Short Answer Type Questions
Below is a well-structured, NCERT-strict set of 30 Short Answer Type Questions (3–5 marks) for CBSE Class 12 History – Chapter 7: An Imperial Capital – Vijayanagara.
The content is exam-oriented, factual, and fully aligned with NCERT.
Short Answer Type Questions (3–5 Marks)
Chapter 7: An Imperial Capital – Vijayanagara
(Answers: 1–5 sentences each, NCERT based)
1. Why was Vijayanagara considered an imperial capital?
Answer: Vijayanagara was considered an imperial capital due to its massive fortifications, planned urban layout, political authority, and economic prosperity.
2. Explain the geographical advantages of Vijayanagara’s location.
Answer: The city was located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River and surrounded by rocky hills, which provided natural defence and access to water resources.
3. Who founded the Vijayanagara Empire and when?
Answer: The Vijayanagara Empire was founded in 1336 CE by Harihara and Bukka of the Sangama dynasty.
4. Why is Hampi important for historians?
Answer: Hampi is important because its ruins, temples, inscriptions, and structures provide archaeological evidence to reconstruct Vijayanagara’s history.
5. Mention any two achievements of Krishnadevaraya.
Answer: Krishnadevaraya expanded the empire militarily and patronised temples, literature, and irrigation works.
6. Describe the Sacred Centre of Vijayanagara.
Answer: The Sacred Centre housed major temples and religious structures and played a key role in reinforcing the religious legitimacy of the rulers.
7. What were the main features of the Royal Centre?
Answer: The Royal Centre contained palaces, ceremonial halls, and administrative buildings used for governance and royal rituals.
8. How were temples important beyond religion?
Answer: Temples acted as economic centres by owning land, employing people, and hosting markets and festivals.
9. Explain the significance of fortifications in Vijayanagara.
Answer: Fortifications protected the city, controlled movement, and enclosed agricultural fields, markets, and residential areas.
10. What does the Mahanavami Dibba indicate about kingship?
Answer: The Mahanavami Dibba symbolised royal power and was used for ceremonial rituals that displayed imperial authority.
11. Describe the water management system of Vijayanagara.
Answer: The city had an advanced water system of canals, tanks, reservoirs, and dams that supported agriculture and urban life.
12. How did agriculture support the Vijayanagara economy?
Answer: Irrigation increased agricultural productivity, ensuring food supply for the large population and surplus for trade.
13. What role did trade play in Vijayanagara’s prosperity?
Answer: Trade connected Vijayanagara to inland and overseas markets, making it economically powerful and wealthy.
14. Name two items imported by Vijayanagara.
Answer: Horses and luxury goods were major imports of Vijayanagara.
15. Why were horses crucial for the Vijayanagara army?
Answer: Horses were essential for cavalry strength and warfare, and the region depended on imports for quality horses.
16. Where were markets usually located and why?
Answer: Markets were often located near temples, indicating the close link between religion and commerce.
17. Explain the religious policy of Vijayanagara rulers.
Answer: The rulers followed Hindu traditions and patronised Shaivism and Vaishnavism while showing tolerance towards other faiths.
18. How did religion legitimise royal authority?
Answer: Kings projected themselves as protectors of dharma through temple patronage and religious ceremonies.
19. Mention two cultural developments during Vijayanagara rule.
Answer: Literature flourished in Telugu, Sanskrit, Kannada, and Tamil, and art and architecture reached great heights.
20. Why are foreign travellers’ accounts important?
Answer: Travellers’ accounts provide contemporary descriptions of the city, economy, and court life.
21. Name one foreign traveller who visited Vijayanagara.
Answer: Domingo Paes visited and described Vijayanagara.
22. What did travellers admire about Vijayanagara?
Answer: They admired the city’s size, wealth, markets, and well-planned streets.
23. Why must travellers’ accounts be used carefully?
Answer: They reflect personal impressions and must be verified with archaeological evidence.
24. What was the Battle of Talikota?
Answer: The Battle of Talikota in 1565 CE was fought between Vijayanagara and the Deccan Sultanates.
25. How did the Battle of Talikota affect Vijayanagara?
Answer: The defeat led to the destruction, looting, and abandonment of the capital city.
26. Did the empire end immediately after Talikota?
Answer: No, the empire survived for some time but in a weakened form.
27. What sources help reconstruct Vijayanagara’s history?
Answer: Archaeological remains, inscriptions, temple records, and travellers’ accounts help historians.
28. How does this chapter reflect state formation?
Answer: It shows how rulers used military power, administration, religion, and urban planning to control territory.
29. What does Vijayanagara reveal about medieval urbanisation?
Answer: It reveals advanced planning, specialised zones, water management, and economic integration.
30. Why is Vijayanagara significant in Indian history?
Answer: Vijayanagara represents one of the most powerful and well-organised medieval empires of India.