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CDS 2014 (II)

Medieval Architecture and Rediscovery

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

The ruins of the Vijayanagara at Hampi were brought to light in 1800 by:

Solution & Analysis

Answer: A

Concept The rediscovery of medieval Indian history often began with the cartographic and archaeological surveys conducted by British officials in the early 19th century.

Explanation Colonel Colin Mackenzie, the first Surveyor General of India, brought the ruins of Hampi (capital of Vijayanagara) to light in 1800. He prepared the first survey map of the site based on local traditions and oral history.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Mackenzie was a dedicated antiquarian who collected thousands of manuscripts and inscriptions to reconstruct the history of South India.
Logic 2: John Marshall (Option D) is famous for Mohenjo-Daro (1920s), not the early rediscovery of Hampi.

Active Recall

Question

How did Colin Mackenzie start his research on Hampi?

Answer

He relied on the memories of the priests of the Virupaksha temple and local oral traditions to identify the ruins as the legendary capital of Vijayanagara.

Core Insight

Mackenzie's survey was the starting point for the scientific study of Vijayanagara, preserving vital information before the ruins suffered further decay.

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