1Which two brothers are credited with founding the Vijayanagar Empire in 1336 AD?
A.Harihara and Bukka
B.Devaraya I and Devaraya II
C.Krishnadevaraya and Achyutadevaraya
D.Rama Raya and Tirumala
Correct Answer: Harihara and Bukka
Explanation:The Vijayanagar Empire was founded in 1336 by Harihara I and Bukka Raya I of the Sangama dynasty, reportedly with the blessings of Sage Vidyaranya.
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2On the banks of which river was the city of Vijayanagar founded?
A.Krishna
B.Kaveri
C.Tungabhadra
D.Godavari
Correct Answer: Tungabhadra
Explanation:The capital city, Vijayanagar (Hampi), was established on the southern bank of the Tungabhadra River.
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3Which of the following was the first dynasty to rule the Vijayanagar Empire?
A.Saluva Dynasty
B.Tuluva Dynasty
C.Sangama Dynasty
D.Aravidu Dynasty
Correct Answer: Sangama Dynasty
Explanation:The Sangama dynasty was the first dynasty, founded by Harihara and Bukka. It was followed by Saluva, Tuluva, and Aravidu dynasties.
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4Who was the most famous ruler of the Tuluva dynasty, often referred to as 'Andhra Bhoja'?
A.Devaraya II
B.Krishnadevaraya
C.Vira Narasimha
D.Sadasiva Raya
Correct Answer: Krishnadevaraya
Explanation:Krishnadevaraya (1509–1529) is considered the greatest ruler of the Vijayanagar Empire and belonged to the Tuluva dynasty. He was known as 'Andhra Bhoja' for his patronage of literature.
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5The famous Battle of Talikota, which led to the decline of the Vijayanagar Empire, was fought in which year?
A.1526
B.1556
C.1565
D.1600
Correct Answer: 1565
Explanation:The Battle of Talikota (also known as the Battle of Rakshasa-Tangadi) was fought in 1565 between the Vijayanagar Empire and an alliance of the Deccan Sultanates.
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6Which Italian traveler visited the Vijayanagar Empire during the reign of Devaraya I?
A.Domingo Paes
B.Nicolo de Conti
C.Fernao Nuniz
D.Abdur Razzak
Correct Answer: Nicolo de Conti
Explanation:Nicolo de Conti, an Italian merchant and explorer, visited Vijayanagar around 1420 during the reign of Devaraya I.
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7Who was the Persian ambassador sent by Shah Rukh of Persia to the court of Devaraya II?
A.Ibn Battuta
B.Al-Biruni
C.Abdur Razzak
D.Marco Polo
Correct Answer: Abdur Razzak
Explanation:Abdur Razzak visited the Vijayanagar court in the 1440s as an ambassador of Persia during the reign of Devaraya II and left detailed accounts of the city's wealth.
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8The Ashtadiggajas, a group of eight great poets, adorned the court of which ruler?
A.Harihara II
B.Devaraya II
C.Krishnadevaraya
D.Rama Raya
Correct Answer: Krishnadevaraya
Explanation:The Ashtadiggajas were eight Telugu scholars and poets in the court of Krishnadevaraya, marking a golden age of Telugu literature.
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9Which Telugu literary work on statecraft was authored by Krishnadevaraya?
A.Manucharitam
B.Amuktamalyada
C.Panduranga Mahatmyam
D.Jambavati Kalyanam
Correct Answer: Amuktamalyada
Explanation:Krishnadevaraya wrote Amuktamalyada, a masterpiece in Telugu describing the story of Andal and expounding on political administration.
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10In the Vijayanagar administration, what was the Nayankara system?
A.A system of village self-government
B.A judicial system for criminal cases
C.A feudal system of military chiefs holding land
D.A system of revenue collection by priests
Correct Answer: A feudal system of military chiefs holding land
Explanation:Under the Nayankara system, the king assigned land (Amaram) to military chiefs (Nayaks) in return for maintaining troops and paying a fixed annual tribute.
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11The Ayagar system in the Vijayanagar empire was related to the administration of:
A.The Central Court
B.The Army
C.The Village
D.Foreign Trade
Correct Answer: The Village
Explanation:The Ayagar system was a key feature of village administration where a body of 12 functionaries (Ayagars) managed village affairs.
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12What was the name of the gold coin widely used in the Vijayanagar Empire, known to foreigners as the 'Pagoda'?
A.Tanka
B.Jital
C.Varaha
D.Dinar
Correct Answer: Varaha
Explanation:The Varaha was the standard gold coin of Vijayanagar, featuring symbols like the boar (Varaha avatar of Vishnu).
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13Which Portuguese traveler gave a detailed account of the personality and physical appearance of Krishnadevaraya?
