63rd BPSC (Pre) 2017

Historical Geography of Vijayanagara

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Remains of Vijayanagara empire found in:

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept After the fall of the empire, its grand capital was abandoned and reclaimed by nature. These ruins, spread over a massive area, are the most important evidence for medieval South Indian history.

Explanation The remains of the Vijayanagara Empire are located in Hampi, Karnataka. This city served as the empire's capital from 1336 to 1565. The site contains over 1,600 surviving structures, including temples, royal enclosures, and massive market streets.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Bijapur and Golconda were the capitals of the rival sultanates that destroyed Vijayanagara.
Logic 2: Hampi's location on the Tungabhadra River provided natural defenses and was the symbolic 'City of Victory' for the Sangama and Tuluva kings.

Active Recall

Question

Why is Hampi a UNESCO World Heritage site?

Answer

Because it represents a unique architectural style and provides an unmatched record of a complete medieval imperial city.

Core Insight

The ruins of Hampi serve as a silent witness to the peak and the sudden, violent collapse of the last great Hindu empire of the Deccan.