AHSEC Class 12 History Chapter 8: An Imperial Capital: Vijayanagara

On this post, we provide AHSEC Class 12 History Chapter 8: An Imperial Capital: Vijayanagara Notes and important question and answers for the 2025 examination.

After going through this unit you will be able: To know about South Indian political, social, architectural development during the period 14th century to 16th century. To trace the travelers accounts on India who were came from different countries of the world. To discuss about the Vijayanagara kingdom; its political. religious, social, economic condition. To elaborate about the architectural development in South India under the Vijayanagara rulers. To examine how, when and who discovered this beautiful kingdom, which is a rich heritage of India.

Chapter – 8

THEME SEVEN: AN EMPERIAL CAPITAL VIJAYANAGARA

(c. Fourteenth to Sixteenth Century)

Table of Contents

Ahsec Class 12 History Chapter 8 Model questions and Answer for 1 mark: (very short type)

1. What is Gopuram? 1mark (2018)

Ans: A Gopuram or Gopura, is a monumental tower, usually ornate, at the entrance of the temple.

2. Name the town built by Krishnadevaraya near Vijayanagar in memory of his mother. 1mark (2015)

Ans: Nagalapura town.

3. Who was the most famous ruler of Vijayanagara? 1mark (HS 2014, 2024 )

Ans: Krishnadeva Raya was the most popular ruler.

4. When was the Vijayanagara kingdom founded? 1 (2013)

Ans: 1336 A.D.

5. Who founded the Vijayangara empire? 1mark

Ans: Two brother Harihara and Bukka, founded the Vijayanagara Empire.

6. In when Vijayanagara empire founded?

Ans: In 1336 A.D:

7. What do you mean by Gajapati?

Ans: It literally means Lord of elephants. This was the name of ruling lineage that was very powerful in Orissa in the fifteenth century.

8. Who were the Rayas? 1mark

Ans: The rulers of Vijayanagara, who called themselves as raya.

9. Who were Kudirai Chettis?

Ans: Local communities of merchants known as kudirai chettis.

10. Who were Amar-nayakas? 1mark

Ans: Amara-nayakas were military commanders.

11. Name the merchant from Russia to Vijayanagar. 1

Ans: Afanasii Nikitin visited Vijaynagar.

12. Name the Italian trader, who came to Vijayanagar. 1

Ans: Nicolo De Conti.

13. How many temples were there in royal centre?

Ans: There were 60 temples.

14. How Pacs depict “Mahanavami Dibba”? 1mark

Ans: He mentioned it as a ‘house, of victory’.

15. What was the capital of Vijayanagar Empire?

Ans: Hampi was the capital.

16. The official language of the Vijayanagar Dynasty? 1

Ans: Telegu was the official language.

17. Who was the Delhi Sultan at the time of establishments of Vijayanagar Empire?

Ans: Muhammad bin-Tughluq.

18. Who was the most famous ruler of Vijayanagar Dynasty? (HS 2024)

Ans: Krishnadeva Raya.

19. Who wrote The book “Amuktamalyatha”?

Ans: Krishnadeva Raya wrote this book.

20. Which battle is known as “Waterloo of Vijayanagara”? Imark

Ans: Battle of Thalikota.

Ahsec Class 12 History Chapter 8 Model questions and Answer for 2 Marks:

1. Who first discovered Hampi and when? 2 (2017, 2012)

Ans: Colonel Colin Mackenzie discovered in 1800 A.D.

2. Mention two reasons for the downfall of the Vijayanagara. (2016) 2marks

Ans: The causes for the downfall-

(i) During this period, as indeed earlier, the military ambitions of the Deccan Sultanates resulted in shifting alignments. Eventually this led to an alliance of the Sultanates against Vijayanagara.

(ii) Due to weak ruler of the empire Nayakas started to rule independently in their areas.

