Vijayanagar And Bahmani Kingdoms

Class 7 | Social Science — History | Unit 1

Class 7 Unit 1 History

Unit 1

Vijayanagar and Baamani Kingdoms

Learning Objectives

To know the circumstances that led to the rise and expansion of Vijayanagar and Baamani kingdoms

To familiarise ourselves with the administration, military organisation and the economic life during the time of their reign

To know the contribution of Vijayanagar and Baamani rulers to literature art and architecture

Introduction

The political condition of India in the fourteenth century provided great opportunities for the rise of new kingdoms in the south. The repressive measures of the temperamental Muslim king Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq led to the rise of many new independent states. In the south, Vijayanagar and Gulbarga or Baamani emerged as two great kingdoms. The Baamani kingdom spread all over the Maharashtra region and partly over Karnataka. Ruled by 18 monarchs, it lasted for nearly 180 years. Early in the sixteenth century, it collapsed and split into five sultanates Bijapur, Ahmednagar, Golconda, Bidar and Berar. The state of Vijayanagar continued to flourish for nearly 200 years. Ultimately Vijayanagar's wealth and prosperity induced the Muslim Deccan kingdoms to launch a combined war against it. In 1565, the battle of Talikota, finally they could succeed in crushing Vijayanagar Empire.

Foundation of Vijayanagar Empire

Vijaya nagara, the 'city of victory', was established in southern Karnataka by two brothers named Harihara and Bukka. According to one tradition, Vidyaranya, head of the Saivite Sringeri mutt, instructed them to abandon their service to the Tughluqs and rescue the country from Muslim authority. The new kingdom was called Vidyanagara for a time in honour of the spiritual teacher Vidyaranya, before it came to be called Vijaya nagara. Four dynasties, namely Sangama (1336 to 1485), Saluva (1485 to 1505), Tuluva (1505 to 1570) and Aravidu (1570 to 1646), ruled this kingdom. The fertile regions between the rivers Krishna and Tungabhadra and the Krishna-Godavari delta were the zones of conflict among the rulers of Vijayanagar, Baamani and Odisha. The valour of the first two brothers, Harihara and Bukka, of the Sangama dynasty protected the new kingdom from the superior forces of the Baamani sultanate, which had been established about a decade after the foundation of Vijaya nagara.

Do You Know?

Bukka one's son Kumara Kampana ended the sultanate in Madurai and succeeded in establishing Nayak kingdom there. The conquest of the Madurai Sultanate by the Vijaya nagara empire is described in detail in the poem Madura Vijayam composed by Kumara Kamapana's wife Gangadevi.

End of Sangama Dynasty

When King Bukka died, he had left behind a large territory to his son Harihara second to rule. Harihara two's impressive achievement was securing Belgaum and Goa from the Baamani kingdom. Harihara's son Devaraya first defeated Gajapati kings of Odisha. His successor Devaraya second was the greatest ruler of the Sangama dynasty. He began the practice of recruiting Muslim fighters to serve him and to train him in the new methods of warfare.

Rise of Saluva Dynasty

After Devaraya II, the Vijayanagar Empire went through a crisis. The able commander of the Vijayanagar army, Saluva Narasimha, making use of the situation declared himself the emperor, after murdering the last ruler of Sangama dynasty, Virupaksha Raya II. But the Saluva dynasty founded by Saluva Narasimha came to an end with his death. When Naras Nayaka, his able general, seized power, it ushered in the Tuluva dynasty.

Krishnadevaraya

Krishnadevaraya who reigned for 20 years was the most illustrious rulers of the Tuluva dynasty. His first step after ascending the throne was to bring under control the independent chieftains in the Tungabhadra river basin. After succeeding in this effort, his next main target was Gulbarga. The Baamani sultan, Mahmud Shah, had been overthrown and kept in imprisonment by his minister. Krishnadevaraya freed the sultan and restored him to the throne. Similarly, he forced a war on Prataparudra, the Gajapati ruler of Odisha. Prataparudra negotiated for peace and offered to marry off his daughter to him. Accepting the offer, Krishnadevaraya returned the territory he had conquered from Prataparudra. Krishnadevaraya, with the assistance of the Portuguese gunners, could easily defeat the Sultan of Golconda and subsequently take over Raichur from the ruler of Bijapur.

