Worksheet Solutions: An Imperial Capital: Vijayanagara | History Class 12 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

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Q1: Vijayanagara, the “city of victory,” was both a city and an ___________.
Ans: empire
Vijayanagara was not only a city but also a powerful empire that flourished in South India during the 14th to 16th centuries. It was known as the "city of victory" and represented a significant political and cultural center in the region.

Q2: The ruins at Hampi were discovered in 1800 by an engineer and antiquarian named ___________.
Ans: Colonel Colin Mackenzie
Colonel Colin Mackenzie, an engineer and antiquarian, is credited with the discovery of the ruins at Hampi in 1800. His work played a crucial role in uncovering the historical significance of Vijayanagara.

Q3: The Vijayanagara kings competed with contemporary rulers such as the Sultans of the Deccan and the Gajapati rulers of ___________ for control of fertile river valleys.
Ans: Orissa
The Vijayanagara kings engaged in territorial conflicts with various neighboring powers, including the Sultans of the Deccan and the Gajapati rulers of Orissa, as they vied for control over fertile river valleys, essential for agriculture and economic stability.

Q4: Nayakas were military chiefs who usually controlled forts and had armed supporters. They often rebelled and had to be subdued by military action in the region, speaking languages like ___________ and ___________.
Ans: Telugu, Kannada
Nayakas were military commanders in the Vijayanagara Empire who controlled forts and were often accompanied by armed supporters. They spoke languages like Telugu and Kannada. While some Nayakas submitted to Vijayanagara's authority, others rebelled, leading to military confrontations.

Q5: The royal centre of Vijayanagara had about ___________ building complexes identified as palaces.
Ans: thirty
The royal centre of Vijayanagara boasted approximately thirty building complexes identified as palaces. These structures served as the residences of the ruling elite and were indicative of the empire's grandeur and opulence.

Q6: The sacred centre of Vijayanagara was situated on the rocky northern end on the bank of the river ___________.
Ans: Tungabhadra
The sacred centre of Vijayanagara was located on the rocky northern end, along the bank of the river Tungabhadra. This area was culturally significant and housed important religious and architectural structures.

Q7: The architectural feature that often dwarfed the towers on the central shrines in temples was known as ___________.
Ans: raya gopurams
Raya gopurams, also known as royal gateways, were architectural elements in temples that frequently overshadowed the central shrines' towers. These grand entrances were distinctive features of Vijayanagara temple architecture.

Q8: The Vijayanagara kings claimed to rule on behalf of the god ___________.
Ans: Virupaksha
The Vijayanagara kings asserted their rule on behalf of the god Virupaksha. This religious association legitimized their authority and reinforced the divine connection between the rulers and the deities.

Q9: One of the most prominent waterworks among the ruins was the ___________ canal.
Ans: Hiriya
The Hiriya canal was one of the significant waterworks among the ruins of Vijayanagara. It showcased the empire's advanced water management systems, which included canals and reservoirs, essential for agricultural sustainability.

Q10: The Mahanavami dibba was a massive platform associated with the ___________ festival.
Ans: Mahanavami
The Mahanavami Dibba was a colossal platform in Vijayanagara associated with the Mahanavami festival. This structure served as a symbol of the empire's power and was utilized for various ceremonial and cultural events during the festival.

Assertion and Reason Based

Q1: Assertion: The Vijayanagara kings and the Sultans of the Deccan were always hostile towards each other.
Reason: The destruction of the city of Vijayanagara was solely the result of the Sultans' armies.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (b)
The Assertion is true because Vijayanagara kings indeed had conflicts with the Sultans of the Deccan. However, the Reason is not the sole explanation for the destruction of Vijayanagara. While the Sultans' armies were responsible for the destruction, it was not the only factor. Internal rebellions, shifting alliances, and other complex political dynamics also played a role in the fall of Vijayanagara.

Q2: Assertion: Nayakas were important military commanders in the Vijayanagara Empire.
Reason: Nayakas were primarily responsible for religious and cultural activities in the empire.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (c)
The Assertion is true. Nayakas were indeed important military commanders responsible for controlling forts and territories in the Vijayanagara Empire. However, the Reason is false. Nayakas were primarily military chiefs and were not primarily responsible for religious and cultural activities. Their main role was in the military and administrative sphere.

Q3: Assertion: The choice of the site of Vijayanagara was inspired by the existence of the shrines of Virupaksha and Pampadevi.
Reason: Rulers associated themselves with the divine through temple building and granted resources for temple maintenance.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (a)
The Assertion is true. The choice of Vijayanagara's site was likely inspired by the existence of shrines like Virupaksha and Pampadevi. The Reason is also true. Rulers associated themselves with the divine through temple building, and temples were significant centers of religious, social, cultural, and economic activities. Rulers often granted resources for temple maintenance to showcase their devotion and gain the favor of the divine, reinforcing their authority among the people.