3. Who was Buchanon? How valuable his account in Indian history? 2marks (2014)

Ans: Francis Buchanan-Hamilton, was a Scottish physician who made significant contributions as a geographer, zoologist, and botanist while living in India. His works on India is a good source of information to know about India in the end of 18th century.

(i) His first major collections were made in Burma (Myanmar) in 1795.

(ii) In 1800 he was commissioned to survey South India following the British victory in the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War.

(iii) Travelling through Burma and the Andaman Islands (1795), Chittagong (1798), Nepal (1800-1803), North Bengal and Bihar (1807-1809), Hamilton made detailed observations and prepared extensive reports etc.

4. Hampi town is located in the bank of which river? 2

Ans: It is located in the bank of the Tungabhadra river.

5. Which goddess is called Pampa?

Ans: Goddess Pampa is the name of goddess Parvati.

6. Name two contemporary rulers of Vijayanagara empire.

Ans: They were-

(i) Sultans of the Deccan and

(ii) the Gajapati rulers of Orissa.

7. Name the dynasties of Vijayanagara empire. (HS 2024) 2marks

Ans: These were-

(i) The first dynasty, known as the Sangama dynasty, exercised control till 1485.

(ii) The Saluvas, military commanders, who remained in power till 1503.

(iii) The Tuluvas (from 1503). Krishnadeva Raya belonged to the Tuluva dynasty.

8. Who were Yavanas?

Ans: Yavana is a Sanskrit word used for the Greeks and other peoples who entered the subcontinent from the north west.

9. Mention the two important architectural features of the Vijayangara period. 2marks

Ans: The two important architectural features were-

(i) Gopurams or royal gateway

(ii) Mandapas or pavilions and long, pillared corridors that often ran around the shrines within the temple complex.

10. Who was Colin Mackenzie? Mention his importance in Indian history? 2 marks

Ans: Colin Mackenzie used to work in British East India Company. He took birth in 1754. He is a famous engineer, surveyor and humanist. He became the first Surveyer General of British India in 1815. He died in the year 1821. He began to survey in the traditional culture and historical places of India in order to run administration of Colonial India more smoothly and effectively.

11. Mention the silent features of the temple of Hampi. 2marks

Ans: The temple of Hampi is well articulated with artistic pillars like structure. Magnificent structure with gallery surrounded with pillars around divinity and the place of god is one of the features of the temples. The main temple of Hampi is Vitthal and Hazareram.

Ahsec Class 12 History Chapter 8 Model questions and Answer for 3/4 Marks :

1. Who was Collin Mackenzie? Discuss his contribution to the history of Vijayanagara. 4marks (2015)

Ans: Colonel Colin Mackenzie, an employee of the English East India Company prepared the first survey map of the site of Hampi. His contribution to the history of Vijayanagara was-

(i) Much of the initial information he received was based on the memories of priests of the Virupaksha temple and the shrine of Pampadevi.

(ii) Subsequently, from 1856, photographers began to record the monuments which enabled scholars to study them.

(iii) As early as 1836 epigraphists began collecting several dozen inscriptions found at this site and other temples at Hampi.

(iv) In an effort to reconstruct the history of the city and the empire, historians collated information from these sources with accounts of foreign travellers and other literature written in Telugu, Kannada, Tamil and Sanskrit.

2. Examine the significance of the rituals associated with the Mahanavami Dibba. 4marks (2014)

Ans: Mahanavami dibba a massive platform rising from a base of about 11,000 sq. ft to a height of40 ft. There is evidence that it supported a wooden structure. The base of the platform is covered with relief carvings.

The rituals associated with the structure or the ceremonics performed in mahanavami dibba; the occasions were-(i) worship of the image,

(ii) worship of the state horse,

(iii) Sacrifice of buffaloes and other animals

(iv) Dances, wrestling matches, and processions of caparisoned horses, elephants and chariots and soldiers.

(v) Ritual presentations before the king and his guests by the chief nayakas and subordinate kings marked the occasion.

