Q1. According to historical tradition, Harihara and Bukka, the founders of the Vijayanagar Empire, were initially feudatories of which of the following kingdoms before serving the Kampili state?
Vijayanagar Empire and Regional Kingdoms: RAS Prelims MCQs
61 RAS Prelims MCQs on the Vijayanagar Empire and the regional kingdoms cover the four dynasties, the great rulers, the struggle with the Bahmanis and the Rajput states of the north. Krishnadeva Raya’s campaigns, the Battle of Talikota, the Bahmani rise in 1347 and Maharana Kumbha and Sanga of Mewar are all tested.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
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Q2. Which of the following statements correctly defines the initial purpose behind the foundation of the Vijayanagar Empire by Harihara and Bukka in 1336 CE?
Explanation
The foundation of the Vijayanagar Empire in 1336 CE was fundamentally driven by the desire to resist the southward expansion of the Delhi Sultanate. It aimed to preserve and defend Hindu socio-cultural traditions and religious institutions from external pressures. Under the guidance of sage Vidyaranya, the empire emerged as a powerful bulwark for southern Indian political and cultural sovereignty.
Q3. Consider the following statements regarding the foundation of the Vijayanagar Empire and select the correct option.
Statement I: Vidyaranya, a prominent sage, is traditionally credited with inspiring Harihara and Bukka to establish the Vijayanagar Empire.
Statement II: The capital city was initially named Vidyanagara in honour of the sage before becoming known as Vijayanagara.
Statement I: Vidyaranya, a prominent sage, is traditionally credited with inspiring Harihara and Bukka to establish the Vijayanagar Empire.
Statement II: The capital city was initially named Vidyanagara in honour of the sage before becoming known as Vijayanagara.
Explanation
Historical tradition identifies the prominent sage and scholar Vidyaranya as the spiritual guide who inspired Harihara and Bukka to reclaim their heritage and establish an independent kingdom. The capital city was initially named Vidyanagara to commemorate his significant role and spiritual mentorship. It eventually became known as Vijayanagara, the City of Victory, symbolizing its military and political triumphs.
Q4. In the context of the foundation of Vijayanagar, what was the primary geographic significance of the Tungabhadra river valley?
Explanation
The Tungabhadra river valley was geographically vital as it contained the Raichur Doab, a fertile tract between the Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers. This region served as a persistent zone of conflict between the Vijayanagar Empire and the Bahmani Kingdom. Control over its rich resources and strategic forts was essential for maintaining regional dominance and securing the empire’s northern frontier.
Q5. Match the items in List I with those in List II and select the correct answer using the options given below.
| Foreign Traveler | Ruler of Vijayanagar visited |
|---|---|
| A. Nicolo Conti | i. Deva Raya II |
| B. Abdur Razzaq | ii. Deva Raya I |
| C. Domingos Paes | iii. Achyuta Deva Raya |
| D. Fernao Nuniz | iv. Krishnadeva Raya |
Explanation
Nicolo Conti visited during the reign of Deva Raya I, providing detailed accounts of the city’s size. Abdur Razzaq, a Persian envoy, arrived during Deva Raya II’s rule and praised the empire’s wealth. Domingos Paes visited the court of Krishnadeva Raya at its height. Fernao Nuniz, a Portuguese horse trader, provided historical chronicles during the time of Achyuta Deva Raya.
Q6. Who among the following Sangama dynasty rulers earned the title of ‘Gajabetegara’ (the elephant hunter)?
Explanation
Deva Raya II, the most powerful ruler of the Sangama dynasty, earned the prestigious title of ‘Gajabetegara,’ meaning ‘the hunter of elephants.’ This title reflected his physical prowess and military achievements. His reign was marked by significant administrative reforms, expansion of the empire into distant southern territories, and the recruitment of skilled foreign archers to modernize the imperial army.
Q7. Which of the following statements about the Sangama dynasty is incorrect?
Explanation
The Sangama dynasty was founded by Harihara and Bukka in 1336, not Krishnadeva Raya, who belonged to the later Tuluva dynasty. Other rulers like Bukka I engaged in international diplomacy with the Ming Empire. Deva Raya I focused on internal development by constructing irrigation dams across the Tungabhadra. Harihara II adopted imperial titles like Maharajadhiraja to signify increased sovereign status.