Q4: Assertion: The warfare in Vijayanagara depended mainly upon powerful cavalry.
Reason: Cavalry was the most effective military force during that period.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (b)
The Assertion is true. Vijayanagara's warfare did depend mainly upon powerful cavalry. However, the Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion. While cavalry was crucial, it wasn't the only effective military force during that period. Various factors, including infantry, fortifications, and strategic alliances, also contributed to effective military operations during that time.

Q5: Assertion: The city of Vijayanagara was exclusively a military fortress with no emphasis on cultural and religious aspects.
Reason: The archaeological evidence suggests a strong presence of religious and cultural centers within the city.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (d) 
The Reason is true. Archaeological evidence does suggest a strong presence of religious and cultural centers within the city of Vijayanagara. Temples, pavilions, gateways, and various other structures discovered through excavations indicate a rich cultural and religious heritage.
However, the Assertion is false. Vijayanagara was not exclusively a military fortress. While it had strong fortifications and military aspects due to the constant threats it faced, it was also a vibrant cultural and religious center. The city was known for its temples, markets, palaces, and various other structures that emphasized its cultural and religious significance. The presence of these structures contradicts the claim that Vijayanagara was exclusively a military fortress, highlighting its multifaceted character as a city.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Who discovered the ruins at Hampi in 1800?
Ans: Colonel Colin Mackenzie

Q2: What was the name of the major tank built in the early fifteenth century in Vijayanagara?
Ans: Kamalapuram tank

Q3: What is the significance of the Mahanavami dibba in Vijayanagara?
Ans: It was associated with the Mahanavami festival and displayed the king's power and prestige.

Q4: Name one architectural feature that marked the presence of temples from a great distance.
Ans: Raya gopurams (royal gateways)

Q5: Which empire did Vijayanagara kings compete with for control of fertile river valleys?
Ans: The Sultans of the Deccan and the Gajapati rulers of Orissa.

Q6: What were Nayakas responsible for in the Vijayanagara Empire?
Ans: They were military commanders who controlled forts and governed territories given by the raya.

Q7: Name the river around which Vijayanagara was situated.
Ans: Tungabhadra

Q8: What did the raya gopurams signify in temples?
Ans: They marked the presence of the temple from a great distance.

Q9: Who did the Vijayanagara kings claim to rule on behalf of?
Ans: The god Virupaksha.

Q10: What is the significance of the Hiriya canal in Vijayanagara?
Ans: It was one of the important waterworks among the ruins.

Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Explain the role of Nayakas in the Vijayanagara Empire.
Ans: Nayakas were military chiefs responsible for controlling forts and territories. They often rebelled and spoke languages like Telugu and Kannada. They were given territories to govern by the raya and collected taxes from peasants, craftspersons, and traders in the area.

Q2: Describe the architectural features of the royal centre in Vijayanagara.
Ans: The royal centre had about thirty building complexes identified as palaces. Unlike temples, the superstructure of these buildings was made of perishable materials. The Mahanavami dibba, an impressive platform associated with festivals, was a prominent structure in the royal centre. The Lotus Mahal and the Hazara Rama temple were some of the notable buildings in this area.

Q3: Explain the importance of temple building in the Vijayanagara Empire.
Ans: Temple building was encouraged by rulers as a means of associating themselves with the divine. Temples served as centers of learning, and rulers often granted resources for temple maintenance. The choice of Vijayanagara's site was likely inspired by the existence of shrines like Virupaksha and Pampadevi. New temple features like Gopurams and mandapas were introduced during this period.

Q4: Describe the fortifications and roads in Vijayanagara.
Ans: Vijayanagara had seven lines of forts enclosing the city, agricultural hinterland, and forests. Agricultural tracts serviced by elaborate canal systems were found between the sacred center and the urban core. Roads, often lined by bazaars, wound around valleys and avoided rocky terrain. The city itself was designed as a fortress.

Q5: Discuss the decline of the Vijayanagara Empire.
Ans: After Krishnadeva Raya's death in 1529, the empire faced internal strife with rebellious nayakas. Shifting alliances and military ambitions of the Deccan Sultanates led to an eventual alliance against Vijayanagara. The city was sacked in 1565, leading to the empire's decline. Although relations between the Sultans and the rayas were not always hostile, Vijayanagara could not withstand the external pressures.

