All questions of The Age of Vijaynagar And The Bahamanidas & The Coming of The Portuguess for BPSC (Bihar) Exam

First Vijayanagar Ruler to Conquer Goa

The first Vijayanagar ruler to conquer the important port of Goa from the Bahmanis was Harihara-II. Let's delve into the details of this historical event.

1. Background:
- The Vijayanagar Empire was founded in 1336 AD by Harihara-I and Bukka-I, who were Kannadiga brothers.
- The empire was established in the Deccan region of South India and emerged as a powerful Hindu kingdom.

2. Rivalry with the Bahmani Sultanate:
- The Bahmani Sultanate, founded in 1347 AD, was a Muslim kingdom in the Deccan region.
- The Vijayanagar Empire and the Bahmani Sultanate were constantly engaged in conflicts due to their territorial ambitions and religious differences.

3. Harihara-II's Rule:
- Harihara-II succeeded his father Bukka-II as the ruler of the Vijayanagar Empire.
- He ruled from 1377 AD to 1404 AD and is known for his military campaigns and territorial expansions.

4. Conquest of Goa:
- During Harihara-II's reign, the Bahmani Sultanate controlled the important port of Goa, which was a major center of trade and commerce.
- Harihara-II recognized the strategic importance of Goa and decided to capture it from the Bahmanis.

5. Military Campaign:
- Harihara-II launched a military campaign against the Bahmanis to capture Goa.
- With a well-equipped army, he marched towards Goa and engaged in fierce battles with the Bahmani forces.

6. Successful Conquest:
- Harihara-II's military prowess and strategic planning helped him achieve victory over the Bahmanis.
- He successfully captured Goa and brought it under the control of the Vijayanagar Empire.

7. Significance:
- The conquest of Goa was a significant achievement for the Vijayanagar Empire as it expanded their influence and control over important trade routes.
- Goa served as a vital port for maritime trade and provided access to the Arabian Sea.

In conclusion, Harihara-II, the second ruler of the Vijayanagar Empire, was the first to conquer the important port of Goa from the Bahmanis. His successful military campaign and capture of Goa expanded the empire's influence and control over crucial trade routes.

Background:
The Battle of Talikota, also known as the Battle of Bannihatti, was a significant event in Indian history that took place in 1565 A.D. It was fought between the alliance of Bijapur, Golconda, and Ahmadnagar on one side, and the Vijayanagar Empire on the other side. The Vijayanagar Empire, under the rule of Sadashiva Raya, suffered a crushing defeat in this battle.

Explanation:
- The question asks which king was surrounded, taken prisoner, and immediately executed. The correct answer is option 'B' - Rama Raja.

Reasoning:
1. Sadashiva Raya: Sadashiva Raya was the king of the Vijayanagar Empire during the Battle of Talikota. While he did suffer defeat, he was not surrounded, taken prisoner, or executed immediately. After the battle, he managed to escape and continued to rule for a few more years before his death.

2. Krishna Deva Raya: Krishna Deva Raya was an illustrious king of the Vijayanagar Empire who ruled from 1509 to 1529. However, he died several decades before the Battle of Talikota took place. Therefore, he cannot be the answer to the question.

3. Rama Raja: Rama Raja, also known as Aliya Rama Raya, was the younger brother and chief minister of Sadashiva Raya. During the Battle of Talikota, Rama Raja was surrounded, taken prisoner, and immediately executed by the victorious alliance of Bijapur, Golconda, and Ahmadnagar. This event marked the end of the Vijayanagar Empire's dominance in South India.

Therefore, the correct answer is option 'B' - Rama Raja.

Founding of Vijayanagar Empire:
- The Vijayanagar empire was founded by Harihara and Bukka, two brothers who were military officers in the Kakatiya dynasty.

Objective of the Empire:
- The empire was indeed the outcome of a conscious attempt by Hindus to checkmate the ambitions of Islam, as it was established in response to the Islamic invasions that were threatening South India.

Principles of Administration:
- The rulers of the Vijayanagar empire followed traditional principles of administration, including taxation, patronage of culture and art, and religious toleration. They were known for their support of Hindu traditions and arts.

Decline of the Empire:
- After the collapse of the Vijayanagar empire, the Bahmani sultans also declined, showing the interconnectedness of the political landscape in South India during that time.
Therefore, all of the points mentioned in the options are correct when discussing the Vijayanagar empire - its founding, objectives, administrative principles, and eventual decline.

Abdur Razzaq mentions in his travel accounts that the Vijayanagar king was a powerful ruler who commanded a vast empire and had extensive control over his subjects. He describes the king as being of noble birth and possessing great wealth and resources. According to Razzaq, the king was highly respected and feared by his people, and he had a strong military force at his disposal to maintain his authority.

Razzaq also highlights the opulence and grandeur of the Vijayanagar kingdom, stating that the king's court was adorned with precious gems, gold, and silver. The king was known for his extravagant lifestyle and lavish celebrations, which included elaborate feasts, music, and dance performances.

Furthermore, Razzaq comments on the king's administrative skills, noting that he had a well-organized system of governance. The king appointed various officials and administrators to manage different aspects of the kingdom, ensuring smooth functioning and efficient governance.

Overall, Abdur Razzaq portrays the Vijayanagar king as a powerful and influential ruler, whose kingdom was characterized by wealth, power, and grandeur.