3. Who was Colin Mackenzie? Mention his importance in Indian history? 4marks.

Ans: Colin Mackenzie used to work in British East India Company. He took birth in1754. He is a famous engineer, surveyor and humanist. He became the first Surveyer General of British India in 1815. He died in the year 1821. He began to survey in the traditional culture and historical places of India in order to run administration of Colonial India more smoothly and effectively.

4. Mention the silent features of the temple of Hampi. 3marks

5. How did the water requirements problems solve in Vijayanagar empire? 4marks

Ans: The natural reservoir is providing water for Vijayanagar is Tunghabhadra river. This river was situated in the north- east direction of the kingdom. Many rivers from nearby mountain range get merged into this river. Dams were built in almost all tributaries of rivers. Hauz were built in order to cope with the drastic climate in draught situation. This was stored in the beginning of the 15th century. This place was called Kamalapuram water reservoir.

6. Give an account on the water reservoir of Vijayanagar empire.

Ans: The water reservoir of Vijayanagar empire was-

(i) The most striking feature about the location of Vijayanagara is the natural basin formed by the river Tungabhadra which flows in a north-easterly direction.

(ii) A number of streams flow down to the river from these rocky out crops. In almost all cases embankments were built.

(iii) Elaborate arrangements had to be made to store rainwater and conduct it to the city.

(iv) Water from this tank not only irrigated fields nearby but was also conducted through a channel to the “royal centre”.

7. Explain the descriptions about the forts observed by Abdur Razzaq and Paes in Vijayanagar. 4marks

Ans: (i) Abdur Razzaq, an ambassador sent by the ruler of Persia was greatly impressed by the fortifications, and mentioned seven lines of forts. These encircled not only the city but also its agricultural hinterland and forests.

(ii) The outermost wall linked the hills surrounding the city. The massive masonry construction was slightly tapered.

(iii) No mortar or cementing agent was employed anywhere in the construction. The stone blocks were wedge shaped, which held them in place, and the inner portion of the walls was of earth packed with rubble.

(iv) What was most significant about this fortification is that it enclosed agricultural tracts.

(v) Abdur Razzaq noted that between the first, second and the third walls there are cultivated fields, gardens and houses.

8. Why do you think agricultural tracts were incorporated within the fortified area in Vijayanagar.

Ans: (i) The objective of medieval sieges was to starve the defenders into submission. These sieges could last for several months and sometimes even years.

(ii) Normally rulers tried to be prepared for such situations by building large granaries within fortified areas.

(iii) The rulers of Vijayanagara adopted a more expensive and elaborate strategy of protecting the agricultural belt itself.

9. Give an account on Roads of Vijayanagar empire. 4

Ans: Roads in Vijayanagara Empire:

(i) The fort was entered through well-guarded gates, which linked the city to the major roads. Archaeologists have studied roads within the city and those leading out from it.

(ii) These roads have been identified by tracing paths through gateways, as well as by finds of pavements.

(iii) Roads generally, wound around through the valleys, avoiding rocky terrain. Some of the most important roads extended from temple gateways, and were lined by bazaars.

10. Write a note on Virupaksha temple. 4marks

Ans: The Virupaksha temple-

(i) The Virupaksha temple was built in the ninth-tenth centuries.

(ii) The hall in front of the main shrine was built by Krishnadeva Raya to mark his accession.

(iii) He is also credited with the construction of the eastern gopuram, which made the central small.

(iv) The halls in the temple were used for a variety of purposes. Some were spaces in which the images of gods were placed to witness special programmes of music, dance, drama, etc.

11. Give an account on the Vitthala temple. 4marks

Ans: The Vitthala temple was-

(i) In the Vitthala temple, the principal deity was Vitthala, a form of Vishnu generally worshipped in Maharashtra.

