Source-Based Questions with Answers

Source-Based Questions with Answers

Chapter 7: An Imperial Capital – Vijayanagara

(NCERT Aligned | CBSE Class 12 Standard)

Source–1: On the Grandeur of the City

Source:
“The city of Vijayanagara was large and well-built, with strong walls and wide streets. Markets were full of people and goods.”

Q1. What does this source suggest about the size of Vijayanagara?
Answer: The source suggests that Vijayanagara was a large and well-developed urban centre.

Q2. How does the description reflect urban planning?
Answer: The mention of wide streets and strong walls indicates planned urban development.

Source–2: On Fortifications

Source:
“The city was protected by several lines of fortification, some of which enclosed fields and gardens.”

Q3. Why were agricultural fields included within fortifications?
Answer: Fields were enclosed to ensure food security during sieges.

Q4. What does this reveal about the city’s defence strategy?
Answer: It shows advanced military planning and long-term preparedness.

Source–3: On Sacred Centre

Source:
“The city had many temples, which were not only places of worship but also centres of economic activity.”

Q5. What dual role did temples perform in Vijayanagara?
Answer: Temples functioned as religious as well as economic institutions.

Q6. How did temples contribute to the economy?
Answer: They owned land and provided employment to various groups.

Source–4: On Virupaksha Temple

Source:
“The Virupaksha Temple remained an active place of worship even after the decline of the empire.”

Q7. What does this indicate about religious continuity?
Answer: It shows that religious traditions continued beyond political decline.

Q8. Why is the Virupaksha Temple historically important?
Answer: It reflects the lasting religious significance of Vijayanagara.

Source–5: On the Royal Centre

Source:
“The Royal Centre had palaces and large platforms meant for ceremonies rather than religious worship.”

Q9. What activities took place in the Royal Centre?
Answer: Administrative and ceremonial activities took place there.

Q10. What does this tell us about kingship?
Answer: Kingship was displayed through public rituals and ceremonies.

Source–6: On Mahanavami Festival

Source:
“During the Mahanavami festival, the king displayed his power and authority before his subjects.”

Q11. What was the significance of the Mahanavami festival?
Answer: It symbolised royal authority and legitimacy.

Q12. How did festivals support the state?
Answer: They strengthened the ruler’s political image.

Source–7: On Water Management

Source:
“A network of canals, tanks, and reservoirs supplied water to the city and surrounding fields.”

Q13. Why was water management essential for Vijayanagara?
Answer: It supported agriculture and sustained a large urban population.

Q14. What does this system reveal about technical knowledge?
Answer: It reflects advanced engineering skills.

Source–8: On Agriculture

Source:
“Irrigation made it possible to grow crops throughout the year.”

Q15. How did irrigation affect agriculture?
Answer: It increased productivity and ensured food surplus.

Q16. Why was agricultural surplus important for the city?
Answer: It supported trade and urban life.

Source–9: On Trade and Markets

Source:
“The markets were filled with precious stones, spices, and textiles.”

Q17. What does this suggest about Vijayanagara’s economy?
Answer: It indicates a prosperous trade-based economy.

Q18. Name two goods traded from Vijayanagara.
Answer: Spices and textiles.

Source–10: On Foreign Travellers

Source:
“A foreign traveller admired the wealth and size of Vijayanagara and compared it with the greatest cities of the world.”

Q19. What impression did Vijayanagara leave on foreign visitors?
Answer: It impressed them with its wealth and grandeur.

Q20. Why are travellers’ accounts useful to historians?
Answer: They provide contemporary descriptions of the city.

(NCERT commonly uses accounts of travellers like Domingo Paes, verified with archaeological evidence.)