A Great Builder

Krishnadevaraya built huge irrigation tanks and reservoirs for harvesting rainwater. He built the famous temples of Krishnaswamy, Hazara Ramaswamy and Vithalaswamy in the capital city of Hampi. He distributed the wealth he gained in wars to all major temples of South India for the purpose of constructing temple gateways (gopura), called 'Rayagopuram,' in his honour. He recruited a large army and built many strong forts. He imported large number of horses from Arabia and Iran, which came in ships to Vijayanagar ports on the west coast. He had good friendly relationship with the Portuguese and Arabian traders, which increased the Empire's income through customs.

Patron of Literature, Art and Architecture

Krishnadevaraya patronised art and literature. Eight eminent luminaries in literature known as ashtadiggajas adorned his court. Alasani Peddana was the greatest of them all. Another notable figure was Tenali Ramakrishna.

Battle of Talikota and the Decline of Vijayanagar

Krishnadevaraya was succeeded by his younger brother Achtyuda Deva Raya. After the uneventful reigns of Achtyuda Deva Raya and his successor Venkata one, Sadasiva Raya, a minor, ascended the throne. His regent Rama Raya, the able general of the kingdom, continued as a de facto ruler, even after Sadashiva Raya attained the age for becoming the king. He relegated Sadasiva Raya to a nominal king. In the meantime, the sultans of Deccan kingdoms succeeded in forming a league to fight the Vijayanagar Empire. The combined forces of the enemies met at Talikota in 1565. In the ensuing battle, known as Raksha Tangadi (Battle of Talikota), Vijayanagar was defeated. There was terrible human slaughter and pillaging the capital city of Hampi. All the buildings, palaces and temples were destroyed. The beautiful carvings and sculptures were desecrated. The glorious Vijayanagar Empire had ceased to exist.

Do You Know?

The site of the city of Vijayanagar on the bank of the river Tungabhadra in eastern Karnataka is now called Hampi. Hampi is in ruins and the UNESCO has declared it a heritage site.

Aravidu Dynasty

Rama Raya was killed on the battlefield and his brother Tirumala deva Raya managed to escape along with the king Sadasiva Raya. Tirumala deva Raya moved to Chandragiri carrying all the treasures and wealth that could be salvaged. There he began the rule of Aravidu dynasty. The Aravidu dynasty built a new capital at Penu konda and kept the empire intact for a time. Internal dissensions and the intrigues of the sultans of Bijapur and Golconda, however, led to the final collapse of the empire about 1646.

Vijayanagar Administration

State

Kingship was hereditary, based on the principle of primo geniture. But in some instances, the reigning rulers, in order to ensure peaceful succession, nominated their successors. There were also instances of usurpation. Saluva Narasimha usurped the throne and it led to the replacement of Sangama dynasty with Saluva dynasty. The practice of appointing a regent to look after the administration, when a minor succeeded the throne, was also prevalent.

Structure of Governance

The empire was divided into different mandalams (provinces), nadus (districts), sthalas (taluks) and finally into gramas (villages). Each province was administered by a governor called Mandalesvara. The lowest unit of the administration was the village. Each village had a grama sabha. Gauda, village headman, looked after the affairs of the village. The army consisted of the infantry, cavalry and elephant corps. The army was modernised and Vijayanagar army began using firearms. The combination of firearm and cavalry made them one of the most feared armies in India.

Economic Condition

The Vijayanagar Empire was one of the richest states then known to the world. Several foreign travellers, who visited the empire during the fifteenth and the sixteenth centuries, left behind glowing accounts of its splendour and wealth, The emperors issued a large number of gold coins called Varahas.

Agriculture

It was the policy of its rulers to encourage agriculture in different parts of the empire by following a wise irrigation policy. Apart from the state, there were wealthy landholders and temples that invested in irrigation to promote agriculture. Abdur Razzaq, the visiting Persian emissary to Krishnadevaraya's Court, records the huge tank built with the help of Portuguese masons. Channels were constructed to supply water from the tank to different parts of the city. The city was well stocked with a variety of agricultural goods.

