Colin Mackenzie was an engineer, surveyor, and cartographer who became the first Surveyor General of India in 1815.
(ii) How did Mackenzie try to rediscover the Vijayanagar empire?
Answer: Mackenzie embarked on collecting local histories and surveying historic sites.
(iii) How was the study of the Vijayanagar useful to the East India Company?
Answer: Mackenzie believed that by studying Vijayanagara, the East India Company could gain much useful information on many of these institutions, laws and customs whose influence still prevails among the various Tribes of Natives forming the general mass of the population to this day.
Additional/Extra questions and answers
1. What event crippled the great kingdom of Vijayanagara?
Answer: The decisive battle of Talikota in 1565.
2. Who was the first British antiquarian to visit the ruins of Hampi?
Answer: Colin Mackenzie.
3. Which empire was founded by brothers Harihara and Bukka Raya in AD 1336?
Answer: The Vijayanagara Empire.
5. What was the importance of horse trade during the Vijayanagara Empire?
Answer: Horse trade was important for the rival kingdoms during the Vijayanagara Empire because warfare depended mainly upon powerful cavalry. The import of fine breed horses from Arabia and Central Asia was crucial for maintaining military strength.
6. Describe the activities undertaken to study and preserve the ruins of Hampi.
Answer: The activities undertaken to study and preserve the ruins of Hampi include the collection of inscriptions, photography in the 1850s and 1860s, clearing and repairing structures under the Archaeological Survey of India, and the publication of works such as A Forgotten Empire by Sewell. In the late 1970s, a National Project further stimulated clearing work and extensive excavation of the palace area by central and state archaeologists.
Q. Explain the interaction between the Vijayanagara Empire and its rival powers.
Answer: The Vijayanagara Empire was surrounded by several rival powers, including the Sultans of the Deccan and the Gajapati rulers of Orissa, with whom they competed for control of fertile river valleys and resources generated by lucrative overseas trade. Interaction between these states led to the exchange of ideas, especially in the sphere of architecture. The empire included within its fluctuating frontiers peoples who spoke different languages and were followers of different religions, further enriching its cultural diversity.
Q. Discuss the role of trade in the Vijayanagara Empire and the impact of the Portuguese arrival.
Answer: Trade played a crucial role in the Vijayanagara Empire, as the city was famous for its markets dealing in spices, textiles, and precious stones. The status symbol of such cities depended upon their trade, which attracted a wealthy population demanding high-value foreign goods. The revenue derived from trade contributed much to the state’s prosperity. Horse trade was important, initially dominated by Arab traders and later by local Kudirai Chettis. From 1498, the Portuguese arrived on the scene, settling on the west coast of India and establishing trading and military stations. Their superiority in military technology helped them become important players in the politics of the time, further shaping the dynamics of trade and power in the region.
Q. Which dynasty was founded by Narasimha and ruled from 1486 to 1492?
Answer: The Saluva Dynasty.
Q. Who was the greatest ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire?
Answer: Krishnadeva Raya.
Q. What was the chief characteristic of Krishna Deva’s rule?
Answer: He was a great warrior and brought unparalleled peace and prosperity to his kingdom.
Q. Name the dynasties in the order they ruled the Vijayanagara Empire.
Answer: Sangama Dynasty, Saluva Dynasty, Tuluva Dynasty, and Aravidu Dynasty.
Q. Which battle led to the decline of the Vijayanagara Empire?
Answer: The Battle of Talikota in 1565.
Q. Describe the relationship between the rulers of Vijayanagara and the Nayakas.
Answer: The Nayakas were military chiefs who controlled forts and had armed supporters. They often submitted to the authority of the kings of Vijayanagara but sometimes revolted against them, requiring military action. The Amara Nayaka system was established, wherein the Amara-nayakas were military commanders given territories to govern. They collected taxes and sent tribute to the king, and the kings sometimes transferred them to maintain control. After the Battle of Talikota, many Nayakas set up independent kingdoms, leading to the collapse of the Vijayanagara Empire.