A.Duarte Barbosa
B.Domingo Paes
C.Vasco da Gama
D.Ralph Fitch
Correct Answer: Domingo Paes
Explanation:Domingo Paes visited Vijayanagar around 1520-22 and provided vivid descriptions of the city and King Krishnadevaraya.
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14The Raichur Doab was a bone of contention between the Vijayanagar Empire and which other kingdom?
A.Bahmani Kingdom
B.Chola Kingdom
C.Gajapati Kingdom
D.Pandya Kingdom
Correct Answer: Bahmani Kingdom
Explanation:The fertile land between the Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers, known as the Raichur Doab, was the primary cause of frequent wars between Vijayanagar and the Bahmani Sultanate.
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15The Kalyana Mandapa (Marriage Hall) with elaborately carved pillars is a distinct feature of which architectural style?
A.Nagara
B.Vesara
C.Vijayanagar
D.Mauryan
Correct Answer: Vijayanagar
Explanation:The Vijayanagar style of architecture is famous for its Kalyana Mandapas (halls for deity marriage ceremonies) and Rayagopurams.
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16Which temple in Hampi is famous for its 'Musical Pillars' that emit musical notes when tapped?
A.Virupaksha Temple
B.Vittala Temple
C.Hazara Rama Temple
D.Achyutaraya Temple
Correct Answer: Vittala Temple
Explanation:The Vittala Temple is renowned for its composite pillars, often called musical pillars, and the famous Stone Chariot.
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17Who was the founder of the Bahmani Kingdom?
A.Mahmud Gawan
B.Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah
C.Firoz Shah Bahmani
D.Yusuf Adil Shah
Correct Answer: Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah
Explanation:Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah (originally Hasan Gangu) founded the Bahmani Kingdom in 1347 after revolting against Muhammad bin Tughlaq.
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18What was the initial capital of the Bahmani Kingdom before it was shifted to Bidar?
A.Daulatabad
B.Gulbarga
C.Bijapur
D.Golconda
Correct Answer: Gulbarga
Explanation:Gulbarga (Ahsanabad) was the first capital of the Bahmani Kingdom from 1347 until the capital was shifted to Bidar by Ahmad Shah I.
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19Mahmud Gawan, the famous Prime Minister who served the Bahmani Sultanate, was originally a merchant from which region?
A.Turkey
B.Afghanistan
C.Persia (Iran)
D.Arabia
Correct Answer: Persia (Iran)
Explanation:Mahmud Gawan was a Persian merchant who rose to become the Prime Minister (Wakal-i-Sultanat) and a brilliant administrator of the Bahmani Empire.
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20The disintegration of the Bahmani Kingdom led to the formation of how many Deccan Sultanates?
A.Three
B.Four
C.Five
D.Six
Correct Answer: Five
Explanation:The Bahmani Kingdom broke up into five independent sultanates: Bijapur, Golconda, Ahmednagar, Bidar, and Berar.
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21Which Bahmani ruler was known as 'Wali' (Saint) due to his association with the Sufi saint Gesu Daraz?
A.Firoz Shah
B.Ahmad Shah I
C.Humayun Shah
D.Mahmud Shah
Correct Answer: Ahmad Shah I
Explanation:Ahmad Shah I was called a 'Wali' (Saint) because of his pious nature and close association with the Sufi saint Gesu Daraz.
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22The Hazara Rama Temple in Hampi was believed to be used primarily by:
A.The general public
B.The royal family
C.Foreign merchants
D.Soldiers
Correct Answer: The royal family
Explanation:Located within the Royal Enclosure, the Hazara Rama Temple was the private place of worship for the Vijayanagar royal family.
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23In the Vijayanagar Empire, land grants given to Brahmins were known as:
A.Amaram
B.Bhandaravada
C.Brahmadeya
D.Manyam
Correct Answer: Brahmadeya
Explanation:Brahmadeya (or sometimes Agrahara) referred to tax-free villages or lands granted to Brahmins for their settlement.
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24Who authored Madura Vijayam, which describes the conquest of Madurai by the Vijayanagar prince Kumara Kampana?
A.Gangadevi
B.Tirumalamba
C.Mohanangi
D.Ramabhadramba
Correct Answer: Gangadevi
Explanation:Gangadevi, the wife of Kumara Kampana, wrote Madura Vijayam, a Sanskrit poem describing her husband's victory over the Madurai Sultanate.
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25The distinct feature of Vijayanagar pillars, often carving a rearing animal, is the:
A.Lion
B.Elephant
C.Horse (Yali)
D.Bull
Correct Answer: Horse (Yali)
Explanation:The rearing horse (or the mythical beast Yali) is the most striking and frequent motif on the pillars of Vijayanagar architecture.
