CLASS XII HISTORY CHAPTER 6, 7

CHAPTER 6 TEACHER
THE MUGHAL COURT:
VEZHOSALU RUHO
RECONSTRUCTING HISTORIES

VERY SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTION

Q1. Who was the author of Akbarnama?
Ans: Abul Fazal was the author of Akbarnama.
Q2. What was the language of Babarnama?
Ans: Chagatai Turkic.
Q3. Who was the writer of Massir-i-Almgiri?
Ans: Muhamad Saqi Mustaid Khan.
Q4. What is calligraphy?
Ans: Calligraphy is a visual art related to writing.
Q5. Write the name of founder of Sayyid dynasty.
Ans: Sayyid Khizr Khan.
Q6. What do you know about ‘Sarkars’?
Ans: Division of provinces into a number of unit was called Sarkars.
Q7. Who was the main source of income of Mughal empire?
Ans: The main source of income of Mughal empire was the tax on the produce of the peasantry.

III. SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTION-I

Q1. Name the dynasty which ruled India during 1414-1451. Who was the founder of this dynasty?
Ans: Sayyid dynasty ruled India during 1414-1451. Sayyid Khizar Khan was the founder of this dynasty.
Q2. Who was the founder of the Lodhi dynasty?
Ans: Bahlol Lodhi was the founder Lodhi dynasty.
Q3. What were the effects of the first battle of Panipat?
Ans: Lodhi dynasty came to an end and marked the beginning of the Mughal empire.
Q4. Name the famous battle which Humayun fought with Sher Shah Suri.
Ans: The battle of Chausa and Kanauj.
Q5. Where did the coronation ceremony of Akbar take place?
Ans: The coronation ceremony of Akbar took place at Agra.
Q6. What was Jharokha Darshan?
Ans: The Mughal rulers used to pay a visit to their court where they show themselves to their subjects every morning and
this is called as Jharokha Darshan.
Q7. What is the meaning of Diwan-i-khas and Diwan-i-Aam?
Ans: Diwan-i-khas means a hall of private audience and Diwan-i-Aam means a hall of public audience.
Q8. Why did Emperor Akbar dismiss Bairam Khan?
Ans: Emperor Akbar dismiss Bairam Khan because of his authoritarian ways and for hatching a conspiracy to overthrow him.
Q9. Why did Mahabat Khan rise in revolt in the time of Jahangir?
Ans: Mahabat khan rose in revolt in time of Jahangir because of Nur Jahan’s predominance who wish to undermine his
position and bring him to knees.
Q10. What was the cause of conflict between Nurjahan and Prince Khurram (Shah Jahan)?
Ans: Succession was the cause of conflict between Nurjahan and Prince Khurram.

SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTION-II

Q1. Describe the process of manuscript production in the Mughal Court.
Ans: The Mughal Chronicles are a valuable source of information about the various facts of Mughal history. It also give the
impression that people were prosperous and happy. During the Mughal rule, all the books were manuscript which were
hand written and were produced in the imperial kitabkhana. It was a scriptorium, that is a place where the emperor’s
collection of manuscripts were preserved and new text were produced.
Many people were involved in the creation of a manuscript in the Kitabkhana. For example, paper makers prepared
the folios of the manuscript, scribes or calligraphers copy the text, gilders illuminate the pages from the textbook, and
binders fasten the individual folios together and put cover on it. The finished manuscript was considered a precious object.
Q2. What were the achievements of Abul Fazal?
Ans: The achievements of Abul Fazal were:-
i) Abul Fazal wrote Akbarnama, Ain-i-Akbari and Ruqat-i-Abul-i-A=Fazal.
 ii) Akbarnama is the leading authority for narrative events of Akbar’s reign.
iii) Abul Fazal was widely read in Arabic, Persian, Greek philosophy and Sufism.
iv) He was a fine and forceful debater and an independent thinker who forcefully opposed the views of the Muslim
orthodox.
v) Being impressed by his such qualities, Akbar appointed him as his adviser and spokesman of his policy.
Q3. Assess the role played by women in the imperial household in the Mughal empire.
Ans: The imperial household was a place where the near and distance relatives and female servant live. The domestic work
of the Mughal came to be known as Harem. It is a well known fact that the Mughal rulers were fond of keeping more than
one wife. Thus, there were many wives who received monthly allowances in cash, supplemented with gifts according to
their status.
Many important begums like Nur Jahan, Jahanara and Roshanara etc. played a very important role in controlling the
essential financial resources. They contribute in building of architectural progress, Jahanara help her father in founding new
capital, Shahjahanabad. The bazaar of Chandni Chowk, the main centre of trade in Shahjahanabad was also designed by
Jahanara.
Q4. Describe the order of precedence at the court of Shah Jahan.
Ans: The officers, courtiers and soldiers stood in strict order awaiting the appearance of the emperor. The outer fringe of
the hall was shut off by silver railings, and only the mansabdars or commanders of two hundred horses and more were
permitted to enter. They stood with their faces turned towards the throne. A place near the pillars was assigned to the
privileged mansabdars. On one side stood Qorchis with the royal flags and standards, their backs turned to the wall. At the
foot of the throne stood the chief officers of the state, with their files ready to be laid before the emperor.
Outside the silver railing, another space was enclosed by wooden railing painted with red lac. In it stood
commanders below the rank of two hundred horses, archers, gunners and some servant of the higher mansabdars. Outside
the wooden railings stood the menial servants of Amirs and foot soldiers.
Q5. Discuss the major features of Mughal provincial administration. How did the central control the central provinces?
Ans: For administrative purposes, the Mughal emperor had divided his empire into provinces or subas. The administration
in the province was modelled after the central structure and work almost in the same manner. The head of the provincial
administration was popularly known as subedar or sipahsalar. Generally experienced and capable favourites of the emperor
were appointed to this high post. His important duties were to (a)maintain peace and order in the province,(b) to hold court
and administer even handed justice,(c) to encourage agriculture, trade and industry in the province. He was the supreme
military commander in the province. He was empowered to punished the disobedient subordinates. But there were certain
checks on the powers of the subedars. At least three central ministers viz, diwan, mirbakshi and Sadar-i-Sadur had direct
contact with the subedar. The subedar perform his duties according to the instructions of the above mentioned three
central ministers. The provincial governor or subedar was a assisted in his work by the provincial diwan, bhakshi and sadar.
The centralisation of powers at the centre brought uniformity in the administration of the provinces. The territories
of the subordinate chiefs were attached to the provinces. In this way, the provinces contained not only the territories
governed directly by the emperor but also the territories of the subordinate chiefs. In the formation of the provinces, the
emperor kept in view the historical and geographical factors. After their reorganisation, almost a uniform system of
administration was set up in this provinces. It gave such a uniformity to the provincial administration which India had never
seen before.
Q6. How did Shah Jahan administer justice in his court?
Ans: The court routine was varied only on Friday when no court was held. On Wednesday, the king heard appeals and
administered justice while sitting in the hall of private audience. The proceedings opened in the presence of judicial
officers,muftis and jurists.the Darogah-i-Adalat presented every case individually.Tthe emperor talked to complainants and
passed orders in strict accordance with Shara or Muslim law.
Q7. Describe the grandeur of the mughal court in the time of Shah Jahan?
Ans: The Diwan-I-Aam and the Diwan-i-Khas were in themselves very magnificent buildings but on special days,their beauty
was enhanced by gorgeous and tasteful decorations and by extensive illuminations.On the occasions of Nauroz,the
accession anniversary, the two Eids, the Shab-i-barat were celebrated with much gusto.The nobles (Amirs) appeared in
beautiful clothes under a spacious canopy of brocade.The emperor bedecked with a mass of diamonds ,pearls and jewels
sat on his magnificent throne and accepted presents and bestowed honours. The greatest marvel of Shah Jahan’s court was
the famous ‘Peacock Throne’ which took seven years to be built. Next to the peacock throne was the celebrated diamond
Koh-i-Noor which was presented to Shah Jahan by a noble, Mir Jumla.
Q8.How did Shah Jahan treat the foreign envoys at his court?
Ans.The emperor treated the Persian envoys with greater esteem and consideration than the envoys of any other Asiatic
country. They were loaded with extraordinary favours and gifts.But when the Mughal relations with Iran were strained, the
honours and regard enjoyed by the Persian envoys was transferred to those of Turkey. The envoys from Bokhara,
samarkhand and Kashgar were also treated with courtesy. The messengers of the European nations, however, were held in
contempt. Perhaps Thomas Roe, the only European messenger, was received with due honour. During the reign of Shah
Jahan, the Dutch and the English were regarded as petty traders having no political status.