Q. What role did the Amara-nayakas play in the Vijayanagara Empire?
Answer: The Amara-nayakas were military commanders governing territories on behalf of the Vijayanagara rulers. They collected taxes, maintained a fighting force, and sent tribute to the king. Their role was crucial in conquering and controlling the southern peninsula under the Vijayanagara Empire.
Q. Explain the significance of the Virupaksha temple in the choice of the site for the Vijayanagara capital.
Answer: The site of Vijayanagara was likely chosen due to the existence of the shrine of Virupaksha (a form of ShivA. and Padmadevi (the local mother goddess). The area was associated with sacred traditions, with many temples and a long history. The kings of Vijayanagara claimed to rule on behalf of god Virupaksha, signifying the importance of the temple in the choice of the capital’s location.
Q. What was the impact of Rama Raya’s aggressive policy on the relations between the Vijayanagara Empire and the Bahmani Sultans?
Answer: Rama Raya’s aggressive policy, which involved playing off one Sultan against another, led to the Sultans joining hands and defeating him in the decisive Battle of Talikota. This greatly weakened the Vijayanagara Empire and shifted the focus of the empire to the east.
Q. Briefly describe the innovations and achievements of Krishnadeva Raya’s reign.
Answer: Krishnadeva Raya was a great warrior who expanded his kingdom by defeating various adversaries like Adil Shah of Bijapur, occupying parts of Mysore, and extending sovereignty over modern Tamil land. He built dams for irrigation, magnificent palaces, and temples, and added impressive gopurams to famous South Indian temples. He also founded a suburban township called Nagalapuram after his mother. Krishnadeva Raya was a great scholar, patronized learned men, and made liberal grants to the Brahmans. The empire flourished under his rule with peace and prosperity.
Q. What are the three classifications of Vijayanagara architecture?
Answer: The three classifications of Vijayanagara architecture are religious, courtly, and civic architectures.
Q. What building style did the Vijayanagara Empire’s architecture evolve from?
Answer: The Vijayanagara Empire’s architecture evolved from a combination of Chalukya, Hoysala, Pandya, and Chola styles, which were developed during the centuries when these empires ruled.
Q. Describe the materials and techniques used in the construction of Vijayanagara temples.
Answer: During the Vijayanagara period, the local hard granite was the preferred material, although soapstone was used for a few reliefs and sculptures. The use of granite reduced the density of sculptured works, but it made the temple structure more durable. To cover the unevenness of the stone used in sculptures, artists employed plaster to give the rough surface a smooth finish and then painted it with lively colors.
Q. Explain the structure of a large Vijayanagara temple.
Answer: A large Vijayanagara temple typically consists of several elements. It has a garbhagriha (sanctum), a hukanasi (a small room leading to a large room), an outer mandapa (hall), and a rungamandapa (a hall supported by pillars). Large temples also have a Rayagopuram built with wood, brick, and stucco. The top of the gopuram has a Shalashikhara resembling a barrel made to rest on its side. Large life-sized figures of men, women, gods, and goddesses adorn the gopuram. Additionally, medium-sized temples have a closed circumambulatory passage around the sanctum, an open mahamandapa, kalyanamandapa, and a temple tank for annual ceremonies and festivals.
Q. Describe the pillars found in Hampi temples.
Answer: The Hampi temples have pillars with engravings of charging horses or hippogryphs, with horses standing on their hind legs and riders on their backs. These horses can be seven to eight feet tall. On the other side of the pillar are carvings from Hindu mythology. Pillars without hippogryphs are generally rectangular with mythological themes sculptured on all sides. Some pillars have a cluster of smaller pillars around a central pillar shaft, and the bottom supports of these pillars have engravings of gods and goddesses.