(ii) The introduction of the worship of the deity in Karnataka is another indication of the ways in which the rulers of Vijayanagara accepted different traditions.

(iii) As in the case of other temples, this temple too has several halls.

(iv) This temple has a unique feature that the main shrine is designed like a chariot.

12. What do you think were the advantages and disadvantages of enclosing agricultural land within the fortified area of the city?

Ans : There are many advantages and disadvantages of enclosing agricultural land within the fortified area of the Vijayanagara empire. Abdur Razzaq noted that “between the first, second and third walls there are cultivated fields, gardens and houses. We knew different sources that in Vijayanagara empire and other southern kingdom agricultural tracts were incorporated within the fortified areas. Normally rulers tried to be prepared for adverse situations or natural calamities by building large granaries within fortified areas.

The rulers of Vijayanagara adopted a more expensive and elaborate strategy of protecting the agricultural belt itself. Whenever, Kingdom was attacked by the enemies at the time of reaping harvest they could easily brunt the dry crops of the farmers. But these fields were safe in ordinary situation from wild animals.

13. What do you think was the significance of the ritual’s associated with the Mahanavami dibba?

Ans: The importance of the rituals associated with the Mahanawami dibba. Located on one of the highest points in the city, the “Mahanawami dibba” is a massive platform rising from a base of about 11000 sq.ft. to a height of 40 feet. Rituals associated with this the ten-day Hindu festival during the autumn months of September and October, known variously as Dushehra. (northern India), Durga Puja (in Bengal) and Navaratri or Mahanawami (in Peninsular India). The Vijayanagara kings displayed their prestige, power and suzerainty on this occasion.

(i) The ceremonies performed on the occasion included worship of the image, worship of the state horse, and the sacrifice of buffaloes and other animals.

(ii) Dancer, wrestling matches, and processions of caparisoned horses, elephants and chariots and soldiers, as well as ritual presentations before the king and his guests by the chief nayakas and subordinate kings marked the occasion.

14. What impression of the lives of the ordinary people of Vijayanagara can you cull from the various descriptions in Vijayanagara Empire. 4marks

Ans: Ordinary people of this empire scope different languages and followed different religious tradition. There were small traders and local merchant use to live in cities, trade centre, port town and villages. Peasants, workers, slaves etc. were including in ordinary people. These were ordinary Brahmans, trader and women also.

(i) In the society there were a few low class people, who were non-influential. They were Dombar, Mana, Jogi, Paraiyan, Boi, Kallar etc. The evils of caste system and untouchability were practiced in the society.

(ii) The ordinary people of the Vijayanagar empire lived in ordinary houses. The men were sold and purchased. There were some special rules for the slaves.

Ahsec Class 12 History Chapter 8 Model questions and Answer for 5 Marks :

1. Give a description of the defense arrangements of Vijayanagara. Why did it enclose the agricultural tracts? 5marks (2018)

Ans: Fortifications: According to Abdur Razzaq and Paes about the defence system was-

(i) Abdur Razzaq, an ambassador rsent by the ruler of Persia was greatly impressed by the fortifications, and mentioned seven lines of forts.

(ii) The outermost wall linked the hills surrounding the city. The massive masonry construction was slightly tapered.

An Imperial Capital: Vijanagara

(iv) The most significant about this fortification is that it enclosed agricultural tracts.

(v) Abdur Razzaq noted that between the first, second and the third walls there are cultivated fields, gardens and houses.

(vi) Paes observed that from this first fort until you enter the city there is a great distance, with fields, many gardens and two lakes.

(vii) A second line of fortification went round the inner core of the urban complex, and a third line surrounded the royal centre, within which each set of major buildings was surrounded by its own high walls It encloses the agricultural tracts due to:

(i) The objective of medieval sieges was to starve the defenders into submission. These sieges could last for several months and sometimes even years.

(ii) Normally rulers tried to be prepared for such situations by building large granaries within fortified areas.