LATQI
Q1. Describe in outline the political history of India during the reign of Mughal.
Ans: The Mughal ruler in India claims descent from Timur and were Turkish by origin. The first stone in the foundation of the
Mughal Empire in India was laid by Zahiruddin Muhammad. Six famous emperors known as the great Mughals ruled the
country for nearly two hundred years. Akbar was the greatest ruler of the Mughal empire. His rule was notable for the
expansion and consolidation of the Mughal Empire. After his death, Jahangir, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb continued the
policy of expansion. After the death of Aurangzeb, the Mughal empire declines rapidly. The rulers in the later Mughals were
weak sovereigns whose dominions progressively declined throughout the 18th century. The last nominal Mughal emperor
Bahadur Shah was formally deposed by the British in A.D. 1856 and was exiled to Rangoon, where he died in 1862.
Q2. Describe the various activities at the court of emperor Akbar.
Ans: One of the most remarkable features of Akbar’s court was its magnificence. The emperor occupied the prominent
position in the court and enjoyed all the judicial, executive and legislative powers of the state. He was the chief commander
of the Mughal army and its supreme general. Akbar had no regular council of ministers. The Wazir or the Diwan was the
highest person below the emperor.
After his morning prayers, the emperor appeared at the balcony or Jharoka for Jharoka Darshan. He looked at
elephants, combats, and the parade of the cavalry. Akbar held his public audience in the Diwan-i-Aam for two hours. The
Mir Bakshi reported to him the petitions of the military officers and immediately received His Majesty’s orders on them,
giving promotion to some, new posts to others. The emperor then, met his highest ministers and a few selected persons in
the Hall of Private Audience (Diwan-i-Khas) and transacted business of confidential nature. Answers to the most important
despatches received were here written and firmans were ordered to be drafted in reply to the others, according to the
emperors verbal instruction. The highest revenue officers now reported on very important matters relating to the crown
lands, etc. and learnt the emperors pleasure on each point. The Sadar-i-Sadur brought to his majesty’s notice, special cases
of needy man who received gifts. Next the work of skilled artisans, jewellers, etc. and the plans of royal buildings to be
constructed were placed before the emperor. The latter examine and discussed this plans.
Akbar was also a great patron of art and literature. He always rewarded merit, made little or no distinction on the
basis of religion and creed in selecting his officers. He chose his friends and, his ministers and high officers from among the
Muhammadans and Hindus. The most prominent amongst the intellectual luminaries of Akbar’s court was his friend and
advisor Abul Fazal. He was the author of Ain-i-Akbari and Akbarnama and ranks the among the greatest Persian scholars
that India has ever produced. There were numerous other scholars at the imperial court. They were Abdul kadir, Bairam
Khan, Pir Muhammad Maulana, Khairuddin Rumi, Shaikh Abdul Nabi all endowed with varied accomplishments.
Q3. What were the distinctive features of the Mughal nobility? How was their relationship with emperor shaped?
Ans: The most important pillar of the Mughal state was the nobility. The sovereign had many feudal chiefs under him. This
practice existed in India from very early times. The Delhi Sultans continued this system but after Harsha Vardhana, Akbar
was the first ruler who extended this system on a large scale and organised it on a new lines. Akbar ordered that no feudal
chief, Rajput as well as Muslim, could enter into any treaty with another power. It was the right of the emperor to refuse or
recognise the succession of any chief to his estate. Every chief had to pay annual tribute to the emperor. It was the duty of
every chief to provide troops to the emperor, if he demanded. There were more than one hundred feudal chiefs under
Akbar, mostly non-Muslims. The emperor could appoint any feudal chief as mansabdar. This rank of a chief was over and
above his right to rule his territories. In this way, the feudal lords established a double relationship with the emperor, one
that of a subordinate chief and the other that of a mansabdar. As a result of this new relationship, the feudal lords shared
political as well as administrative powers with the emperor. The new system thus gave greater stability to the Mughal rule.
Q4. Write an essay on the Mughal court during the reign of Shah Jahan.
Ans: Shah Jahan’s court represented the height of kingly splendour. In his reign, the Mughal empire reached the zenith of its
prosperity and fame. The fame of wealth of India attracted a stream of foreign visitors who were dazzled by the
magnificence and grandeur of the court.
The emperor, occupied a prominent position in the court. After performing his daily ablutions in the early morning
and saying his prayers, Shah Jahan went to his court for Jharoka Darshan where he showed himself to his subjects every
morning. Here the public had free access to him and could seek justice. It was from the Jharoka that Shah Jahan witnessed
his favourite sport of elephant combat. After spending about an hour in the Jharoka Darshan, Shah Jahan went to the Hall of
Public Audience known as Diwan-i-Aam. The business here began with the appearance of the emperor at about 7:40 AM.
First, the chief Bakhshi presented the petitions of mansabdars who deserved promotion. Next, the Sardar brought to the
