Vijayanagara Empire

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
यह प्रश्न विजयनगर साम्राज्य की स्थापत्य कला और उसके प्रमुख संरक्षकों से संबंधित है।
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
कृष्णास्वामी मंदिर विजयनगर की राजधानी हम्पी में स्थित एक महत्वपूर्ण मंदिर है।
इसका निर्माण तुलुव वंश के सबसे महान शासक कृष्णदेवराय ने 1513 ईस्वी में करवाया था।
उन्होंने यह मंदिर उदयगिरि (वर्तमान ओडिशा में) पर अपनी विजय के उपलक्ष्य में बनवाया था। मंदिर का मुख्य देवता बालकृष्ण (भगवान कृष्ण का शिशु रूप) की एक मूर्ति थी जिसे वे उदयगिरि से लाए थे।
Step 3: Final Answer:
कृष्णास्वामी मंदिर का निर्माता कृष्णदेवराय था। अतः, विकल्प (A) सही है।

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
यह प्रश्न विजयनगर साम्राज्य की धार्मिक मान्यताओं और उनकी प्रमुख स्थानीय देवी से संबंधित है।
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
विजयनगर के शासकों के मुख्य संरक्षक देवता विरुपाक्ष (शिव का एक रूप) थे।
स्थानीय परंपरा के अनुसार, पम्पादेवी इस क्षेत्र की स्थानीय मातृदेवी थीं, जिन्होंने विरुपाक्ष से विवाह करने के लिए तुंगभद्रा नदी के किनारे तपस्या की थी।
विजयनगर की राजधानी का नाम, हम्पी, 'पम्पा' के पुराने कन्नड़ रूप 'पम्पे' से लिया गया है। इस प्रकार, पम्पादेवी विजयनगर की स्थानीय मातृदेवी थीं।
(D) महानवमी एक त्योहार था, देवी नहीं।
Step 3: Final Answer:
विजयनगर की स्थानीय मातृदेवी पम्पादेवी थीं। अतः, विकल्प (B) सही है।

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
यह प्रश्न दक्षिण भारत के शक्तिशाली विजयनगर साम्राज्य पर शासन करने वाले विभिन्न राजवंशों की पहचान से संबंधित है।
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
विजयनगर साम्राज्य की स्थापना 1336 में हरिहर और बुक्का ने की थी, जो संगम वंश के थे। इस साम्राज्य पर चार प्रमुख राजवंशों ने क्रमिक रूप से शासन किया:

1. संगम वंश (c. 1336–1485)
2. सुलुव (या सालुव) वंश (c. 1485–1505)
3. तुलुव वंश (c. 1505–1570)
4. आरवीडु वंश (c. 1570–1646)

चूंकि दिए गए विकल्प (A), (B), और (C) सभी विजयनगर साम्राज्य से संबंधित हैं, इसलिए सही उत्तर 'इनमें से सभी' है।
Step 3: Final Answer:
संगम, सुलुव और तुलुव वंश सभी विजयनगर साम्राज्य से संबंधित हैं। अतः, विकल्प (D) सही है।

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
यह प्रश्न एक प्रसिद्ध ऐतिहासिक व्यक्तित्व और उनके शाही संरक्षण से संबंधित है।
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
तेनाली रामकृष्ण, जिन्हें तेनालीराम के नाम से जाना जाता है, एक प्रसिद्ध तेलुगु कवि और विजयनगर साम्राज्य के सम्राट कृष्णदेवराय के दरबार में एक दरबारी थे।
वह अपनी बुद्धिमत्ता, हास्य और चतुराई के लिए प्रसिद्ध थे और उन्हें अक्सर कृष्णदेवराय के अष्टदिग्गजों (आठ महान कवियों) में से एक माना जाता है। उनकी कहानियाँ आज भी भारत में लोकप्रिय हैं।
Step 3: Final Answer:
तेनालीराम का संबंध विजयनगर साम्राज्य से है। अतः, विकल्प (A) सही है।