Cottage Industries

Vijayanagar's agricultural production was supplemented by numerous cottage-scale industries. The most important of them were textile, mining and metallurgy. Crafts and industries were regulated by guilds. Abdur Razzaq, the makes a reference to separate guild for each group of tradesmen and craftsmen.

Trade

During the Vijayanagar Empire, inland, coastal and overseas trade flourished in goods such as silks from China, spices from the Malabar region and precious stones from Barma (Myanmar). Vijayanagar traded with Persia, South Africa, Portugal, Arabia, China, Southeast Asia and Sri Lanka.

Contribution to Literature

Under the patronage of Vijayanagar rulers, religious as well as secular books were written in different languages such as Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada and Tamil. Krishnadeva Raya wrote Amuktamalyada, an epic in Telugu and also a Sanskrit drama Jambaavati Kalyanam. Tenali Ramakrishna authored Pandurangamahatyam. Scholars like Srinatha, Pothana, Jakkama and Duggana translated Sanskrit and Prakrit works into Telugu.

Do You Know?

Amuktamalyada is considered a masterpiece in Telugu literature. It relates the story of the daughter of Periaalvaar, Goda Devi (Andal), who used to wear the garlands intended for Lord Ranganatha before they were offered to the deity, and hence the name Amuktamalyada who wears and gives away garlands.

Contribution to Architecture

The temple building activity of the Vijayanagar rulers produced a new style called the Vijaya nagara style. Prominence of pillars and piers, in large numbers, and the manner in which they were sculptured are hallmarks of the Vijaya nagara style. Horse was the most common animal to be depicted on the pillars. The structures have a mandapam (open pavilion) with a raised platform, generally meant for seating the deity on special occasions. These temples also have a marriage hall with elaborately carved pillars.

Baamani Kingdom

Foundation and Consolidation of the Baamani Kingdom

Alauddin Hasan, also known as Hasan Gangu, seized Daulatabad and declared himself sultan under the title of Bahman Shah in 1347. In his effort, this Turkish officer of Daulatabad (Devagiri) was supported by other military leaders in rebellion against the sultan of Delhi, Muhammad bin Tughluq. In two years, Ala-ud-din Hasan Bahman Shah shifted his capital to Gulbarga. His successors found it difficult to organise a stable kingdom even around Gulbarga. So the capital was again shifted to Bidar in 1429. There were 18 monarchs of the Baamani dynasty.

Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah (1347 to 1358)

Alauddin Hasan ruled for 11 years. His attempt to exact an annual tribute from the state of Warangal, the Reddi kingdoms of Rajahmundry and Kondavidu, led to frequent wars. Alauddin Bahman Shah divided the kingdom into four territorial divisions called tarafs. A governor was appointed for each province. He commanded an army, was solely responsible for its administration and for the collection of the revenue. The system worked well under a powerful king, but its dangers became apparent during the reign of a weak ruler.

Muhammad Shah first (1358 to 1375)

Muhammad shah first succeeded Bahman Shah. He waged two wars with Vijayanagar but couldn't gain from it. But his attack on Warangal in 1363 earned him a large property and wealth, including the important fortress of Golconda and his treasured turquoise throne, which thereafter became the throne of the Baamani kings.

Do You Know?

Turquoise is a semi precious stone sky blue in colour. Turquoise throne is one of the bejewelled royal seats of Persian kings described in Firdausi's Shah Nama.

Muhammad Shah laid a solid foundation for the kingdom. His system of government continued even after the Baamani kingdom disintegrated into five sultanates. He built two mosques at Gulbarga. One, the great mosque, completed in 1367, measures 216 by 16 feet and has a roofed courtyard. A large number of Arabs, Turks and notably Persians began to immigrate to the Deccan, many of them at the invitation of Sultan Muhammad first and there they had a strong influence on the development of Muslim culture during subsequent generations.

Do You Know?

