MCQs with Answers and Explanations
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with Answers & Explanations
Chapter 7: An Imperial Capital – Vijayanagara
(CBSE Class 12 | NCERT Based)
1. The Vijayanagara Empire was founded in:
A. 1290 CE
B. 1336 CE
C. 1400 CE
D. 1498 CE
✅ Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Vijayanagara Empire was established in 1336 CE, marking the rise of a powerful South Indian state.
2. Who founded the Vijayanagara Empire?
A. Krishnadevaraya and Achyutadeva
B. Harihara and Bukka
C. Rama Raya and Tirumala
D. Devaraya I and Devaraya II
✅ Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The empire was founded by Harihara and Bukka of the Sangama dynasty.
3. The capital city Vijayanagara is located at present-day:
A. Madurai
B. Badami
C. Hampi
D. Kanchipuram
✅ Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The ruins of Vijayanagara are found at Hampi in Karnataka.
4. Vijayanagara was situated on the banks of which river?
A. Godavari
B. Krishna
C. Cauvery
D. Tungabhadra
✅ Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The Tungabhadra River provided water and natural defence to the city.
5. Which ruler is considered the greatest of Vijayanagara?
A. Harihara I
B. Bukka I
C. Devaraya II
D. Krishnadevaraya
✅ Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Krishnadevaraya’s reign marked the political, cultural, and military peak of the empire.
6. The core theme of this chapter is:
A. Colonial expansion
B. Bhakti movement
C. State formation and urbanisation
D. Rise of nationalism
✅ Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The chapter focuses on how power, urban planning, and administration shaped Vijayanagara.
7. The Sacred Centre of Vijayanagara mainly contained:
A. Forts and watchtowers
B. Markets and bazaars
C. Temples and shrines
D. Palaces and courts
✅ Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Sacred Centre was the religious heart of the city.
8. Which temple is still an active place of worship at Vijayanagara?
A. Vittala Temple
B. Hazara Rama Temple
C. Virupaksha Temple
D. Lotus Mahal
✅ Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Virupaksha Temple continues to function as a living religious site.
9. The Royal Centre was primarily used for:
A. Agricultural activities
B. Religious rituals
C. Administrative and ceremonial functions
D. Trade and commerce
✅ Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Royal Centre housed palaces and ceremonial platforms.
10. The Mahanavami Dibba was associated with:
A. Trade activities
B. Religious worship
C. Royal ceremonies
D. Military training
✅ Correct Answer: C
Explanation: It was used by kings during festivals to display royal power.
11. Fortifications of Vijayanagara included:
A. Only residential areas
B. Only military zones
C. Temples alone
D. Fields, gardens, and markets
✅ Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Fort walls enclosed agricultural and urban spaces, showing advanced planning.
12. Natural features that strengthened Vijayanagara’s defence included:
A. Dense forests
B. Desert land
C. Rocky hills
D. Marshy plains
✅ Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Rocky terrain made enemy invasion difficult.
13. Water management in Vijayanagara included:
A. Wells only
B. Canals, tanks, and reservoirs
C. Underground tunnels
D. Sea water systems
✅ Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A sophisticated irrigation system supported agriculture and urban life.
14. Which crop was commonly cultivated in the Vijayanagara region?
A. Tea
B. Rice
C. Coffee
D. Rubber
✅ Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Rice was a major crop supported by irrigation.
15. Vijayanagara’s economy was mainly:
A. Pastoral
B. Industrial
C. Agrarian and trade-based
D. Nomadic
✅ Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Agriculture and commerce formed the backbone of the economy.
16. Which item was a major import for Vijayanagara?
A. Spices
B. Horses
C. Cotton
D. Iron
✅ Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Good-quality horses were imported for military purposes.
17. Markets in Vijayanagara were usually located near:
A. Fort gates
B. Royal palaces
C. Temples
D. Residential areas
✅ Correct Answer: C
Explanation: This shows the close link between religion and commerce.
18. Temples in Vijayanagara were economically important because they:
A. Collected taxes
B. Owned land and employed people
C. Controlled trade routes
D. Minted coins
✅ Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Temples functioned as major economic institutions.
19. Vijayanagara rulers mainly patronised:
A. Buddhism
B. Jainism
C. Shaivism and Vaishnavism
D. Islam
✅ Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Hindu religious traditions received state patronage.
20. Which festival symbolised royal authority?
A. Diwali
B. Holi
C. Mahanavami
D. Pongal
✅ Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Mahanavami festival showcased imperial power.
21. Which foreign traveller visited Vijayanagara?
A. Marco Polo
B. Ibn Battuta
C. Domingo Paes
D. Al-Biruni
✅ Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Domingo Paes provided detailed descriptions of the city.
22. Foreign travellers admired Vijayanagara mainly for its:
A. Religious tolerance
B. Military strength
C. Wealth and urban grandeur
D. Democratic governance
✅ Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Travellers described it as one of the richest cities of the world.
23. Why must travellers’ accounts be used carefully?
A. They are fictional
B. They lack dates
C. They may contain exaggerations
D. They ignore cities
✅ Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Personal bias and exaggeration require verification with archaeology.
24. The Battle of Talikota was fought in:
A. 1526 CE
B. 1556 CE
C. 1565 CE
D. 1600 CE
✅ Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The battle in 1565 CE marked the turning point in Vijayanagara’s history.
25. Vijayanagara was defeated at Talikota by:
A. Mughals
B. Portuguese
C. Deccan Sultanates
D. British
✅ Correct Answer: C
Explanation: A combined force of Deccan Sultanates defeated Vijayanagara.
26. After Talikota, the city of Vijayanagara was:
A. Rebuilt immediately
B. Converted into a capital again
C. Looted and abandoned
D. Declared sacred
✅ Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The capital suffered massive destruction and was deserted.
27. The empire after Talikota:
A. Ended instantly
B. Expanded further
C. Continued in a reduced form
D. Shifted to Delhi
✅ Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Political authority survived but weakened.
28. Which of the following is NOT a source for Vijayanagara history?
A. Inscriptions
B. Archaeological remains
C. Travellers’ accounts
D. Newspapers
✅ Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Newspapers did not exist in the medieval period.
29. Vijayanagara is important for understanding:
A. Colonial policies
B. Medieval state formation
C. Industrial revolution
D. Modern democracy
✅ Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The chapter highlights power, governance, and urbanisation.
30. Which feature best reflects urban planning in Vijayanagara?
A. Scattered huts
B. Random roads
C. Division into sacred and royal centres
D. Temporary settlements
✅ Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Functional zoning shows advanced urban planning.