An Imperial Capital: Vijayanagara – Class 12 History NCERT Notes

NCERT Class 12 History Notes | Theme Seven

1. INTRODUCTION

These NCERT Notes on An Imperial Capital: Vijayanagara provide a simplified and detailed explanation of the rise, development, administration, architecture and decline of the Vijayanagara Empire. The chapter focuses especially on Hampi, the capital city of Vijayanagara, and reconstructs its history through inscriptions, monuments, archaeological evidence and accounts of foreign travellers.

The chapter covers important themes such as the Rayas and Nayakas, Amara-Nayaka system, water management, fortifications, urban planning, royal centre, sacred centre, temples, gopurams, mandapas, bazaars and the decline of the empire. These notes are useful for NCERT revision, school examinations and competitive examinations such as UPSC, SSC, PSC and Railway exams.

2. CHAPTER OVERVIEW

The Vijayanagara Empire was founded in 1336 by the brothers Harihara and Bukka. Its capital, Vijayanagara or the “city of victory”, developed into one of the most impressive urban centres of medieval South India. The empire reached its height under rulers such as Krishnadeva Raya, while Hampi developed into a major political, commercial, religious and cultural centre.

The chapter examines Vijayanagara through its political history as well as its physical remains. The city was organised into different zones, including the urban core, royal centre and sacred centre, and had sophisticated systems of water management and fortification. Temples, palaces, bazaars and roads reveal the political authority, religious traditions, commercial prosperity and cultural interactions of the empire. The city was sacked in 1565 after the Battle of Rakshasi-Tangadi/Talikota and was abandoned within a few years.

3. NCERT NOTES

These NCERT Notes on An Imperial Capital: Vijayanagara provide a simplified explanation of the complete chapter, including the political history, administration, urban organisation, architecture, religious traditions, trade and archaeological reconstruction of Vijayanagara.

3.1 Vijayanagara: The City and the Empire

Vijayanagara literally means “city of victory.”

The name referred to both:

• The Vijayanagara Empire
• Its magnificent capital city

Important facts

• The empire was founded in the fourteenth century.
• According to tradition and epigraphic evidence, Harihara and Bukka founded the empire in 1336.
• At its height, the empire extended:
  • From the Krishna River in the north
  • To the extreme south of the peninsula
• The city was sacked in 1565.
• It was subsequently abandoned.
• The ruins survived in the memories of people living in the Krishna-Tungabhadra doab.
• The city was remembered as Hampi.
• Hampi is derived from Pampadevi, the local mother goddess.

Sources used to reconstruct Vijayanagara

Historians have reconstructed the history of Vijayanagara using:

• Oral traditions
• Archaeological remains
• Monuments
• Inscriptions
• Accounts of foreign travellers
• Literature in:
  • Telugu
  • Kannada
  • Tamil
  • Sanskrit

Quick takeaway

Vijayanagara = Empire + Capital City; Hampi = name by which the ruined city continued to be remembered.

3.2 The Discovery of Hampi

The ruins of Hampi were brought to wider attention in 1800 by Colonel Colin Mackenzie, an engineer and antiquarian employed by the English East India Company.

Colin Mackenzie’s contribution

Mackenzie:

• Prepared the first survey map of Hampi.
• Collected information from local people.
• Used the memories of priests associated with:
  • Virupaksha temple
  • Pampadevi shrine

From 1836, epigraphists began collecting inscriptions from Hampi and other temples. From 1856, photographers began recording the monuments.

Historians later combined inscriptions, traveller accounts, local traditions, literary works, and archaeological evidence to reconstruct the history of Vijayanagara.

3.3 Colin Mackenzie

Colin Mackenzie was:

• Born in 1754
• An engineer, surveyor, cartographer, and antiquarian

In 1815, he became the first Surveyor General of India. He held this post until his death in 1821.

Why did Mackenzie collect information?

Mackenzie collected local histories, information about institutions, laws and customs, and surveys of historic sites. He believed that studying India’s past could provide useful information for the East India Company in governing the colony.