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
यह प्रश्न भारत के एक प्रमुख ऐतिहासिक स्थल को अंतर्राष्ट्रीय मान्यता मिलने के वर्ष से संबंधित है।
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
हम्पी, जो मध्यकालीन विजयनगर साम्राज्य की राजधानी थी, अपने शानदार खंडहरों और स्मारकों के लिए प्रसिद्ध है।
इस स्थल के असाधारण सार्वभौमिक महत्व को मान्यता देते हुए, संयुक्त राष्ट्र शैक्षिक, वैज्ञानिक और सांस्कृतिक संगठन (यूनेस्को) ने 1986 में 'हम्पी में स्मारकों के समूह' को विश्व धरोहर स्थल (World Heritage Site) के रूप में घोषित किया।
Step 3: Final Answer:
हम्पी को 1986 में यूनेस्को द्वारा विश्व पुरातत्व स्थल घोषित किया गया था। अतः, विकल्प (D) सही है।

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
यह प्रश्न दक्षिण भारत के एक महान साम्राज्य, विजयनगर साम्राज्य, की स्थापना के वर्ष से संबंधित है।
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
विजयनगर साम्राज्य की स्थापना 1336 ईस्वी में संगम वंश के दो भाइयों, हरिहर प्रथम और बुक्का राय प्रथम ने की थी।
उन्होंने तुंगभद्रा नदी के दक्षिणी तट पर इस साम्राज्य की नींव रखी, जो तुगलक सल्तनत के दक्षिण में विस्तार के खिलाफ एक हिंदू प्रतिरोध के रूप में उभरा।
Step 3: Final Answer:
हरिहर एवं बुक्का ने 1336 ई. में विजयनगर साम्राज्य की स्थापना की थी। अतः, विकल्प (B) सही है।

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
यह प्रश्न दक्षिण भारतीय मंदिर वास्तुकला की एक विशिष्ट विशेषता 'गोपुरम' की परिभाषा और महत्व के बारे में है।
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
'गोपुरम' दक्षिण भारत में, विशेष रूप से द्रविड़ शैली में बने हिंदू मंदिरों के प्रवेश द्वार पर स्थित एक स्मारकीय और अलंकृत मीनार (टावर) है।

• कार्य: यह मंदिर परिसर को घेरने वाली दीवारों में एक प्रवेश द्वार के रूप में कार्य करता है।
• विशेषताएँ: गोपुरम आमतौर पर आयताकार होते हैं और ऊपर की ओर संकरे होते जाते हैं। इनकी बाहरी सतह पर देवी-देवताओं, पौराणिक कथाओं के दृश्यों की विस्तृत मूर्तियां और नक्काशी होती है।
• महत्व: विजयनगर और नायक काल के दौरान, गोपुरम इतने विशाल और भव्य हो गए कि वे अक्सर मंदिर के मुख्य गर्भगृह से भी ऊंचे और अधिक प्रभावशाली दिखने लगे, जो मंदिर की शक्ति और समृद्धि का प्रतीक बन गए।

Step 3: Final Answer:
संक्षेप में, गोपुरम दक्षिण भारतीय मंदिरों का भव्य और अलंकृत प्रवेश द्वार है, जो मंदिर की वास्तुकला का एक प्रमुख तत्व है।

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
यह प्रश्न 14वीं से 17वीं शताब्दी तक दक्षिण भारत पर शासन करने वाले विजयनगर साम्राज्य के राजवंशों के बारे में है।
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
विजयनगर साम्राज्य पर कुल चार राजवंशों ने शासन किया। उनमें से कोई भी दो वंश निम्नलिखित हैं:

1. संगम वंश (Sangama Dynasty): यह विजयनगर साम्राज्य का संस्थापक वंश था, जिसकी स्थापना 1336 में हरिहर और बुक्का नामक दो भाइयों ने की थी।
2. तुलुव वंश (Tuluva Dynasty): यह विजयनगर का सबसे प्रसिद्ध और शक्तिशाली राजवंश था। साम्राज्य के सबसे महान शासक, कृष्णदेवराय, इसी वंश के थे।

Step 3: Final Answer:
विजयनगर साम्राज्य पर शासन करने वाले दो वंश संगम वंश और तुलुव वंश थे।

Step 1: Understanding the Vijayanagara Empire.
The Vijayanagara Empire was a prominent South Indian empire that existed from the 14th to the 16th century. The capital of this empire was the city of Hampi, which was a major cultural, religious, and economic hub during its time. Hampi is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(A) Mathura: This is incorrect. Mathura was an important city in northern India but is not associated with the Vijayanagara Empire.
(B) Ajmer: This is incorrect. Ajmer was an important city in Rajasthan but not the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire.
(C) Kashi: This is incorrect. Kashi (Varanasi) is a religious city in northern India, not the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire.
(D) Hampi: Correct. Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire and is now known for its historical ruins.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The city associated with the Vijayanagara Empire is Hampi. Therefore, the correct answer is (D) Hampi.