(iii) The rulers of Vijayanagara adopted a more expensive and elaborate strategy of protecting the agricultural belt itself.

2. Who were the Amara-Nayakas? What role did they to play in the Vijayanagara empire? 5marks (2017, 2013)

Ans: Amar nayakas were the military commanders.

There is an important role of this sytem to emerging the Vijayanagara empire. That shows in the following points:

(i) The amara-nayaka system was a major political innovation of the Vijayanagara Empire.

(ii) It is likely that many features of this system were derived from the Iqta system of the Delhi Sultanate.

(iii) The amara-nayakas were military commanders who were given territories to govern by the raya.

(iv) The collected taxes and other dues from peasants.

(v) A share of revenue was spent for the maintenance of irrigation works and temples.

(vi) The amar nayak retained part of the revenue for personal use and for maintaining a stipulated contingent of horses and elephants. What do you think

3. were the advantages and disadvantages of enclosing agricultural land within the fortified area of the city? 5marks

Ans: There are many advantages and disadvantages of enclosing agricultural land within the fortified area of the Vijayanagara empire.

(i) Abdur Razzaq noted that “between the first, second and third walls there are cultivated fields, gardens and houses.

(ii) The detailed statements have been corroborated by present day archaeologists, who have also found evidence of an agricultural tract between the sacred centre and the urban core.

(iii) We knew different sources that in Vijayanagara empire and other southern kingdom agricultural tracts were incorporated within the fortified areas.

(iv) Normally rulers tried to be prepared for adverse situations or natural calamities by building large granaries within fortified areas. The rulers of Vijayanagara adopted a more expensive and elaborate strategy of protecting the agricultural belt itself.

(v) Whenever, Kingdom was attacked by the enemies at the time of reaping harvest they could easily brunt the dry crops of the farmers. But these fields were safe in ordinary situation from wild animals.

4. What do you think was the significance of the ritual’s associated with the Mahanavami dibba? 5marks

Ans: The importance of the rituals associated with the Mahanawami dibba. Located on one of the highest points in the city, the “Mahanawami dibba” is a massive platform rising from a base of about 11000 sq.ft. to a height of 40 feet. Rituals associated with this were the ten-day Hindu festival during the autumn months of September and October, known variously as Dushehra (northern India), Durga Puja (in Bengal) and Navaratri or Mahanawami (in Peninsular India). The Vijayanagara kings displayed their prestige, power and suzerainty on this occasion.

(i) The ceremonies performed on the occasion included worship of the image, worship of the state horse, and the sacrifice of buffaloes and other animals.

(iii) These ceremonies were imbued with deep symbolic meanings on the last day of the festival the king inspected his army and the armies of the nayakas in a grand ceremony in an open field. On this occasion the nayakas brought rich gifts for the king as well as the stipulated tribute.

5. What impression of the lives of the ordinary people of Vijayanagara can you cull from the various descriptions in Vijayanagara empire. 5marks

Ans: Ordinary people of this empire scope different languages and followed different religious tradition.

(i) There were small traders and local ( merchant use to live in cities, trade centre, port town and villages.

(ii) Peasants, workers, slaves etc. were including in ordinary people. These were ordinary Brahmans, trader and women also.

(iii) In the society there were a few low class people, who were non-influential. They were Dombar, Mana, Jogi, Paraiyan, Boi, Kallar etc. Some low caste people were coverted to christianity due to the influence of the Portugeuses. The evils of caste system and untouchability were practiced in the society.

(iv) The ordinary people of the Vijayanagar empire lived in ordinary houses. This is how the sixteenth century portuguese traveller Barbosa described the houses of ordinary people existed in the society. The men were sold and purchased.

6. There were some special rules for the slaves, Evaluate the importance of Amar Nayaka System in emergence of Vijayanagara Empire. Smarks

Ans: There is an important role of this sytem to emerging the Vijayanagara empire. That shows in the following points:

(i) The amara-nayaka system was a major political innovation of the Vijayanagara Empire.