Q. What are the unique features of the mandapas in Hampi temples?
Answer: The mandapas in Hampi temples are built on square or polygonal plinths with carved friezes that are four or five feet high. They have ornate stepped entrances on all four sides with miniature elephants or with yali balustrades. The mandapas are supported by ornate pillars. The thousand-pillared style with large halls supported by numerous pillars was popular during this period, as seen in the Virupaksha Temple at Hampi.
Q.What did the Portuguese travelers Paes and Nuniz mention about the Hampi bazaar?
Answer: Paes and Nuniz mentioned that the Hampi bazaar was home to many merchants and that one could find all sorts of rubies, diamonds, emeralds, pearls, and seed pearls, as well as various cloths available for purchase.
Q.How has the town layout of Hampi remained consistent since the times of Krishnadeva Raya?
Answer: The town layout of Hampi remains consistent with the times of Krishnadeva Raya, with an arrow-straight central carriageway cleaving the chaos of the bazaar and being dominated by temples at both ends.
Q. Describe the architecture of the palaces and buildings in the Vijayanagara Empire.
Answer: The palaces and buildings in the Vijayanagara Empire were built on raised platforms made of granite, with multiple tiers of moldings and well-decorated high walls. They featured floral decorations, Kritimukha shapes, geese, elephants, and occasionally human figures. Pillars, beams, and rafters were made of wood, with roofs made of brick or lime concrete. Copper and ivory were used for the canopy (finial). Palaces commonly had multiple levels, with staircases decorated with balustrades featuring either yali or elephant sculptures. Water tanks, wells, and shrines were also common structures within palace complexes.
Q. How did the secular architectural style of the king’s court and other buildings in the Vijayanagara Empire show Islamic influences?
Answer: The secular architectural style of the king’s court and other buildings in the Vijayanagara Empire showed Islamic influences in structures such as the Lotus Mahal Palace, elephant stables, and watchtowers. Buildings of the king’s courts and domed structures were built with mortar mixed with stone rubble.
Q. Describe the King’s Enclosure at Hampi and its significance during the time of Krishnadeva Raya.
Answer: The King’s Enclosure at Hampi was an important building and the center of royal activities during the time of Krishnadeva Raya. Although not much more than the foundation stands today, it was a place of decadence and debauchery. The Portuguese traveler Paes recounted the lavish lifestyle of the king, who lived within the enclosure with his wives and their 12,000 attendants. The king’s dais, which still dominates the enclosure, provided a vantage point to view the festivities and magnificence. The queen’s bath, once a symbol of luxury, now stands dry, and the once-proud buildings are demolished. However, the tales and aura of the King’s Enclosure live on.
Q. How were boats on the Tungabhadra River during the time of the Vijayanagara Empire described, and do these boats still exist today?
Answer: Boats on the Tungabhadra River during the time of the Vijayanagara Empire were described as being round like baskets, made of cane on the inside and covered with leather on the outside. These boats, capable of carrying 15-20 people, were rowed with paddles and always turned round as they couldn’t go straight. These boats still exist today and can be hired from the Ghat near the Hampi bazaar.
Q. What are the two platforms in the king’s Royal enclosure?
Answer: The two platforms in the king’s Royal enclosure are the “audience hall” and the “Mahanavami Dibba”.
Q. What was the purpose of the Mahanavami Dibba?
Answer: The Mahanavami Dibba was a very large platform that was used during the Mahanavami festival to showcase the prestige, power, and suzerainty of the Vijayanagara kings. The festival included worship of images, state horses, and animal sacrifices, as well as dances, wrestling matches, and processions of caparisoned horses, elephants, chariots, and soldiers. Ritual presentations before the king and his guests by chief nayakas and subordinate kings were also held on this occasion.