The Vijayanagara Empire, which ruled from the 14th to the 17th century, was known for its impressive architecture, blending Dravidian and Indo-Islamic styles. The architectural features of this empire are well-preserved in Hampi and other sites. Below are two prominent features of Vijayanagara architecture: Step 1: Temple Architecture.
One of the most striking features of Vijayanagara architecture is its religious structures, especially temples. The temples were massive and built using finely carved stone. These temples typically included large courtyards, towering gopurams (entrance towers), and intricate pillar carvings. These temples were dedicated to Hindu gods like Vishnu, Shiva, and Durga. The temple at Virupaksha in Hampi is a prime example of this architecture, showcasing the large scale and detailed carvings of gods and goddesses. The intricacy of the sculptures, pillars, and the overall architectural style reflect the cultural and religious significance of the empire. The temples were not just places of worship but were central to social and cultural life in Vijayanagara.
Step 2: Fortifications and Water Management.
Another important aspect of Vijayanagara architecture was its fortifications. The empire constructed vast walls and gates surrounding cities, particularly in Hampi and other major cities. The fortifications were designed with defensive strategies in mind and included watchtowers, fort gates, and military barracks. The massive fort walls were built with large granite blocks, and the city of Hampi had over 30 kilometers of walls, with several gateways designed for defense and access. Additionally, water management was an essential feature. The rulers of Vijayanagara developed an extensive water management system that included canals, tanks, step wells, and artificial lakes. This water management system helped sustain the large population and supported agricultural activities, particularly during the dry season. The water structures are still visible in the ruins of Hampi and reflect the engineering expertise of the empire.

Step 1: Understanding the foreign travellers.
Abdur Razzaq, Domingo Paes, and Nicolo Conti all visited the Vijayanagara Empire during their travels to India in the 15th and 16th centuries. However, Bernier, a French traveller, visited India during the Mughal Empire and did not visit Vijayanagara.
Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(A) Abdur Razzaq: He visited Vijayanagara during the 15th century.
(B) Domingo Paes: He visited Vijayanagara and wrote detailed accounts of it.
(C) Nicolo Conti: He also visited the Vijayanagara Empire.
(D) Bernier: Correct. Bernier did not visit Vijayanagara. He traveled during the Mughal period, not during the time of the Vijayanagara Empire.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (D) Bernier, as he did not visit Vijayanagara.

Step 1: Understanding the rulers of the Sangama dynasty.
Harihar and Bukka were the founders and rulers of the Sangama dynasty, which was the first dynasty of the Vijayanagara Empire. They established the empire in the 14th century, and it became a significant power in South India.
Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(A) Sangama dynasty: Correct. Harihar and Bukka were the founders of the Sangama dynasty.
(B) Saluva dynasty: This is incorrect. The Saluva dynasty came after the Sangama dynasty, with a different set of rulers.
(C) Tuluva dynasty: This is incorrect. The Tuluva dynasty came later in the history of the Vijayanagara Empire.
(D) Aravidu dynasty: This is incorrect. The Aravidu dynasty was the last dynasty of the Vijayanagara Empire, which came after the Tuluva dynasty.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (A) Sangama dynasty, as Harihar and Bukka were the rulers of this dynasty.

Step 1: Understanding Kamal Mahal.
Kamal Mahal is located in Hampi, which was once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. It is a beautiful structure known for its architectural design and is situated within the ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire.
Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(A) Hyderabad: This is incorrect. Kamal Mahal is not located in Hyderabad.
(B) Bijapur: This is incorrect. Kamal Mahal is not located in Bijapur.
(C) Hampi: Correct. Kamal Mahal is located in Hampi, a historical site in Karnataka, India.
(D) Kanchipuram: This is incorrect. Kamal Mahal is not in Kanchipuram.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (C) Hampi, as Kamal Mahal is situated in Hampi, Karnataka.

Step 1: Understanding the book.
Amuktamalayada is a Telugu language work written by the Vijayanagara king Krishnadevaraya. It is a poetic work that tells the story of the hero, the king's daughter, and their moral lessons. The book is highly regarded for its literary merit.
Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(A) Harihar-I: Incorrect. Harihar-I was the co-founder of the Vijayanagara Empire but did not write Amuktamalayada.
(B) Bukka-I: Incorrect. Bukka-I, like Harihar, was an important ruler of the empire but was not the author of the text.
(C) Devaraya-I: Incorrect. Devaraya-I was another significant ruler of the empire, but he did not write this work.
(D) Krishnadevaraya: Correct. Krishnadevaraya is the author of Amuktamalayada.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (D) Krishnadevaraya, as he wrote the famous Telugu work Amuktamalayada.