Exam point

Colin Mackenzie → First survey map of Hampi → 1800

3.4 Rayas, Nayakas and Sultans

According to tradition and inscriptions, Harihara and Bukka founded the Vijayanagara Empire in 1336. The empire contained people speaking different languages and following different religious traditions.

The northern frontier of Vijayanagara was an area of competition with:

• Deccan Sultans
• Gajapati rulers of Orissa

The major objectives included control over fertile river valleys, resources, and profitable overseas trade.

Cultural interaction

Although these states competed militarily, their interaction also resulted in the exchange of ideas. One important area of exchange was Architecture. Vijayanagara rulers borrowed architectural ideas and building techniques from neighbouring political traditions and developed them further.

3.5 Earlier South Indian Traditions

Some territories incorporated into the empire had already witnessed powerful states, such as:

• Cholas: Associated particularly with Tamil Nadu.
• Hoysalas: Associated particularly with Karnataka.

These earlier rulers patronised magnificent temples such as the Brihadishvara temple at Thanjavur and the Chennakeshava temple at Belur. The Vijayanagara rulers, known as Rayas, built upon these traditions and developed them on a much larger scale.

3.6 Kings and Traders

Warfare during this period depended heavily on effective cavalry. Therefore, the import of horses from Arabia and Central Asia was extremely important.

Horse trade

Initially, the horse trade was controlled mainly by Arab traders. Local merchants known as Kudirai Chettis also participated in horse trading.

Arrival of the Portuguese

From 1498, the Portuguese entered the west coast of the Indian subcontinent. They attempted to establish trading and military stations. Their superior military technology, especially muskets, made them important participants in regional politics.

3.7 Vijayanagara as a Commercial Centre

Vijayanagara was famous for markets dealing in spices, textiles, and precious stones. Trade was also considered a status symbol. The wealthy population demanded expensive and exotic goods, including precious stones and jewellery. Revenue from trade contributed significantly to the prosperity of the state.

3.8 Krishnadeva Raya

Krishnadeva Raya was the most famous ruler of Vijayanagara.

• Dynasty: Tuluva
• Reign: 1509–1529
• He wrote a Telugu work on statecraft called Amuktamalyada.

His advice regarding trade

Krishnadeva Raya believed that the king should improve harbours, encourage commerce, facilitate imports, encourage foreign merchants, maintain friendly relations with foreign sailors and traders, and ensure that valuable commodities did not reach enemy states. Important imported goods mentioned include horses, elephants, precious gems, sandalwood, and pearls.

Exam significance

Krishnadeva Raya’s policy demonstrates the connection: Trade → State prosperity → Military strength → Political power.

3.9 The Apogee and Decline of the Empire

Within the Vijayanagara political system, power was contested by members of the ruling lineage and military commanders.

Major dynasties

3.10 Expansion under Krishnadeva Raya

Krishnadeva Raya’s reign was characterised by expansion, consolidation, military preparedness, peace, and prosperity.

• 1512: The Raichur doab, the territory between the Tungabhadra and Krishna rivers, was acquired.
• 1514: The rulers of Orissa were subdued.
• 1520: Severe defeat was inflicted on the Sultan of Bijapur.

He also built fine temples, added impressive gopurams, and founded Nagalapuram, a suburban township near Vijayanagara, named after his mother.

3.11 Decline of the Empire

After Krishnadeva Raya’s death in 1529, internal problems became increasingly visible, including rebellious nayakas, weakening central authority, rival military ambitions, and changing political alliances. By 1542, control at the centre had shifted to the Aravidu dynasty, who continued to rule until the end of the seventeenth century.

3.12 Battle of Rakshasi-Tangadi / Talikota

In 1565, Rama Raya, chief minister of Vijayanagara, led the army at the battle of Rakshasi-Tangadi (also known as Talikota). The combined armies of Bijapur, Ahmadnagar, and Golconda defeated Vijayanagara and sacked the city, leading to its abandonment. The focus of the empire shifted eastward to Penukonda and later Chandragiri.