Q. Describe the forts built during the Vijayanagara period.
Answer: During the Vijayanagara period, forts and fortified settlements were built as symbols of authority and protection against invasions. Narsimha Raya built forts at Chandragiri and Vellore. The city itself was designed as a fortress with massive stone and earthen walls, hilltop fortresses, and watchtowers. Fortifications were made on every possible entry into the main metropolitan area and other crucial locations. Other defensive features included watch posts, bastions along roads, gates, and hilltops that allowed for maximum visibility. The forts also housed magnificent palaces and were alive with harems and glitter.
Q. What kind of irrigation facilities were present in the metropolitan city of Vijayanagara?
Answer: Although the environs of Vijayanagara appeared barren, extensive deforestation and numerous agricultural sites were present. A variety of innovative irrigation methods were used to make the city self-sufficient in food. Canals were dug out to provide a perennial water supply to fertile land bordering the Tungabhadra river. Many of these canals and water storage tanks, such as the Kamalapura tank, are still in use today. Intensive surveys have shown the presence of 60 water reservoir embankments, check dams, erosion control walls, and wells in the area.
Q. What information do we have about the houses of ordinary people in Vijayanagara?
Answer: The 16th-century Portuguese traveler Barbosa mentioned that the houses of ordinary people were thatched but well-built and arranged according to occupations in long streets with many open places.
35. What evidence has been found regarding the urban life in Vijayanagara?
Answer: Archaeological field surveys have indicated the presence of numerous shrines and small temples in the urban areas, pointing to the existence of a variety of cults supported by different communities. Fine Chinese porcelain found in the north-eastern corner of the urban area suggests that these areas might have been occupied by rich traders, including a Muslim residential area with tombs and mosques that resembled the Mandapas built in the temples of Hampi. Additionally, wells, rainwater tanks, and temple tanks might have served as water sources for the common people living in the towns.
36. What are some unanswered questions about the Vijayanagara Empire that require further research?
Answer: Despite the available information about the Vijayanagara Empire, there are many unanswered questions. For instance, we do not know much about the ordinary men, women, and children who lived in the city and its suburbs, their thoughts about the magnificent buildings, or whether they had access to any areas within the king’s enclosure. We also do not know who possessed the specialized knowledge required for the construction of large projects, who drew the plans for the buildings, and who were the masons, stone cutters, and sculptors who did the actual building work. Questions about the wages given to these workers, the transportation of building materials, and their sources remain unanswered as well. To fully understand these aspects of the Vijayanagara Empire, more information needs to be gathered through continued research and archaeological exploration.
Additional/extra MCQs
1. In which year was the Battle of Talikota fought?
A. 1526 B. 1565 C. 1598 D. 1645
Answer: B. 1565
2. What was the main reason for the decline of the Vijayanagara Empire?
A. Economic crisis B. Natural disasters C. Battle of Talikota D. Internal conflicts
Answer: C. Battle of Talikota
3. Who were the founders of the Vijayanagara Empire?
A. Harihara and Bukka Raya B. Krishnadevaraya and Achyuta Raya C. Vira Narasimha Raya and Sadashiva Raya D. Ramaraya and Tirumala Raya
Answer: A. Harihara and Bukka Raya
4. Which river flows near the city of Vijayanagara?
A. Kaveri B. Godavari C. Tungabhadra D. Krishna
Answer: C. Tungabhadra
5. Who visited the ruins of Hampi and made the first map of the site?
A. Alexander Greenlaw B. Colin Mackenzie C. A.H. Longhurst D. Robert Sewell
Answer: B. Colin Mackenzie
6. Which foreign traders arrived in India in 1498 and impacted the trade and politics of the Vijayanagara Empire?
A. Dutch B. French C. Portuguese D. British
Answer: C. Portuguese
Q. The Vijayanagara Empire was founded during the rule of which Delhi Sultan?
A. Alauddin Khilji B. Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq C. Muhammad bin Tughlaq D. Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Answer: C. Muhammad bin Tughlaq