notice of the emperor the cases of the poor and the destitute. He also introduced to the audience the learned and pious
men. From the Diwan-i-Aam, the emperor went to the Diwan-i-Khas or the Hall of Private Audience. Here such business was
conducted, which could not be done publicly. High ministers of state placed their representations before the emperor.
 The Diwan-I-Aam and the Diwan-i-Khas were in themselves very magnificent buildings but on special days, their
beauty was enhanced by gorgeous and tasteful decorations and by extensive illuminations. On the occasions of Nauroz,the
accession anniversary, the two Eids, the Shab-i-barat were celebrated with much gusto. The nobles (Amirs) appeared in
beautiful clothes under a spacious canopy of brocade. The emperor bedecked with a mass of diamonds, pearls and jewels
sat on his magnificent throne and accepted presents and bestowed honours. The greatest marvel of Shah Jahan’s court was
the famous ‘Peacock Throne’ which took seven years to be built. Next to the peacock throne was the celebrated diamond
Koh-i-Noor which was presented to Shah Jahan by a noble, Mir Jumla.
The court routine was varied only on Friday when no court was held. On Wednesday, the king heard appeals and
administered justice while sitting in the hall of private audience. The proceedings opened in the presence of judicial officers,
muftis and jurists. The Darogah-i-Adalat presented every case individually. The emperor talked to complainants and passed
orders in strict accordance with Shara or Muslim law.
Q5. Discuss with examples, the distinctive features of Mughal chronicles.
Ans: The following are some of the distinctive features of Mughal chronicles:
i) The Mughal Chronicles are a valuable source of information about the various facts of Mughal history. This
chronicles were written to glorify the Mughal kingdom to their subjects and other people who came into their
contact. The chronicles were also meant to convey to those who resisted the rule of Mughals that the rulers
were so much more powerful that it is futile to resist them.
ii) It was written in Persian language. But as the Mughals were Chugtai Turks by origin, the first ruler Babur wrote
his memoirs in Turkish. It was later translated into Persian. Akbar decided to make Persian the leading language
of the Mughal court. It also became a language of administration at all levels.
iii) The vocabulary and idioms of Persian were used in the official records in Rajasthani and Marathi and even
Tamil. Persian became Indianised by absorbing local idioms. The interaction of Persian and the Hindvi gave
birth to Urdu language.
iv) The Mughal rulers commissioned scholars to translate Sanskrit texts such as Mahabharata and Ramayana into
Persian. The Mahabharata translated into Persian was named Razmnama(Book of Wars) .
v) During the Mughal rule, all the books were manuscripts, that is, hand written.
vi) The manuscripts were produced in the imperial Kitabkhana. It was a scriptorium, a place where the emperor’s
collection of manuscripts was preserved and new texts were produced.
Q6. Critically discuss the history of intrigues and conflicts in the Mughal Court. What was the effect of the intrigues at the
Mughal court on the fortunes of the Mughal Empire?
Ans: The Mughal court was adorned by princes, nobility, high officials and many talented persons. But many times the court
became a hot bed of strife among the courtiers. The high officials and the princes vied with one another to assume vast
powers. From the time of Akbar, there were numerous instances of rebellions and intrigues of the courtiers. In the
beginning of emperor Akbar’s rule, Bairam Khan was the Wazir of the emperor. Bairam khan was arrogant and domineering.
However Akbar, a shrewd statesman, understood the effects of Bairam Khan,s authoritarian ways. Besides, he had gathered
an impression that Bairam Khan was hatching a conspiracy to overthrow him. Akbar, therefore, dismissed Bairam Khan and
asked him to proceed to Mecca. Bairam Khan rose in revolt against Akbar but he was defeated in a battle at Jalandhar.
The second instance was that of Adam Khan, an equally trusted officer, whom Akbar employed to subdue Baz
Bahadur, the ruler of Malwa. Adam Khan one day stabbed the emperor’s minister Shamasuddin in the royal palace. The
tumult awoke Akbar who rushed out and put him to death.
Another instance of such headstrong man who took the law in their own hands was Khwaja Muazzam, a half
brother of Akbar’s mother. In march 1564, he stabbed his wife to death and was imprisoned in the fort of Gwalior where he
died.
During the reign of Jahangir, the Mughal court became a web of intrigues and conspiracies. As a consequence, it
involved the state into serious problems and complications. It was because of Nur Jahan’s intrigue that Prince Khuram was
obliged to rise in revolt against his father emperor Jahangir. She plotted to send him away to Kandhar but Khuram refused
to comply with the orders of the emperor and choose to rise against the state. Though the revolt of Khuram proved to be a
failure, it was not without serious results. It gave a blow to the stability and prestige of the empire. Another important
instance of the intrigues at the court was the revolt of Mahabat Khan’s, a general in the Mughal army. Nur Jahan had
become jealous of the growing power and influence of Mahabat Khan who was favourably disposed towards Shah Jahan.
Mahabat Khan being fed up of Nur Jahan’s predominance attempted to overthrow the government by force. He made
Jahangir and Nur Jahan captives and rendered them helpless. For a time, he became the most powerful person in the
empire but the queen’s strategy soon turned the tables against him and was reduced to powerless and driven to deccan.

