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Who among the following rulers of Vijayanagara Empire constructed a large dam across Tungabhadra River and canal- cum-aqueduct several a kilometres long from the river to the capital city?

  1. Devaraya I
  2. Mallikarjuna
  3. Vira Vijaya
  4. Virupaksha

Explanation

Option (a) is correct
  • Deva Raya I (c. 1406–1422 CE) was a prominent ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire known for his contributions to irrigation, military organisation, and cultural patronage. He commissioned a massive dam across the Tungabhadra River along with a canal-cum-aqueduct system to supply water to the capital, and also constructed another dam on the Haridra River to support agriculture. The celebrated Hazara Rama Temple, a fine example of Deccan architecture, was built during his reign. His court was visited by travellers such as Nicolo Conti and Afanasy Nikitin, who left valuable accounts of the empire. Deva Raya I strengthened the Vijayanagara army by improving cavalry forces, employing Turkic archers, and importing quality horses from Arabia and Persia. He was also a patron of Kannada literature and architecture, with the noted Jain poet Madhura associated with his court, continuing from the time of his father Harihara II.

Additional Information

  • The Vijayanagar kingdom constituted four dynasties — Sangama (c.1336–1485 CE), Saluva (c.1485–1503 CE), Tuluva (c.1503–1570 CE) and Aravidu (till the end of the 17th century).
  • Harihara and Bukka (c.1336–1377 CE) were founders of the Sangama dynasty of the Vijayanagar kingdom.
  • Mallikarjuna, Vira Vijaya, and Virupaksha were rulers of the Sangama Dynasty, but historical records are unclear about their exact timelines, and their rule did not see significant accomplishments.
Answer: (a) Devaraya I; Difficulty Level: Medium
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