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R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 2010

Vijayanagara Cultural Patronage

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

The 'Ashtadiggajas' were associated with which of the following rulers?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: B

Concept Royal patronage of scholars often took the form of 'Gems' or 'Elephants' (Diggajas) who anchored the cultural and intellectual prestige of the empire.

Explanation Krishnadeva Raya (1509–1529 CE) of the Tuluva dynasty patronized the Ashtadiggajas (Eight Elephants). They were the most celebrated Telugu poets of the age, including Allasani Peddana and Tenali Rama.

Logical Breakup
Option B is Correct: Krishnadeva Raya was himself a poet (*Amuktamalyada*) and made his court a center of Telugu literature.
Logic: Shivaji (Option A) had the 'Ashtapradhan' (Council of Ministers), not the Ashtadiggajas.

Active Recall

Question

Who was the 'Andhra Kavita Pitamaha' among the Ashtadiggajas?

Answer

Allasani Peddana, the author of Manucharitam, was granted the title of 'Grandfather of Telugu Poetry'.

Core Insight

The Ashtadiggajas transformed Telugu from a regional dialect into a sophisticated literary language of imperial power.

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