LATQII
Q1. What were the consideration that shaped the relations of the mughal rulers with their contemporaries.
ans:- The Mughal rulers followed the policy of compromise and cordiality with the Rajput and Maratha rulers in India. Akbar
adopted the Rajput policy for bringing them in the Mughal administration and maintained matrimonial relations with the
Rajput rulers. Akbar maintained good relation with the foreign countries which help him to gain in trade and commerce.
Q2why was justice regarded as an important virtue of Morarchy in the mughal empire?
ans:- Most of the Mughal rulers had set up institution for providing justice to their subjects. The monarchs were always
ready to give justice to their subjects. Justice was not delayed and in absence of justice people would revolt and endanger
the states of monarchy.
Q3. What do you know about the historical background of the Mughals?
Ans: Same answer with LATQI Question no 1.

History class 12
CHAPTER 7
NEW ARCHITECTURE-HAMPI
I.VERY SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTION
Q1. Who was the founder of Vijaynagar empire?
Ans: Hari Hara and Bukka Raya founded the Vijaynagar empire.
Q2. Who wrote Hampi ruins?
Ans: A.H. Longhurst.
Q3. Write the name of first dynasty of Vijaynagara.
Ans: Sangama dynasty.
Q4. Who was the greatest ruler of Vijaynagar empire?
Ans: Krishnadeva Raya.
Q5. Who was the founder of Saluva and Tuluva dynasty?
Ans: Narasimha and Narasa Nayak.
Q6. Famous ruler Krishnadeva Raya belongs from which dynasty?
Ans: Tuluva dynasty.
Q7. Who destroyed the city of Vijaynagar?
Ans: The sultanates destroyed the city of Vijaynagar.
Q8. Who were Nayakas?
Ans: The Nayakas were the military chiefs who usually controlled forts and had armed supporters.

II. SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTION-I

Q1. In which state of India is Vijaynagar situated?
Ans: Karnataka
Q2. Name the first British antiquarian who visited Hampi in 1799 A.D.
Ans: Colin Mackenzie
Q3. Name the agencies which are making excavations at Hampi.
Ans: Archaeological Survey of India and the Karnataka Government directorate of archaeology and museums.
Q4. Give the names of any two temples found at Hampi.
Ans: Virupaksha temple and Balakrishna temple.
Q5. What do you know about the granite chariot of the sun god outside the Vithal temple at Hampi?
Ans: Outside the Vithal temple, the granite chariot of the Sun god proudly stands in the central courtyard. Its
stone wheel could still be tuned by hand.
Q6. What is the condition of Hampi Bazar today?
Ans: The condition of the Hampi Bazaar today was quite different from the olden days. Coconut and cheap drinks
replaced the pearls and diamonds. The decay of the city has not eclipse the glory of yesterday.
Q7. Name the means of irrigation in the kingdom of Vijaynagar.
Ans: The means of irrigation in the kingdom of Vijaynagar are reservoirs and tanks.
Q8. What was the main purpose of building forts at Vijaynagar?
Ans: The main purpose of building forts at Vijaynagar was for protection against invasion.

III. SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTION-II

Q1. How was the city of Vijaynagar ruined?
Ans: The great kingdom of Vijaynagar which had successfully resisted Muslim advance in the south for more than
two centuries was crippled by the decisive battle of Talikota in 1565. The Muslim invaders ruined the empire and
the magnificent city of Vijaynagar.
Q2. Describe the Vijaynagar or Hampi style of architecture.
Ans: The Vijaynagar architecture can be broadly classified into religious, courtly and civic architectures. The
Vijaynagar style is a combination of Chalukya, Hoysala, Pandya and Chola styles which evolved earlier in the
centuries when these empires ruled and is characterised by a return to the simplistic and serene etc.
During the Vijaynagar period, the local hard granite was preferred in the Badami Chalukya style, although
soapstone was used for a few reliefs and sculptures. While the use of granite reduced the density of sculptured
works, granite was more durable material for the temple structure. In order to cover the unevenness of the stone
used in sculptures, artist employed plaster to give the rough surface a smooth finish and then painted it with
lively colours.
Q3. What does the Portuguese traveller Paes tell about the Hampi Bazaar in the mid-15 century?
Ans: Portugues traveller Paes visited Hampi in the mid-1500s and give account of the Hampi bazaar. He remarks,
in this street live many merchants and there you will find all sorts of rubies, diamonds and emeralds, pearls and
seed pearls, and cloths that you may wish to buy. He also describes the life of some inhabitants of the city and
how they are laden in all their finery.
Q4. What do you think was the significance of the rituals associated with Mahanavami Dibba?
Ans: The rituals associated with the Dibba probably coincided with Mahanavami of the 10 days festival known
variously as Dussehra, Durga puja and Navaratri. It was an occasion for the Vijaynagar kings to display their
prestige, power and suzerainty. Many ceremonies were performed on the occasion of Mahanavami. They
included worship of the image, worship of state horse, and sacrifice of buffaloes and other animals. The occasion
was marked by dances, wrestling matches, and procession caparisoned horses, elephants, chariots and soldiers,
as well as ritual presentations before the king and his guest by the chief, Nayakas and subordinate kings. These
ceremonies carried deep symbolic meanings. On the last day of the Mahanavami festival, the king inspected his
army and the armies maintained by the nayakas in the grand ceremonies in an open place. The nayakas brought
rich presents for the king as well as the stipulated to tribute on this occasion.
Q5. What do you know about the temple of Virupaksha?
Ans: Virupaksha temple is the main center of pilgrimage at Hampi and had been considered the most sacred
sanctuary over the centuries. Virupaksha means the divine being and is the seventh name of Lord Shiva and the
temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.It is intact among the surrounding ruins.
Q6. What irrigation facilities were available in Vijaynagar?
Ans: Vijaynagar appeared to be barren, evidence of extensive deforestation and numerous agricultural sites have
been recorded. Virtually all available cultivable land was used for irrigation. A variety of innovative methods were
used. In fact, a significant percentage of population was involved in agriculture, making the city self sufficient in
food which enable the capital city long sieges, many of which did happen during the three centuries long
existence of the empire. Numerous canals dug out provided perennial water supply to a narrow strip of fertile
land bordering the Tungabhadra River. Many of these canals are still in used though modified in most cases to
meet current requirements. Many of the tanks created for water storage purposes like the Kamalapura tanks are
still in used.
Intensive survey in the area has shown 60 water reservoir embankments. Many other agricultural features
like check dams, erosion control walls and wells have been recorded.
Q7. Describe the features of the forts built by the Vijaynagar rulers.
Ans: The rulers of the Vijaynagar Empire created the cities with the main object of protection against invasions.
The city itself was a fortress and designed as such in every manner with massive stone and earthen walls, hilltop
fortresses and watch towers scattered across the length and breadth. Visitors of the city, irrespective of their
guilds and intention had to travel through heavily fortified and protected environs before reaching the main
urban core, giving the visitors a maple view of the might that protected the empire. Massive fortifications were
made on every possible entry into the main metropolitan area and other crucial locations. Other defensive
features were watch post, bastions along the roads, gates and hilltops that allowed for maximum visibility.
Q8. How was the water requirements of Vijaynagar met?
Ans: Same with SATQI question no. 7 answer
LATQI
Q1. Describe the story of discovery of Hampi.
Ans: The first antiquarian, Colin Mackenzie, in 1799, visited the ruins of Hampi, collected some manuscripts, had
some water colours painted on monuments and made the first map of the site. As early as 1836, the epigraphist
had begun collection of inscriptions found at this place and other temples at Hampi. During the course of the 19 th
century, there was a steady flow of visitors, including the first photographers in the 1850s and 1860s. Among
these were Alexander Green law, whose about 60 waxed-paper negatives have miraculously survived. These
masterpieces of early photography show the site before any clearing work was started.
The local authorities made efforts to study and preserved the ruins of Hampi. As a result, they eventually
came under the protection of Archaeological Survey of India, the officers of which begun to clear and repair the
various structures. The site was much improved with access roads, signboards and local bungalow to stay in.
Despite all these efforts, Vijaynagar remained a remote site and there were never too many visitors even after
the Hampi ruins, illustrated and written by archaeologist A.H. Longhurst in 1925.
Q2. Describe the features of the temple built by Vijaynagar rulers.
Ans: The features of the temple built by Vijaynagar rulers are as follows:
i) The Hampi or Vijaynagar temples like Hazara Rama, Balakrishna and Virupaksha are usually
surrounded by strong enclosures.
ii) The term Raya is added to indicate a gopuram built by Vijaynagar Raya rulers. The top of the gopursm
has a shalashikhara resembling a barrel made to rest on its side. Large life sized of man and female
gods and goddesses adorn the gopuram.
iii) The Hampi temples have pillars often having engravings of charging horses or hiorogryphs. The horses
standing on hind legs with their fore legs lifted and riders on thier back. On the other side of the pillar
are usually carvings from Hindu mythology.
iv) Some pillars have a cluster or smaller pillars around a central pillar shaft. The bottom supports of
these pillars have engravings of gods and goddesses.
v) In the Hampi temples, the Mandapas are built on square ir polygonal plinths with carved friezes that