Q8. Consider the following statements regarding the political consolidation under the Sangama dynasty:
I. Bukka I ended the Madurai Sultanate and incorporated it into the Vijayanagar Empire.
II. Deva Raya II initiated the practice of recruiting Muslim cavalrymen into the Vijayanagar army.
III. The Sangama rulers patronized only Shaivism and persecuted Jain scholars.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. Bukka I ended the Madurai Sultanate and incorporated it into the Vijayanagar Empire.
II. Deva Raya II initiated the practice of recruiting Muslim cavalrymen into the Vijayanagar army.
III. The Sangama rulers patronized only Shaivism and persecuted Jain scholars.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Bukka I expanded the empire by defeating the Madurai Sultanate, an event famously chronicled in the Madura Vijayam. Deva Raya II recognized the tactical advantage of Muslim cavalry and archers, incorporating them into his forces to counter the Bahmanis. Contrary to claims of persecution, the Sangama rulers generally maintained a policy of religious tolerance, patronizing Shaivism, Vaishnavism, and Jainism.
Q9. Which of the following regions was not a major source of territorial conflict between the Sangama rulers of Vijayanagar and the Bahmani Kingdom?
Explanation
The Raichur Doab, the Krishna-Godavari delta and the Konkan were contested between Vijayanagar and the Bahmanis. Marathwada was not a main area of conflict between them, so C is the answer.
Q10. Given below are two statements, one labelled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R). Select the correct option.
Assertion (A): Deva Raya II enlisted a large number of Muslim archers and cavalrymen into his army.
Reason (R): He recognized that the Bahmani army’s superiority lay in their cavalry and skilled archery, which he needed to counter effectively.
Assertion (A): Deva Raya II enlisted a large number of Muslim archers and cavalrymen into his army.
Reason (R): He recognized that the Bahmani army’s superiority lay in their cavalry and skilled archery, which he needed to counter effectively.
Explanation
Deva Raya II enlisted many Muslim archers and cavalrymen because the Bahmani army’s strength lay in cavalry and archery, and he needed to match it. The reason explains the assertion.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 1 | (b) Kakatiyas |
| 2 | (a) To defend Hindu traditions against the expansion of southern Sultanates |
| 3 | (a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct |
| 4 | (d) It contained the strategic Raichur Doab, a zone of conflict with the Bahmanis |
| 5 | (c) A-ii, B-i, C-iv, D-iii |
| 6 | (b) Deva Raya II |
| 7 | (d) The Sangama dynasty was founded by Krishnadeva Raya after defeating the Bahmani Sultan. |
| 8 | (a) I and II only |
| 9 | (c) The Marathwada region |
| 10 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
Key facts from Vijayanagar Empire and Regional Kingdoms
- Harihara and Bukka, founders of Vijayanagar, are said to have been feudatories of the Kakatiyas; the Raichur Doab between the Tungabhadra and Krishna was a zone of conflict with the Bahmanis.
- Deva Raya II earned the title Gajabetegara; Krishnadeva Raya took the title Abhinava Bhoja and defeated Prataparudra Deva of Odisha and Ismail Adil Shah in 1520.
- Saluva Narasimha, governor of Chandragiri, started the Saluva dynasty in the First Usurpation.
- Sadasiva Raya was the de jure king at the Battle of Talikota in 1565.
- The Bahmani Kingdom arose in 1347 after the revolt of the centurions against Muhammad bin Tughlaq.
- Sist was the standard land revenue tax; the Hazara Rama temple was built by Krishnadeva Raya; the Gol Gumbaz is at Bijapur.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Vijayanagar Empire and Regional Kingdoms?
This page has 61 practice MCQs on Vijayanagar Empire and Regional Kingdoms (Medieval Indian History). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Who won the Battle of Raichur in 1520?
Krishnadeva Raya of Vijayanagar defeated Ismail Adil Shah of Bijapur and captured the Raichur Doab, the fertile land between the Krishna and Tungabhadra. It is regarded as his greatest victory over the Deccan Sultanates.
Who was the king of Vijayanagar at Talikota?
Sadasiva Raya was the de jure ruler at the Battle of Talikota in 1565, though real power was held by Rama Raya of the Aravidu family. The defeat led to the sack of Hampi.
What was Sist in Vijayanagar?
Sist was the standard land revenue tax collected from peasants in the Vijayanagar Empire. Knowing such terms matters because the exam often asks for the meaning of a revenue term rather than a date.