(ii) It is likely that many features of this system were derived from the Iqta system of the Delhi Sultanate.

(iii) The amara-nayakas were military commanders who were given territories to govern by the raya.

(iv) The collected taxes and other dues from peasants.

(v) A share of revenue was spent for the maintenance of irrigation works and temples.

(vi) The amar nayak retained part of the revenue for personal use and for maintaining a stipulated contingent of horses and elephants.

(vii) These contingents provided the Vijayanagara Kings with an effective fighting force with which they brought the entire southern peninsula under their control.

7. Explain the contributions of Krishnadeva Raya to the Vijayanagara Empire. 5marks

Ans: The contributions of Krishnadeva Raya were-

(i) Krishnadeva Raya belonged to the Tuluva dynasty.

(ii) Krishnadeva Raya’s rule was characterised by expansion and consolidation.

(iii) This was the time when the land between the Tungabhadra and Krishna rivers was, acquired.

(iv) He subdued the rulers of Orissa (1514) and severe defeats were inflicted on the Sultan of Bijapur.

(v) Krishnadeva Raya is credited with building some fine temples and adding impressive gopurams to many important south Indian temples.

(vi) He also founded a suburban township near Vijayanagara called Nagalapuram after his mother.

8. Write an essay on Amar-nayaka system.

Ans: Amaranayaka System

i) The amara-nayaka system was a major political innovation of the Vijayanagara Empire. It is likely that many features of this system were derived from the iqta system of the Delhi Sultanate.

(ii) Among those who exercised power in the Vijayanagar Empire were military chiefs who usually controlled forts and had armed supporters. These chiefs often moved from one area to another, and in many cases were accompanied by peasants looking for fertile land on which to settle.

(iii) The amara-nayakas were military commanders who were given territories to govern by the rayas.

(iv) They collected taxes and other dues from peasants, crafts persons and traders in the area.

(v) The amara-nayakassent tribute to the king annually and personally appeared in the royal court with gifts to express their loyalty. Kings occasionally asserted their control over them by

(vi) transferring them from one place to another.

9. Discuss the main Royal centres of Vijayanagar empire.

Ans: Royal centres of Vijayanagar empire were-

(i) The royal centre was located in the south-western part of the settlement. About 30 building complexes have been identified as palaces.

(ii) One difference between these structures and temples is that the temples were constructed entirely of masonry, while the secular buildings were made of perishable materials.

(iii) One of the more distinctive structures in the area was the “king’s palace” which is the largest of the enclosures but has not yielded definitive evidence of being a royal residence.

(iv) Mahanavami dibbas a massive platform rising from a base of about 11,000 sq. ft to a height of 40 ft. There is evidence that it supported a wooden structure. The base of the platform is covered with relief carvings.

(v) One of the most beautiful buildings in the royal centre is the Lotus Mahal, so named by Britishtravellers in the nineteenth century.

(vi) Another important building in the Royal centre was the Elephant Stables. This building has eleven rooms and beautiful structures over them.

(vii) One of the most spectacular temples in the royal centre is the Hazara Rama temple. This was probably meant to be used only by the king and his family.

10. Critically discuss the Sacred Centre of Vijayanagar empire. 5marks

Ans: The Sacred Centre in the Vijayanagara:

(i) According to local tradition, the hills near the sacred centre sheltered the monkey kingdom of Vali and Sugriva mentioned in the Ramayana.

(ii) Other traditions suggest that Pampadevi, the local mother goddess, did penance in these hills in order to marry Virupaksha, the guardian deity of the kingdom, who is recognised as a form of Shiva.

(iii) Among these hills are found Jaina temples of the pre- Vijayanagara period as well. In other words, this area was associated with several sacred traditions such as the Pallavas, Chalukyas, Hoysalas and Cholas.