are four or five feet high and have ornate stepped entrances on all four sides with miniature elephants
or with yali balustrades.
vi) The mandapas are supported by ornate pillars. The thousand pillared style with large halls supported
by numerous pillars was popular. The 1000 pillared Jain basadi at Mudabidrdri is an example of such
architecture.
Q3. Write an essay on the Vitthala temple at Hampi.
Ans: The famous Vitthala temple in Hampi is an ancient monument that is well known for its exceptional
architecture and is considered one of the largest and most famous structures in Hampi. Paes describes the
Vitthala temple, all the outer side of the gate of the temple upto the roof is covered with copper and gilded, and
on each side of the roof on the top are certain great animals that look like tigers, all gilt. From pillar to pillar, it is
supported by little holes in which stand oil lamps that burn every night and they will be in numbers 2500 to 3000.
Even today, although it had been stripped off all but its stone, the Vitthala temple is an impressive sight.
The delicate flowers, fearsome beasts, fluid dancers with sensuous curves and mesmerising mandalas have lost
nothing of what their creators ought to communicate. In places the remnants of ancient colour still mark the
walls. Outside the Vitthal temple, the granite chariot of the Sun god proudly stands in the central courtyard. Its
stone wheel could still be tuned by hand. The architecture of Vitthala temple strikes a fascinating balance
between delicate craftsmanship and awesome presence.
Q4. Discuss whether the term “Royal Centre” is an appropriate description for the part of the city for which it is
used.
Ans: The term “Royal Centre” is an appropriate description for the part of the city for which it is used because the
Royal centre had more than 60 temples. Most of these temples were constructed by the rulers of Vijaynagar
Empire to express their supremacy. The Royal centre had 30 palaces which were made of perishable material.
One of the most beautiful buildings in the royal centre is the Lotus Mahal which was named by British travellers in
the 19th century. The historians are nit quite sure of what the building was used for. A suggestion found in a map
drawn by Mackenzie is that, it may have been a council chamber, a place where the king met his advisers. Most
temples were located in the sacred centre. One of the most spectacular of these is the Hazara Rama Temple. This
temple was probably meant to be used only by the king and his family.
Q5. Describe the features of buildings and palaces built by the Vijaynagara rulers at Hampi.
Ans: Most palaces stand within their own compounds defined by high tapering walls made of stone and layered
earth. Palaces are approached through a sequence of courts with passageways and doorways requiring multiple
changes in direction with all facing east or north. The larger palaces have side extensions giving the temple
complex asymmetrical shape which were built on raised platforms made of granite. The palaces have multiple
tiers of mouldings with well decorated high walls. The decorations can be floral, Kritimukha shapes, geese,
elephants and occasionally human figures. Pillars, beams and rafters, inside the palace were made of wood as
evidenced by ash discovered in the excavations. The roof was made of brick or lime concrete, while copper and
ivory were used for the canopy. Palaces commonly consisted of multiple levels with each flight of stairs decorated
by supporters for railings on either side with either yali or elephant sculptures. The entrance steps into palaces
and temple mandapas were similarly decorated. Water tanks inside the palace complex have decorative water
spouts such as the carved torso of the Nandi with a gaping mouth to allow water to flow into the tank. Other
structures commonly found inside a palace complex were wells and shrines.
The structure of the court of the sovereign generally shows secular style, with Islamic influences. Lotus
Mahal Palace, elephant stables and watch towers are examples of such structures. Buildings of the kings’ court
and domed structures were built with mortar mixed with stone rubble.
The impact of this style of architecture lasted till the 17th century when the various successive Nayaka
kingdoms continued to encourage pillars with hippogryphs, and granite became the main building material.
Q6. What impression of the lives of the ordinary people of Vijaynagar can you cult from the various descriptions
given about it?
Ans: There was little evidence of the houses of the ordinary urban people on the roads leading to the urban
areas. The archaeologists have discovered fine Chinese porcelain in the north-eastern corner of the urban area
and suggest that these areas might have been occupied by rich traders. This was also a Muslim residential area.
Tombs and mosque located here have some distinctive features. But their architecture resembles that of the
Mandapas built in the temples of Hampi.
The 16th century Portuguese traveller Barbosa tells about the houses of the ordinary people, but these
have perished. He writes, the other houses of the people are thatched, but nonetheless well built and arranged
according to occupations, in long streets with many open places. The field surveys made by the archaeologists
indicate that the whole area was dotted with numerous shrines and small temples. They point to the existence of
a variety of cults, perhaps supported by different communities. We also know from the surveys that wells,
rainwater tanks as well as temple tanks might have served as sources of water to the common people living in the
towns.
Q7. What are the architectural traditions that inspired the architects of Vijaynagara? How did they transform
these traditions?
Ans: The rulers of Vijaynagara were known for many innovations in the sphere of architecture. The architecture of
the period was a unique building style evolved by the imperial Vijaynagar Empire. The rulers built a number of
temples, monuments, palaces and other structures over South India with the largest concentration located at its
capital.
The Vijaynagar style of architecture is a combination of Chalukya, Hoysala, Pandya and Chola styles which
evolved earlier in the centuries when these empires ruled and is characterised by a return to the simplistic and
serene etc. They built many new temples and added many new features in the temple architecture which
represent their architectural skills. For example, they build gopurams and royal gateway. Other distinctive
features of architectural style include the constructions of mandapas or pavilions and pillared corridors that ran
around the shrines. The towers of the central shrines signal the presence of the temple from a great distance.
Krishnadeva Raya built a hall in front of the main shrine.
The local hard granite was preferred in the Badami Chalukya style, although soapstone was used for a few
reliefs and sculptures. While the use of granite reduced the density of sculptured works, granite was more
durable material for the temple structure. In order to cover the unevenness of the stone used in sculptures, artist
employed plaster to give the rough surface a smooth finish and then painted it with lively colours.