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26Who was the Portuguese horse trader who wrote a chronicle of the Vijayanagar history during Achyuta Raya's reign?
A.Fernao Nuniz
B.Vasco da Gama
C.Francisco de Almeida
D.Alfonso de Albuquerque
Correct Answer: Fernao Nuniz
Explanation:Fernao Nuniz was a Portuguese horse trader who resided in Vijayanagar for three years and wrote a history of the empire.
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27The Gol Gumbaz, possessing one of the largest domes in the world, is associated with which offshoot of the Bahmani Empire?
A.Nizam Shahis of Ahmednagar
B.Adil Shahis of Bijapur
C.Qutb Shahis of Golconda
D.Barid Shahis of Bidar
Correct Answer: Adil Shahis of Bijapur
Explanation:The Gol Gumbaz is the mausoleum of Muhammad Adil Shah of the Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur.
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28Which Russian traveler visited the Bahmani Kingdom (Bidar) in the 15th century?
A.Athanasius Nikitin
B.Marco Polo
C.William Hawkins
D.Francois Bernier
Correct Answer: Athanasius Nikitin
Explanation:Athanasius Nikitin, a Russian merchant, visited the Bahmani Kingdom (specifically Bidar) around 1470 and described the condition of the people.
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29The Mahanavami Dibba is a massive architectural structure in Hampi associated with which festival?
A.Diwali
B.Holi
C.Navaratri/Dasara
D.Sankranti
Correct Answer: Navaratri/Dasara
Explanation:The Mahanavami Dibba is a high platform used by the King to watch the army march-past and festivities during the Mahanavami (Navaratri/Dasara) festival.
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30In the Bahmani administration, the kingdom was divided into provinces called:
A.Tarafs
B.Subahs
C.Iqtas
D.Sarkars
Correct Answer: Tarafs
Explanation:The Bahmani Kingdom was divided into provinces known as Tarafs, each governed by a Tarafdar.
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31The famous Madrasa of Mahmud Gawan, a masterpiece of Persian architecture, is located in:
A.Gulbarga
B.Daulatabad
C.Bidar
D.Raichur
Correct Answer: Bidar
Explanation:Mahmud Gawan built a magnificent Madrasa (college) in Bidar in 1472, modeled on universities in Persia.
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32Which Vijayanagar ruler assumed the title 'Yavana Rajya Sthapanacharya' (Restorer of the Yavana/Muslim Kingdom)?
A.Harihara I
B.Krishnadevaraya
C.Devaraya II
D.Rama Raya
Correct Answer: Krishnadevaraya
Explanation:Krishnadevaraya took this title after he intervened in the internal politics of the Bahmani/Deccan sultanates and restored the Bahmani Sultan to his throne.
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33The 'Elephant Stables' is a secular architectural structure found in:
A.Madurai
B.Hampi (Vijayanagar)
C.Thanjavur
D.Kanchipuram
Correct Answer: Hampi (Vijayanagar)
Explanation:The Elephant Stables are a fine example of Indo-Islamic style architecture found in the Royal Centre of Hampi.
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34Who was the court jester and poet known for his wit in the court of Krishnadevaraya?
A.Allasani Peddana
B.Tenali Ramakrishna
C.Nandi Thimmana
D.Pingali Surana
Correct Answer: Tenali Ramakrishna
Explanation:Tenali Ramakrishna (Tenali Rama) was one of the Ashtadiggajas and is famous in folklore for his wit and humor.
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35The conflict between the Bahmani and Vijayanagar empires also involved control over the diamond mines of:
A.Kolar
B.Golconda
C.Surat
D.Panna
Correct Answer: Golconda
Explanation:Control over the Golconda region was highly contested due to its famous diamond mines.
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36Who was the 'Grand Old Man' of the Vijayanagar Empire who led the army at the Battle of Talikota at the age of 80?
A.Sadasiva Raya
B.Aliya Rama Raya
C.Tirumala Raya
D.Venkata II
Correct Answer: Aliya Rama Raya
Explanation:Aliya Rama Raya was the de facto ruler and regent who led the Vijayanagar forces during the disastrous Battle of Talikota.
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37The Qutb Shahi dynasty ruled over which region after the split of the Bahmani Empire?
A.Bijapur
B.Ahmednagar
C.Golconda
D.Berar
Correct Answer: Golconda
Explanation:The Qutb Shahi dynasty was established in Golconda (Hyderabad region) by Quli Qutb Shah.
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38The Virupaksha Temple at Hampi is dedicated to which deity?