Q. What was the local community involved in the horse trade in the Vijayanagara Empire called?
A. Kudirai Chettis B. Vaisyas C. Banjaras D. Marwaris
Answer: A. Kudirai Chettis
Q. Which temple in the greater Vijayanagara metropolitan area was thoroughly renovated?
A. Vittala Temple B. Hazara Rama Temple C. Virupaksha Temple D. Achyutaraya Temple
Answer: C. Virupaksha Temple
Q. Which empire was surrounded by rival powers such as the Sultans of the Deccan and the Gajapati rulers of Orissa?
A. Maurya Empire B. Gupta Empire C. Vijayanagara Empire D. Mughal Empire
Answer: C. Vijayanagara Empire
Q. Who founded the Sangama Dynasty?
A. Krishnadeva Raya B. Narasimha C. Narasa Nayak D. Rama Raya
Answer: C. Narasa Nayak
Q. Which dynasty ruled the Vijayanagara Empire from 1492 to 1529?
A. Saluva Dynasty B. Sangama Dynasty C. Tuluva Dynasty D. Aravidu Dynasty
Answer: C. Tuluva Dynasty
Q. In which year did Krishnadeva Raya die?
A. 1529 B. 1542 C. 1565 D. 1486
Answer: A. 1529
Q. Who succeeded Krishnadeva Raya?
A. Narasimha B. Rama Raya C. Narasa Nayak D. Adil Shah
Answer: B. Rama Raya
Q. Which dynasty ruled the Vijayanagara Empire till the end of the 17th century?
A. Sangama Dynasty B. Saluva Dynasty C. Tuluva Dynasty D. Aravidu Dynasty
Answer: D. Aravidu Dynasty
Q. The Battle of Talikota took place in which year?
A. 1529 B. 1542 C. 1565 D. 1486
Answer: C. 1565
Q. What was the name of the suburban township founded by Krishnadeva Raya?
A. Nagalapuram B. Penukonda C. Chandragiri D. Vijayanagara
Answer: A. Nagalapuram
Q. Which god did the kings of Vijayanagara claim to rule on behalf of?
A. Shiva B. Vishnu C. Virupaksha D. Padmadevi
Answer: C. Virupaksha
Q. Which system was a major political innovation of the Vijayanagara Empire?
A. Iqta system B. Feudal system C. Amara Nayaka system D. Vassal system
Answer: C. Amara Nayaka system
Q. Which language did the Nayakas usually speak?
A. Tamil B. Telugu C. Kannada D. Malayalam
Answer: B. Telugu
Q. In which state was the capital city of the Vijayanagara Empire located?
A. Tamil Nadu B. Kerala C. Karnataka D. Andhra Pradesh
Answer: C. Karnataka
Q.Which river is the capital city of Vijayanagara situated on?
A. Cauvery B. Krishna C. Tungabhadra D. Godavari
Answer: C. Tungabhadra
Q. Which UNESCO World Heritage Site is located in the Vijayanagara principality?
A. Mahabalipuram B. Hampi C. Khajuraho D. Ajanta Caves
Answer: B. Hampi
Q. What was the preferred building material during the Vijayanagara period?
A. Marble B. Soapstone C. Granite D. Sandstone
Answer: C. Granite
Q. What is the term used for the hall supported by pillars in a large Vijayanagara temple?
A. Hukanasi B. Rungamandapa C. Mahamandapa D. Kalyanamandapa
Answer: B. Rungamandapa
Q. What is the unique feature found on top of the gopuram in large Vijayanagara temples?
A. Shikhara B. Kalasha C. Amalaka D. Shalashikhara
Answer: D. Shalashikhara
Q. What is the name of the Tamil Dravido influenced style popular during the rule of Krishnadeva Raya?
A. Raya B. Rayagopuram C. Rungamandapa D. Yali
Answer: B. Rayagopuram
Q. What type of balustrades are found in the ornate stepped entrances of Hampi temples?
A. Elephant B. Yali C. Gaja D. Makara
Answer: B. Yali
Q. What is the name of the tank discovered at Hampi?
A. Kalyani B. Pushkarni C. Tirtha D. Kund
Answer: B. Pushkarni
Q. Which architectural style is the Pushkarni tank at Hampi associated with?
A. Eastern Chalukya B. Western Chalukya Hoysala C. Pallava D. Rashtrakuta
Answer: B. Western Chalukya Hoysala
Q.Which two Portuguese travelers visited Hampi in the mid-1500s?