LATQII
Q1. Explain why Abdur Razzak, a Persian Ambassador, was greatly impressed by the fortification of Vijaynagar
Empire during 15th century?
Ans: Abdur Razzak, a Persian Ambassador, was greatly impressed by the fortification of Vijaynagar Empire during
15th century because, the city itself was a fortress and designed as such in every manner with massive stone and
earthen walls, hilltop fortresses and watch towers scattered across the length and breadth. The rulers of the
Vijaynagar Empire created the cities with the main object of protection against invasions. Visitors of the city,
irrespective of their guilds and intention had to travel through heavily fortified and protected environs before
reaching the main urban core, giving the visitors a maple view of the might that protected the empire. Massive
fortifications were made on every possible entry into the main metropolitan area and other crucial locations.
Other defensive features were watch post, bastions along the roads, gates and hilltops that allowed for maximum
visibility.
Q2. Explain expansion and consolidation policies of Krishnadeva Raya.
Ans: Krishnadeva Raya’s rule was characterised by expansion and consolidation. He was the greatest ruler of
Vijaynagar Empire. It was during his reign that the Hindu kingdoms had the advantage over the Muhammaden
neighbours. He occupied a part of Mysore kingdom and extended his sovereignty over the whole of modern Tamil
land. Although his kingdom remained in a constant state of military preparedness, it flourished under conditions
of unparalleled peace and prosperity. He built magnificent palaces and temples. He added impressive gopurams
to many famous Soutth Indian temples. He also founded a suburban township near Vijaynagara called
Nagalapuram after his mother.
Q3. Why did the Nayakas continue with the building traditions of the rulers of Vijaynagara?
ans: The Nayakas took decisions about the sites of buildings to be constructed, the materials to be used and the
styles to be followed. A series of palaces and buildings were constructed by them. Many of them submitted to the
authority of the kings of Vijayanagara .
Q4. How and why did the rulers of Vijaynagar adopt earlier traditions of virtual architecture?
Ans: Same with LATQI question no. 7 answer.

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