A.Vishnu
B.Shiva
C.Brahma
D.Ganesha
Correct Answer: Shiva
Explanation:The Virupaksha Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, known here as Virupaksha (the consort of the local goddess Pampa).
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39Who is known as the 'Andhra Kavita Pitamaha' (Grandfather of Andhra Poetry) in the Vijayanagar court?
A.Tenali Ramakrishna
B.Allasani Peddana
C.Nannaya
D.Tikkana
Correct Answer: Allasani Peddana
Explanation:Allasani Peddana, the foremost of the Ashtadiggajas, authored Manucharitam and was honored with the title Andhra Kavita Pitamaha.
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40What was the main outcome of the Battle of Talikota?
A.Vijayanagar annexed Bijapur
B.The Bahmani Kingdom was restored
C.The City of Vijayanagar was destroyed and abandoned
D.The Portuguese took over South India
Correct Answer: The City of Vijayanagar was destroyed and abandoned
Explanation:Following the defeat of Rama Raya, the victorious Deccan armies sacked the city of Hampi (Vijayanagar) for months, leaving it in ruins.
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41Under the Vijayanagar administration, the term 'Sist' referred to:
A.Land Tax
B.Military Rank
C.Religious Grant
D.Water Tax
Correct Answer: Land Tax
Explanation:Sist was the land revenue or tax, which was the main source of income for the state.
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42Which Sanskrit drama was written by Krishnadevaraya?
A.Jambavati Kalyanam
B.Amuktamalyada
C.Abijnana Shakuntalam
D.Mricchakatika
Correct Answer: Jambavati Kalyanam
Explanation:While Amuktamalyada is his Telugu magnum opus, Krishnadevaraya wrote Jambavati Kalyanam in Sanskrit.
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43The Rayagopuram introduced by Vijayanagar rulers refers to:
A.The main shrine
B.The water tank
C.The massive entrance gateway
D.The pillared hall
Correct Answer: The massive entrance gateway
Explanation:Rayagopurams are the tall, monumental entrance towers (gateways) of temples, a distinctive contribution of the Vijayanagar rulers (Rayas).
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44Who succeeded Krishnadevaraya to the throne?
A.Achyuta Raya
B.Rama Raya
C.Sadasiva Raya
D.Devaraya II
Correct Answer: Achyuta Raya
Explanation:Achyuta Raya, the brother of Krishnadevaraya, succeeded him in 1529.
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45Which Bahmani Sultan married the daughter of Devaraya I to secure peace?
A.Firoz Shah Bahmani
B.Ahmad Shah
C.Hasan Gangu
D.Humayun Shah
Correct Answer: Firoz Shah Bahmani
Explanation:Taj-ud-din Firoz Shah Bahmani defeated Devaraya I and, as part of the peace treaty, married the Vijayanagar king's daughter.
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46The administrative unit 'Nadu' in the Vijayanagar empire corresponds roughly to a:
A.Province
B.District
C.Village
D.Kingdom
Correct Answer: District
Explanation:The empire was divided into Mandalams (Provinces), which were further divided into Nadus (Districts), then Sthala (Sub-districts), and Grama (Villages).
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47Which traveler visited Vijayanagar after the Battle of Talikota and described the desolate state of the city?
A.Caesar Frederick
B.Nicolo Conti
C.Abdur Razzak
D.Domingo Paes
Correct Answer: Caesar Frederick
Explanation:Caesar Frederick, a Venetian merchant, visited Hampi in 1567, two years after the battle, and described the ruin and desolation.
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48The last dynasty of the Vijayanagar Empire, the Aravidu dynasty, ruled primarily from:
A.Hampi
B.Penukonda and Chandragiri
C.Madurai
D.Thanjavur
Correct Answer: Penukonda and Chandragiri
Explanation:After the destruction of Hampi, the Aravidu dynasty continued the Vijayanagar rule from Penukonda and later Chandragiri/Vellore.
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49What was the significance of the Stone Chariot in the Vittala Temple complex?
A.It was used for war
B.It is a monolithic shrine dedicated to Garuda
C.It was the King's personal vehicle
D.It marks the tomb of the architect
Correct Answer: It is a monolithic shrine dedicated to Garuda
Explanation:The Stone Chariot is actually a shrine built in the shape of a chariot, dedicated to Garuda, the vehicle of Lord Vishnu.
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50The execution of which Bahmani official marked the beginning of the decline of the Bahmani Empire?
A.Malik Amber
B.Mahmud Gawan
C.Chand Bibi
D.Yusuf Adil Khan
Correct Answer: Mahmud Gawan
Explanation:The unjust execution of the capable Prime Minister Mahmud Gawan in 1481 by Sultan Muhammad Shah III (due to a conspiracy by nobles) accelerated the decline of the empire.