The Golconda Fort is located about 11 kilometres from Hyderabad on a hill 120 meters height. The fort is popular for its acoustic architecture. The highest point of the fort is Bala Hissar. It is believed that there is a secret underground tunnel, which leads from the Durbar Hall to one of the palaces at the foot of the hills.

Successors of Muhammad Shah first

Mujahid, the son of Muhammad shah, ascended the throne. However, on his return to Gulbarga from the expedition against Vijayanagar, he was assassinated and the nephew of the conspirator, Daud, the uncle of Muhammad, was enthroned in 1378 as Muhammad second. Muhammad second's reign was peaceful, and the sultan spent much of his time building his court as a centre of culture and learning. There were constant wars between the Baamani and Vijayanagar rulers over the fertile Tungabhadra Krishna region. The threat also came from the north, especially from Malwa and Gujarat. The noteworthy ruler after eight and a half decades (1377 to 1463) was Muhammad third (1463 to 1482). Muhammad third reigned for 19 years. For most of these years, the lieutenant of the kingdom was Mahmud Gawan, the most notable personality of the time.

Do You Know?

Eight ministers of the Baamani state: 1. Vakil-us-saltana or lieutenant of the kingdom, who was the immediate subordinate authority of the sovereign. 2. Peshwa who was associated with the lieutenant of the kingdom. 3. Waziri-kull who supervised the work of all other ministers. 4. Amir-i-jumla, minister of finance. 5. Nazir, assistant minister for finance. 6. Wasir-i-ashraf, minister of foreign affairs. 7. Kotwal or chief of police and city magistrate in the capital and 8. Sadr-i-jahan or chief justice and minister of religious affairs and endowments.

Mahmud Gawan

A Persian by birth, Mahmud Gawan was well-versed in Islamic theory, Persian and Mathematics. He was also a poet and a prose writer. The Baamani king Ala-ud-din Hasan Bahman Shah greatly impressed by his wisdom and military genius, recruited him. He served with great distinction as the Prime Minister under Muhammad III and contributed extensively to the development of the Baamani kingdom. Gawan was known for his military campaigns as well as administrative reforms. He used Persian chemists to teach the Baamani army about the preparation and the use of gunpowder. In his war against the Vijayanagar kings in Belgaum, he used gunpowder. In order to tighten the administration and to curb the power of provincial governors, who often functioned as virtual kings, Gawan divided the existing four provinces of the Baamani Sultanate into eight provinces so as to limit the area under the rule of each governor and to make the provincial administration more manageable. He also placed some districts in the provinces directly under the central administration. Gawan sought to curtail the military powers of the governors by allowing them to occupy only one fort in their territory. The sultan kept the other forts under his direct control. The royal officers who were given land assignments as pay were made accountable to the sultan for their income and expenditure. The administrative reforms introduced by Gawan improved the efficiency of the government, but curtailed the powers of the provincial chiefs, who were mostly Deccanis. So the already existing rivalry among nobles such as Deccanis and Pradesis (foreigners) further intensified and conflicts broke out. Gawan became a victim of this tussle for power. The Deccani nobles grew jealous of his success and considered him as an obstacle to their rise. They manipulated by forging a letter to implicate Gawan in a conspiracy against the sultan. Sultan, who himself was not happy with Gawan's dominance, ordered his execution.

Decline of Baamani Kingdom

Gawan's execution prompted several of the foreign nobles who were considered the backbone of the state to leave for their provinces. After Sultan Muhammad third's death, Mahmud or Shihabuddin Mahmud reigned as the sultan until his death in 1518. His long rule is noted for the beginnings of the process of disintegration. After him, four of his successors on the throne were kings only in name. During this period, the Sultanate gradually broke up into five independent Deccan kingdoms: Bidar, Bijapur, Ahmednagar, Berar and Golconda.

Contribution of Baamani Sultans

Architecture

The contribution of Baamani kings to architecture is evident in Gulbarga. Archaeological excavations done in the site of the kingdom has helped to unearth palaces, halls of public audience, ambassadors' residences, arches, domes, walls and citadels. These finds are illustrative of their architectural skill.