A. Paes and Nuniz B. Vasco da Gama and Cabral C. Albuquerque and Dias D. Magellan and Columbus
Answer: A. Paes and Nuniz
Q.What is the dominant feature at both ends of the central carriageway in Hampi?
A. Palaces B. Gardens C. Marketplaces D. Temples
Answer: D. Temples
Q. What material were the beams in the Vijayanagara palaces made of?
A. Wood B. Granite C. Iron D. Marble
Answer: A. Wood
Q. What was the primary building material for the various successive Nayaka kingdoms?
A. Sandstone B. Limestone C. Granite D. Marble
Answer: C. Granite
Q. Which palace in Hampi is an example of secular architectural style with Islamic influences?
A. Vitthala Temple B. Lotus Mahal Palace C. Virupaksha Temple D. Agareshwara Temple
Answer: B. Lotus Mahal Palace
Q. Which river was mentioned in the context of boat travel during the time of the Vijayanagara Empire?
A. Ganges B. Yamuna C. Godavari D. Tungabhadra
Answer: D. Tungabhadra
Q. What were the decorative water spouts inside the palace complex shaped like?
A. Lions B. Tigers C. Nandi D. Elephants
Answer: C. Nandi
Q. What type of mortar was used in the king’s courts and domed structures of the Vijayanagara Empire?
A. Lime mortar B. Cement mortar C. Gypsum mortar D. Mortar mixed with stone rubble
Answer: D. Mortar mixed with stone rubble
Q. How many oil lamps did the famous Vitthala temple have?
A. 1000 to 2000 B. 2500 to 3000 C. 4000 to 5000 D. 6000 to 7000
Answer: B. 2500 to 3000
Q. Which imaginary beasts were commonly used as supporters for railings in the Vijayanagara palaces?
A. Yali B. Garuda C. Makara D. Naga
Answer: A. Yali
Q. What is the Mahanavami Dibba?
A. Audience hall B. Large platform C. Royal palace D. Fort
Answer: B. Large platform
Q. What is the base size of the Mahanavami Dibba?
A. 5,000 ft. B. 11,000 ft. C. 20,000 ft. D. 30,000 ft.
Answer: B. 11,000 ft.
Q. Which festival is associated with the rituals of the Mahanavami Dibba?
A. Diwali B. Holi C. Dussehra D. Pongal
Answer: C. Dussehra
Q. What ceremonies were performed on Mahanavami?
A. Worship of image B. State horse worship C. Animal sacrifices D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above
Q. Which ruler built forts at Chandragiri and Vellore?
A. Krishnadevaraya B. Achyuta Raya C. Narsimha Raya D. Rama Raya
Answer: C. Narsimha Raya
Q. What percentage of the population was involved in agriculture in Vijayanagara?
A. 10% B. 30% C. 50% D. Significant percentage
Answer: D. Significant percentage
Q. How many water reservoir embankments were found during the intensive survey of the area?
A. 30 B. 60 C. 90 D. 120
Answer: B. 60
Q. What did the Portuguese traveller Barbosa describe about the houses of ordinary people?
A. Thatched B. Brick-built C. Stone-built D. Mud-built
Answer: A. Thatched
Q. What served as sources of water for common people living in the towns?
A. Wells B. Rainwater tanks C. Temple tanks D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above
50. Which group of people is not known to have had access to the areas within the king’s enclosure?
A. Ordinary men B. Women C. Children D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above