Step 1: Understanding the dynasties of Vijayanagara.
The Vijayanagara Empire was ruled by four major dynasties: the Sangama dynasty, the Saluva dynasty, the Tuluva dynasty, and the Aravidu dynasty. These dynasties together ruled the empire from its founding in 1336 until its decline in 1646.
Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(A) 2: Incorrect. There were more than two dynasties in the Vijayanagara Empire.
(B) 4: Correct. The Vijayanagara Empire was ruled by four dynasties: Sangama, Saluva, Tuluva, and Aravidu.
(C) 6: Incorrect. Only four dynasties ruled the empire.
(D) 8: Incorrect. There were not eight dynasties in the Vijayanagara Empire.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (B) 4, as four dynasties ruled the Vijayanagara Empire.

Step 1: Context of Mahanavami Dibba.
The Mahanavami Dibba is a well-known monument located within the royal enclosure at Hampi, the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire.
Step 2: Structure and purpose.
It is a huge stone platform built by King Krishnadeva Raya after his victory over the Gajapati rulers of Orissa. The structure was used for important ceremonies, royal court gatherings, and the celebration of festivals like Mahanavami (Dussehra).
Step 3: Conclusion.
Hence, the Mahanavami Dibba is identified as a massive stone platform.

Step 1: About Krishnadevaraya.
Krishnadevaraya (1509–1529 CE) was one of the greatest rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire, belonging to the Tuluva dynasty. He was a patron of literature, art, and culture.
Step 2: His famous literary work.
Krishnadevaraya composed the celebrated Telugu epic “Amuktamalyada.” The title means “The Giver of the Worn Garland.” It describes the story of Andal, a devotee of Lord Vishnu, and also contains reflections on good governance.
Step 3: Other contributions.
Though he was also proficient in Sanskrit and Kannada, his most famous literary contribution remains in Telugu. This is why he is remembered as one of the greatest patrons of Telugu literature.
Step 4: Conclusion.
Thus, “Amuktamalyada” was written in the Telugu language.

Step 1: Understanding the term 'Kudirai Chettis'.
In Tamil, the word “Kudirai” means “horse” and “Chetti” refers to traders or merchants. Hence, the literal meaning of “Kudirai Chettis” is “Horse Traders.”
Step 2: Role in Vijayanagara Empire.
The Vijayanagara Empire relied heavily on cavalry in warfare. Since horses could not be bred in large numbers in India, they were imported. Kudirai Chettis were a community of traders who played a crucial role in importing and supplying horses, often through Arabian and Portuguese traders.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Thus, the Kudiraichettis of Vijayanagara were known as “Horse Traders.”

Step 1: Establishment of Vijayanagara empire.
The Vijayanagara empire was founded in 1336 AD by Harihara I and Bukka Raya I. These brothers were ministers in the Kakatiya and Kampili kingdoms before they established their rule.
Step 2: First ruling dynasty.
The dynasty they founded was called the Sangama dynasty, named after their father Sangama. This was the first ruling family of Vijayanagara.
Step 3: Elimination of options.
- (A) Sangama: Correct, the first dynasty.
- (B) Saluva: Second dynasty, rose later.
- (C) Tuluva: Third dynasty, Krishnadevaraya belonged here.
- (D) Aravidu: Fourth dynasty, ruled in the later phase.
Conclusion: The first dynasty was the Sangama dynasty.

Step 1: Who was Krishnadevaraya?
Krishnadevaraya was the most famous ruler of the Vijayanagara empire, known for his administrative skill, military conquests, and patronage of art and literature.
Step 2: His dynasty.
He belonged to the Tuluva dynasty, the third ruling family of Vijayanagara. His reign (1509–1529 AD) is considered the golden age of the empire.
Step 3: Elimination of options.
- (A) Saluva: Incorrect, earlier dynasty before Tuluva.
- (B) Aravidu: Last dynasty, after Tuluva.
- (C) Sangama: First dynasty, centuries earlier.
- (D) Tuluva: Correct, dynasty of Krishnadevaraya.
Conclusion: Krishnadevaraya ruled under the Tuluva dynasty.