Q6: Explain the significance of the Mahanavami dibba in Vijayanagara.
Ans: The Mahanavami dibba was a massive platform associated with the Mahanavami festival. It was located on one of the highest points in the city and supported a wooden structure. Rituals associated with this structure coincided with Mahanavami, during the autumn months of September and October. The Vijayanagara kings displayed their prestige, power, and suzerainty on this occasion.

Q7: Discuss the Vijayanagara architecture in terms of water resources.
Ans: Vijayanagara had natural basins formed by the river Tungabhadra and streams flowing down from granite hills. Embankments were built along these streams to create reservoirs. Elaborate arrangements were made to store rainwater for arid zones. The Kamalapuram tank and the Hiriya canal were prominent waterworks. The city's layout utilized water resources effectively.

Q8: Explain the role of Portuguese traders in Vijayanagara.
Ans: The Portuguese settled on the west coast of India and attempted to establish trading and military stations. They interacted with the trading class in Vijayanagara, dealing in precious stones, textiles, and spices. Their presence added to the city's diverse trading activities, reflecting its status as a wealthy hub for high-value exotic goods.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q1: How did the Vijayanagara Empire rise to prominence, and what were the factors that contributed to its eventual decline?
Ans: The Vijayanagara Empire, established in 1336 by the brothers Harihara and Bukka, ascended to power by asserting independence from the Delhi Sultanate. Its success can be attributed to strategic control over fertile river valleys, a robust economy supported by powerful cavalry, and a flourishing trade network dealing in spices, textiles, and precious stones. The empire's zenith was under Krishnadeva Raya, marked by territorial expansion and consolidation. However, internal challenges surfaced after Krishnadeva Raya's death in 1529, including rebellious nayakas (military chiefs) and shifting alliances with Deccan Sultanates. In 1565, the empire faced a significant blow when the city of Vijayanagara was sacked, leading to its gradual decline.

Q2: What were the distinctive architectural and urban planning features of Vijayanagara, particularly in Hampi, and how did these reflect the empire's cultural and religious significance?
Ans: Vijayanagara, with Hampi as its grand capital, exhibited remarkable architectural and urban planning innovations. The city's layout included elaborate fortifications comprising multiple lines of forts that encircled not only the urban core but also agricultural tracts. The majestic royal center boasted about thirty palaces, including structures like the Mahanavami Dibba and the Lotus Mahal, showcasing a blend of military might and artistic finesse. Temples, such as the Virupaksha temple, displayed distinctive features like the raya gopurams (royal gateways) and mandapas (pavilions) that symbolized the empire's religious and cultural heritage. Additionally, the empire's choice of the site was inspired by existing shrines like Virupaksha and Pampadevi, emphasizing the rulers' association with divine powers and their support for religious institutions. This architectural marvel not only reflected the empire's cultural and religious significance but also demonstrated its political and economic prowess.

Q3: How did Vijayanagara's advanced water management systems and trade networks contribute to the empire's prosperity and influence in the region?
Ans: Vijayanagara's prosperity was intricately linked with its advanced water management systems and thriving trade networks. The empire capitalized on the natural basin formed by the river Tungabhadra, constructing reservoirs and embankments to store water. The innovative Kamalapuram tank, built in the fifteenth century, stood as a testament to their water conservation efforts, ensuring agricultural productivity even in arid zones. This agricultural wealth not only sustained the populace but also fueled trade activities. Vijayanagara's markets were renowned for dealing in spices, textiles, and precious stones, attracting traders from far and wide. This robust trade network not only boosted the empire's economy but also solidified its influence, making Vijayanagara a hub of cultural exchange and economic growth in the region.

Q4: How did the architectural remnants of Vijayanagara, particularly in Hampi, provide insights into the empire's social structure, religious beliefs, and administrative prowess?
Ans: The architectural remnants of Vijayanagara, especially in Hampi, serve as invaluable historical artifacts that offer profound insights into the empire's social fabric, religious convictions, and administrative acumen. The delineation of urban spaces, fortifications, and temples showcases the empire's sophisticated urban planning. The presence of royal enclosures, including structures like the Mahanavami Dibba and the Lotus Mahal, indicates the empire's administrative prowess and the opulence of the ruling elite. Temples like the Virupaksha temple with its ornate raya gopurams and mandapas reveal the empire's deep-rooted religious beliefs and their integration into the fabric of daily life. The coexistence of different shrines and small temples within the city points to a multicultural society, highlighting the empire's social diversity. These architectural remnants stand as enduring testaments to the empire's rich heritage, providing invaluable clues about its social, religious, and administrative dimensions.