(iv) Temples also functioned as centres of learning. Rulers granted land and other resources for the maintenance of temples. Temples developed as significant religious, social, cultural and economic centres.

(v) Vijayanagara kings claimed to rule on behalf of the god Virupaksha. All royal orders were signed “Shri Virupaksha”, usually in the Kannada script. Rulers also indicated their close links with the gods by using the title “Hindu Suratrana” this meant Hindu Sultan.

11. Discuss whether the term “royal centre” is an appropriate description of the part of the city for which it is used. 5marks

Ans: I think the term royal centre is an appropriate description for the part of the city for which it is used.

(i) One of the most beautiful buildings in the royal centre is the Lotus Mahal.

(ii) While most temples were located in the sacred centre, there were several in the royal centre as well. One of the most spectacular of these is one known as the Hazara Rama Temple. This was probably meant to be used only by the king and his family.

(iii) The images in the central shrine are missing: however, sculpted panels on the walls survive. These include scenes from the Ramayana sculpted on the inner walls of the shrine.

(iv) While many of the structures at Vijayanagara were destroyed when the city was sacked, traditions of building palatial structures were continued by the nayakas. Many of these buildings have survived.

(v) The royal centre was located in the south western part of the settlement. Although designated as a royal centre it included over 60 temples.

(vi) There were the Temple of Malyavanta Raghunathaswami, the Hampi Bazar, the Virupaksha Temple.

Read the passage carefully and answer the questions: (2019)

Temple building in the region had a long history, going back to dynasties such as the Pallavas, Chalukyas, Hoysalas and Cholas. Rulers very often encouraged temple building as a means of associating themselves with the divine – often, the deity was explicitly or implicitly identified with the king.

Temples also functioned as centres of learning. Besides, rulers and others often granted land and other resources for the maintenance of temples. Consequently, temples developed as significant religious, social, cultural and economic centres. From the point of view of the rulers, constructing, repairing and maintaining temples were important means of winning support and recognition for their power, wealth and piety.

(i) In which region did the dynasties such as the Pallavas, Cholas etc. rule. 1mark

Ans: In South Indian region they ruled.

(ii) Why did the rulers build temples? 2marks

Ans: They build it due to-

a) Rulers very often encouraged temple building as a means of associating themselves with the divine often, the deity was explicitly or implicitly identified with the king.

b) Temples also functioned as centres of learning.

c) From the point of view of the rulers, constructing, repairing and maintaining temples were important means of winning support and recognition for their power, wealth and piety. 3marks

(iii) What was the importance of the temples?

Ans: The importance of the temples were-

(a) Temples also functioned as centres of learning.

(b) Besides, rulers and others often granted land and other resources for the maintenance of temples.

Paes gives a vivid description of the Bazaar (2015)

Going forward, you have a broad and beautiful street…..In this sweet live many merchants, and there you will find all sorts of rubies and diamonds and emaralds and pearls and seed pearls and clothes and every other sort of thing there is on earth……..they sell many common horses and nags, nag and also many citrons, limes, oranges grapes and every other kind of garden stuff and wood..

More generally he described the city as being “the best provide city in the world” with the markets “stocked with provisions such as rice, wheat grains, corn, barley, beans moong, pulses and horse-gram. Meat too was sold. Nuniz describes mutton, pork, vension, doves, harres and all kinds of birds, sparrows, rats and cats and lizards as being sold in the market.

(i) How does Paes describe the bazaar of Vijayanagar? 3

Ans: He mentioned:

(a) Streets were broad and beautiful.

(b) In the market all sorts of rubies and diamonds and emaralds and pearls and seed pearls and clothes were available.

(c) They sell many common horses and nags, and also many citrons, limes, oranges grapes and every other kind of garden stuff and wood.

(d) he described the city as being “the best provide city in the world” with the markets “stocked with provisions such as rice, wheat grains, corn, barley, beans moong, pulses and horse-gram.