Education

The founder of the Baamani kingdom Alauddin Hasan Shah was educated at Multan at the initiative of Zabar Khan, a general of Alauddin Khalji. On his accession, he took special care in founding a school to educate his sons. His son Muhammad first was a patron of learning. He opened institutions for the purpose of educating the children of noble families in the art of soldiery. Sultan Firoz, the eighth Baamani king was a linguist and a poet. Later his successors founded schools in Gulbarga, Bidar, Daulatabad and Kandahar. Boarding and lodging at the king's expenses were provided in these schools. Mahmud Gawan's world famous madrasa in Bidar, with a large library, containing a collection of 3000 manuscripts, is illustrative of the importance given to scholarship and education by Gawan.

Summary

The foundation of Vijayanagar kingdom by two brothers Harihara and Bukka and its consolidation by their successors notably Devaraya 2 are described. The most illustrious ruler Krishnadeva Raya's career and achievements are highlighted. Defeat of Vijayanagar at the hands of combined forces of Deccan Sultanates is narrated. Vijayanagar's system of governance and economy are explored. Contributions of Vijayanagar to literature, art and architecture are also dealt with. Establishment of Baamani kingdom by Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah and its consolidation by his able successor Muhammad first are detailed. The administrative system introduced by Bahman Shah and measures adopted by Muhammad first and later by Mahmud Gawan during the kingship of Muhammad third are analysed. Baamani kings' contribution to architecture and education are also examined.

GLOSSARY

Conflict a serious disagreement முரண்பாடு அல்லது மோதல் ascending leading upwards ஏறுவரிசையில் Subsequently after a particular thing நிகழ்ச்சிப்பிறகு adorned decorated அலங்கரிக்கப்பட்ட pillaging robbing, using violence, especially in wartime கொள்ளையடிப்பு intrigue conspire, plot சதிதிட்டம் அல்லது சூழ்ச்சி primogeniture the right of succession belonging to the first child முதல் குழந்தைக்கு வாரிசுரிமை splendour magnificent கம்பீரம் அல்லது சிறப்புவாய்ந்த flourishing growing successfully செழிக்கும் prominence the state of being important முக்கியத்துவம் indemnity guarantee, surety உத்திரவாதம்

Evaluation

Exercise I. Choose the correct answer

1. Who was the greatest ruler of Sangama Dynasty?

A) Bukka B) Devaraya second C) Harihara second D) Krishna Devaraya

2. Which was the most common animal depicted on the pillars of Vijaya nagara style?

A) Elephant b) Horse c) Cow d) Deer

3. Who was the last ruler of the Sangama Dynasty?

a) Rama Raya b) Tirumaladeva raya c) Devaraya second d) Virupaksha Raya second

4. Who ended the Sultanate in Madurai?

a) Saluva Narasimha b) Devaraya second c) Kumara Kampana d) Tirumaladeva Raya

5. Name the Baamani King who was a linguist and a poet.

a) Alauddin Hasan Shah b) Muhammad first c) Sultan Firoz d) Mujahid Exercise II. Fill in the Blanks

1. was the capital of Aravidu dynasty.

2. Vijayanagar emperors issued a large number of gold coins called .

3. Mahmud Gawan used chemists to teach the preparation and use of gunpowder.

4. In Vijaya nagara administration looked after the affairs of villages.

Exercise III. Match the following

1. Vijaya nagara
2. Prataparudra
3. Krishna Devaraya
4. Abdur Razzaq
5. Tenali Ramakrishna

Options: Ruler of Odisha, Ashtadiggajas, Pandurangamahatyam, City of victory, Persian emissary

Exercise IV.

1. Assertion (A): The Vijayanagar army was considered one of the feared armies in India.
Reason (R): Vijayanagar armies used both firearm and cavalry.

a) Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion b) Reason is correct explanation of Assertion c) Assertion is correct and Reason is wrong d) (Assertion) and (Reason) are Correct

2. Find out the wrong pair

a) Silk - China b) Spices - Arabia c) Precious stone - Barma d) Madurai Vijayam Gangadevi

3. Find the odd one out

Harihara second, Muhammad first Krishnadeva Raya, Devaraya first.

