Saluva Narasimha and Vijayanagar Usurpation — UPSC Prelims PYQ 2003

Consider the following statements:

1. Assertion (A): Saluva Narasimha put an end to the old dynasty and assumed the royal title.
2. Reason (R): He wanted to save the kingdom from further degeneration and disintegration.

Options:

1. Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
2. Both A and R are individually true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
3. A is true but R is false
4. A is false but R is true

Explanation

Option (a) is correct

• The rise of the Saluva Dynasty in 1485 CE, known as the First Usurpation or Saluva Usurpation, occurred when Saluva Narasimha, the powerful Mahanayakacharya, overthrew the weak Sangama ruler Praudha Raya to save the Vijayanagara Empire from internal disorder and external threats. During his reign, Saluva Narasimha focused on consolidating the empire and recovering lost territories such as the Konkan and coastal regions.

Answer: (a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A