(ii) How did Franco Nuniz describe the Vijayanagara markets. 3marks

Ans: (a) The Vijayanagara markets were overflowing with abundance of fruits, grapes, and oranges, limes, pomegranates. jackfruits and mangoes.

(b) Meat too was sold in the market.

How Tanks were built (2019, 2014)

The king made a tank …….at the mouth of two hills so that all the water which comes from either one side or the collects there; and, besides this water comes to it from more than three leagues (approximately 15 k.m.) by pipes which run along the lower parts of the range outside. This water brought from a lake which itself overflows in too little river. The tank has three large pillars handsomely carved with figures: these connect above with certain pipes by which they get water when they have to irrigate their gardens and rice fields. In order to make this tank the said king broke down a hill…… In the tank I saw so many people at work that there must have been fifteen to twenty thousand men looking like ants…..

(i) Name the king associated with the construction of the tank.

Ans: Krishnadeva Raya.

(ii) Where did the water reservoir was built? 1mark

Ans: It was built at the mouth of two hills.

(iii) How did the water get collected in the tank?

Ans: It comes from more than three leagues (approximately 15 k.m.) by pipes which run along the lower parts of the range outside. This water brought from a lake which itself overflows in too little river.

(iv) Why did so many people were engaged in the 2marks construction of the tank.

Ans: It was big project by Krishnadeva Raya, it was built at the mouth of the hill, therefore, it needed more people to complete the task. Another reason is that through it the entire gardens and rice fields were irrigated for which people needed to work smoothly all the job.

Colin Meckenzie

Born in 1754, Colin Meckenzie became a famous engineer, surveyer 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 of the colony easier. He says that “It struggled long under the miseries of dead management…. Before the south came under the benign in influence of the British government”. By standing Vijayanagar, Meckenzie believed that the east India company would 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

(i) Who was Colin Meckenzie?

Ans: Colin Mackenzie used to work in British East India Company. He took birth in 1754. He is a famous engineer surveyor and humanist. mass of the population to this date.

(ii) Which ancient city was founded by Colin Meckenzie?

Ans: Hampi

(iii) Why did he start the surveys?

Ans: He started the surveys in order to better understand India’s past and make governance of the colony

easier.

(iv) In which stages Colin Meckenzie completed his work? 3marks

Ans: First of all, he prepared the maps. He collected the information’s about the local traditions from the priest of Virupaksha and Pampadevi temple.

Krishnadeva Raya, the most famous ruler of Vijaynagar, composed a work on state-craft known as the Amuktamalyada. About the traders he wrote-

“A king should improve the harbors of his country and encourage its commerce so that horses, elephants, precious gems, sandalwood, pearls and other articles are freely imported. He should arrange that the foreign sailors who land in his country on account of storms, illness and exhaustion are looked after in a suitable manner…Make the merchants of distant foreign countries who import elephants and good horses be attached to themselves by providing them with daily audiences, presents and allowing decent profits. Then those articles will never go to your enemies.”

(i) Who was the famous king of Vijayanagar? Name his work. (HS 2024) 1+1=2

Ans:- The famous king of Vijayanagar was Krishnadeva Raya. His work on statecraft is called Amuktamalyada.

(ii) How and why should the king be interested in encouraging trade? (HS 2024) 4

Ans:The king should improve the harbors of his country to facilitate trade.He should ensure that foreign sailors are well taken care of when they land due to storms, illness, or exhaustion.The king should offer daily audiences and presents to merchants and allow them to make decent profits to encourage their attachment and loyalty.

Encouraging trade allows for the free import of valuable goods such as horses, elephants, precious gems, sandalwood, and pearls, which can enhance the wealth and resources of the kingdom.By fostering good relations with foreign merchants, the king ensures that these valuable goods are more likely to come to his kingdom rather than to his enemies, thereby strengthening his own position and weakening potential adversaries.

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