4. Consider the following statements and find out which is / are correct
I. Turquoise throne is one of the bejewelled royal seats of Persian kings described in Firdausi's Shah Nama.
II. The fertile regions between the rivers Krishna and Tungabhadra and Krishna Godavari delta were the zones of conflict among the rulers of Vijayanagar, and Baamani.
III. Muhammad first was educated at Multan.
IV. Mahmud Gawan served with great distinction as the Prime Minister under Muhammad third.

a) I, II, IV are correct b) I, II, III are correct c) II, III, IV are correct d) III, IV, are correct Exercise V. TRUE OR FALSE 1. Harihara and Bukka were the founder of Baamani kingdom. 2. Krishnadeva Raya, who reigned for 20 years, was the most illustrious rulers of Sangama dynasty. 3. Alasani Peddana was the greatest of all Ashtadiggajas. 4. Kingship of Vijayanagar administration was hereditary, based on the principle of primo geniture. 5. There were 18 monarchs of the Baamani dynasty. Exercise VI. ANSWER IN ONE OR TWO SENTENCES

1. The four dynasties of Vijaya nagara kingdom with reference to prominent rulers of each dynasty.

2. Battle of Talikota.

3. The structure of governance in Vijaya nagar kingdom.

4. The five independent kingdoms of Deccan Sultanate.

5. The educational reforms of Ala-ud-din Hasan Shah.

Exercise VII. ANSWER IN DETAIL

1. Discuss the career and achievements of Krishna Devaraya.

Exercise VIII. HOTS

Discuss the causes for the decline of Vijaya nagar rule. To what extent the Baamani sultans contributed to it.

Exercise IX. Map

1. Highlight the boundaries of Vijayanagar Empire and Baamani kingdom.

Exercise X. ANSWER GRID

1. Name the kingdom ruled by 18 monarchs which lasted for nearly 180 years.

2. Name the Baamani Sultan who was restored to the throne by Krishna Devaraya.

3. Name the book written by Krishnadevaraya in Sanskrit.

4. Where did Hasan Bahman Shah shift his capital.

Exercise XI. STUDENT ACTIVITY

Collect information about temples in Tamil Nadu with the influence of Vijaya nagara style of art and architecture. Also read the stories of Tenali Ramakrishna in the classroom.

References

1. J L Mehta, Advanced Study in the history of Medieval India: Mughal Empire, Volume 2, 15 26 to 17 not 7, Sterling Publishers, 2011.

2. Burton Stein, Vijaya nagara, The New Cambridge History of India, 1989.

3. Abraham Eraly, The Emperors of Peacock Throne, Penguin, 2007

Book-back Exercises — Questions & Answers

Answers generated strictly from the Samacheer Kalvi textbook content. Attempt each question first, then click "Show Answer" to check.

I. Choose the correct answer

1. Who was the greatest ruler of Sangama Dynasty?

a) Bukka b) Devaraya second c) Harihara second d) Krishna Devaraya

Answer: b) Devaraya second

Explanation: According to the chapter, Devaraya second was the greatest ruler of the Sangama dynasty.

2. Which was the most common animal depicted on the pillars of Vijayanagar style?

a) Elephant b) Horse c) Cow d) Deer

Answer: b) Horse

Explanation: The chapter states that horse was the most common animal to be depicted on the pillars in Vijayanagar style architecture.

3. Who was the last ruler of the Sangama Dynasty?

a) Rama Raya b) Tirumaladeva Raya c) Devaraya second d) Virupaksha Raya II

Answer: d) Virupaksha Raya II

Explanation: The chapter mentions that Saluva Narasimha murdered the last ruler of Sangama dynasty, Virupaksha Raya II.

4. Who ended the Sultanate in Madurai?

a) Saluva Narasimha b) Devaraya second c) Kumara Kampana d) Tirumaladeva Raya

Answer: c) Kumara Kampana

Explanation: The chapter states that Bukka's son Kumara Kampana ended the sultanate in Madurai and succeeded in establishing Nayak kingdom there.

5. Name the Bahmani King who was a linguist and a poet.

a) Alauddin Hasan Shah b) Muhammad first c) Sultan Firoz d) Mujahid

Answer: c) Sultan Firoz

Explanation: According to the chapter, Sultan Firoz, the eighth Bahmani king was a linguist and a poet.

II. Fill in the Blanks

1. _______ was the capital of Aravidu dynasty.

Answer: Penukonda

2. Vijayanagar emperors issued a large number of gold coins called _______.

Answer: Varahas

3. Mahmud Gawan used _______ chemists to teach the preparation and use of gunpowder.

Answer: Persian

4. In Vijayanagar administration _______ looked after the affairs of villages.

Answer: Gauda

III. Match the following

1. Match the Following

1. Vijayanagar	a) Ruler of Odisha
2. Prataparudra	b) Ashtadiggajas
3. Krishna Devaraya	c) Pandurangamahatyam
4. Abdur Razzaq	d) City of victory
5. Tenali Ramakrishna	e) Persian emissary

Answers: 1-d, 2-a, 3-b, 4-e, 5-c

IV. Choose the correct statement

1. Assertion (A): The Vijayanagar army was considered one of the feared armies in India.
Reason (R): Vijayanagar armies used both firearm and cavalry.

a) Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion b) Reason is correct explanation of Assertion c) Assertion is correct and Reason is wrong d) Assertion and Reason are correct

Answer: b) Reason is correct explanation of Assertion

Explanation: The chapter states that the combination of firearm and cavalry made them one of the most feared armies in India.

2. Find out the wrong pair

a) Silk - China b) Spices - Arabia c) Precious stone - Barma d) Madurai Vijayam - Gangadevi

Answer: b) Spices - Arabia

Explanation: According to the chapter, spices came from the Malabar region, not Arabia.

3. Find the odd one out: Harihara second, Muhammad first, Krishnadeva Raya, Devaraya first.

Answer: Muhammad first

Explanation: Muhammad first was a Bahmani ruler while the others were Vijayanagar rulers.

4. Consider the following statements and find out which is/are correct
I. Turquoise throne is one of the bejewelled royal seats of Persian kings described in Firdausi's Shah Nama.
II. The fertile regions between the rivers Krishna and Tungabhadra and Krishna-Godavari delta were the zones of conflict among the rulers of Vijayanagar and Bahmani.
III. Muhammad first was educated at Multan.
IV. Mahmud Gawan served with great distinction as the Prime Minister under Muhammad III.

a) I, II, IV are correct b) I, II, III are correct c) II, III, IV are correct d) III, IV are correct

Answer: a) I, II, IV are correct

Explanation: According to the chapter, Alauddin Hasan Shah (not Muhammad first) was educated at Multan, making statement III incorrect.

V. True or False

1. Harihara and Bukka were the founder of Bahmani kingdom.

Answer: False

Explanation: Harihara and Bukka founded the Vijayanagar Empire, not the Bahmani kingdom.

2. Krishnadeva Raya, who reigned for 20 years, was the most illustrious rulers of Sangama dynasty.

Answer: False

Explanation: Krishnadeva Raya was the most illustrious ruler of the Tuluva dynasty, not the Sangama dynasty.

3. Alasani Peddana was the greatest of all Ashtadiggajas.

Answer: True

Explanation: The chapter states that Alasani Peddana was the greatest of all the ashtadiggajas.

4. Kingship of Vijayanagar administration was hereditary, based on the principle of primogeniture.

Answer: True

Explanation: The chapter confirms that kingship was hereditary, based on the principle of primogeniture.

5. There were 18 monarchs of the Bahmani dynasty.

Answer: True

Explanation: The chapter states that there were 18 monarchs of the Bahmani dynasty.

VI. Answer in one or two sentences

1. The four dynasties of Vijayanagar kingdom with reference to prominent rulers of each dynasty.

Answer: The four dynasties were Sangama (1336-1485) with Devaraya II as the greatest ruler, Saluva (1485-1505) founded by Saluva Narasimha, Tuluva (1505-1570) with Krishnadevaraya as the most illustrious ruler, and Aravidu (1570-1646) founded by Tirumala Deva Raya.

2. Battle of Talikota.

Answer: The Battle of Talikota (also known as Raksha Tangadi) was fought in 1565 between the combined forces of Deccan Sultanates and Vijayanagar Empire. The defeat of Vijayanagar led to terrible human slaughter, pillaging of Hampi, and the end of the glorious Vijayanagar Empire.

3. The structure of governance in Vijayanagar kingdom.

Answer: The empire was divided into mandalams (provinces), nadus (districts), sthalas (taluks) and gramas (villages). Each province was administered by a governor called Mandalesvara, and villages were looked after by Gauda, the village headman.

4. The five independent kingdoms of Deccan Sultanate.

Answer: After the disintegration of the Bahmani kingdom, it split into five independent Deccan kingdoms: Bidar, Bijapur, Ahmednagar, Berar and Golconda.

5. The educational reforms of Ala-ud-din Hasan Shah.

Answer: Alauddin Hasan Shah took special care in founding a school to educate his sons after his accession to the throne. His son Muhammad first opened institutions for educating the children of noble families in the art of soldiery.

VII. Answer in Detail

1. Discuss the career and achievements of Krishna Devaraya.

Answer: Krishnadevaraya reigned for 20 years and was the most illustrious ruler of the Tuluva dynasty. He first brought independent chieftains in the Tungabhadra river basin under control, then freed and restored the Bahmani sultan Mahmud Shah to the throne. He forced war on Prataparudra of Odisha and later accepted his daughter in marriage. With Portuguese assistance, he defeated the Sultan of Golconda and captured Raichur from Bijapur. As a builder, he constructed irrigation tanks, famous temples like Krishnaswamy, Hazara Ramaswamy and Vithalaswamy in Hampi, and distributed wealth to major South Indian temples for building Rayagopurams. He patronised literature and had eight eminent scholars called ashtadiggajas in his court, including Alasani Peddana and Tenali Ramakrishna.

VIII. HOTS

1. Discuss the causes for the decline of Vijayanagar rule. To what extent the Bahmani sultans contributed to it.

Answer: The decline of Vijayanagar began after Krishnadevaraya's death when weak rulers like Achtyuda Deva Raya and Venkata succeeded him. When minor Sadasiva Raya became king, his regent Rama Raya continued as de facto ruler even after the king came of age. The Bahmani sultans significantly contributed to Vijayanagar's decline by forming a league of Deccan kingdoms against it. Their combined forces defeated Vijayanagar at the Battle of Talikota in 1565, leading to terrible destruction of Hampi and the end of the empire. Internal dissensions and continued intrigues of Bijapur and Golconda sultans finally led to the collapse of the Aravidu dynasty around 1646.

X. Answer Grid

1. Name the kingdom ruled by 18 monarchs which lasted for nearly 180 years.

Answer: Bahmani Kingdom

2. Name the Bahmani Sultan who was restored to the throne by Krishna Devaraya.

Answer: Mahmud Shah

3. Name the book written by Krishnadevaraya in Sanskrit.

Answer: Jambavati Kalyanam

4. Where did Hasan Bahman Shah shift his capital.

Answer: Gulbarga

📝 Summary

1. The Vijayanagar Empire was founded by brothers Harihara and Bukka in southern Karnataka, with the guidance of Vidyaranya, and lasted for nearly 200 years through four dynasties: Sangama (1336-1485), Saluva (1485-1505), Tuluva (1505-1570), and Aravidu (1570-1646).
2. The Bahmani kingdom emerged alongside Vijayanagar, spreading across Maharashtra and parts of Karnataka, ruled by 18 monarchs for nearly 180 years before splitting into five sultanates: Bijapur, Ahmednagar, Golconda, Bidar and Berar.
3. Both kingdoms arose due to the repressive measures of Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq, creating opportunities for new independent states in southern India during the fourteenth century.
4. The fertile regions between Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers and the Krishna-Godavari delta became zones of conflict among the rulers of Vijayanagar, Bahmani and Odisha kingdoms.
5. Krishnadevaraya of the Tuluva dynasty was the most illustrious ruler who reigned for 20 years, first controlling independent chieftains in the Tungabhadra basin and then targeting Gulbarga.