3.13 Vijayanagara–Deccan Sultanate Relations

Relations were complex rather than strictly hostile. Krishnadeva Raya supported claimants to power in the Sultanates and took the title “establisher of the Yavana kingdom.” However, Rama Raya’s adventurous policy of playing one Sultan against another eventually encouraged the Sultans to unite against Vijayanagara.

3.14 Meaning of Important Terms

• Gajapati: “Lord of elephants”; ruling lineage in Orissa.
• Ashvapati: “Lords of horses”; popular term for Deccan Sultans.
• Narapati: “Lords of men”; term for Vijayanagara Rayas.
• Yavana: Sanskrit term used for Greeks and other peoples entering from the north-west.

3.15 The Rayas and the Nayakas

The nayakas were military chiefs who controlled forts and armed supporters, spoke Telugu or Kannada, and accepted the authority of Vijayanagara kings, though they could also rebel.

3.16 The Amara-Nayaka System

The amara-nayaka system was a major political innovation incorporating features derived from the iqta system of the Delhi Sultanate. They were military commanders who received territories to govern, collected taxes, maintained military contingents of horses and elephants, sent annual tribute, and presented gifts to the king.

3.17 Decline of the Amara-Nayaka System

During the seventeenth century, many nayakas established independent kingdoms, weakening central imperial authority.

3.18 Vijayanagara: Capital and Its Environs

The city developed around the Tungabhadra River and surrounding granite hills, organized into the sacred centre, urban core, and royal centre.

3.19 Sources for Understanding the City

Historians use inscriptions and accounts from foreign travellers including Nicolo de Conti, Abdur Razzaq, Afanasii Nikitin, Duarte Barbosa, Domingo Paes, and Fernao Nuniz.

3.20 A Sprawling City

Portuguese traveller Domingo Paes described Vijayanagara as a huge and beautiful city, comparing its size to Rome.

3.21 Water Resources

Located in a natural basin formed by the Tungabhadra River, the arid setting required sophisticated embankments, tanks, and reservoirs.

3.22 Tanks and Reservoirs

• Kamalapuram Tank: Built in the early 15th century; irrigated fields and supplied the royal centre.
• Hiriya Canal: Constructed under the Sangama dynasty; drew water from a dam across the Tungabhadra to irrigate the valley.

3.23 How Tanks Were Built

Paes described a tank built by Krishnadeva Raya that employed 15,000–20,000 workers, highlighting state investment in infrastructure.

3.24 Fortifications and Roads

Persian ambassador Abdur Razzaq recorded seven lines of forts protecting the city, agricultural hinterlands, and forests.

3.25 Features of Vijayanagara Fortifications

Massive stone masonry without mortar or cement, using wedge-shaped blocks with earth/rubble filling and square/rectangular bastions.

3.26 Why Were Agricultural Areas Fortified?

To withstand prolonged sieges by protecting the agricultural belt itself, ensuring food production continued within.

3.27 Multiple Lines of Fortification

First line enclosed agricultural land; second line surrounded urban core; third line surrounded royal centre.

3.28 Gates and Indo-Islamic Architecture

Gateways featured arches and domes, reflecting Indo-Islamic architecture.

3.29 Roads of Vijayanagara

Roads wound through valleys, often starting from temple gateways and lined with bazaars.

3.30 The Urban Core

Contained residential/commercial areas. Chinese porcelain found in north-eastern areas suggests wealthy traders lived there.

3.31 Muslim Residential Quarter

Contained tombs and mosques whose architecture resembled temple mandapas.

3.32 Houses of Ordinary People

Barbosa noted thatched yet well-built houses arranged by occupation along streets, with nearby shrines, wells, and tanks.

3.33 The Royal Centre

Located in the south-west, containing over 60 temples and around 30 palace complexes.

3.34 Palaces and Temples

Temples were built entirely of stone masonry, whereas secular superstructures used perishable wood.

3.35 The Mahanavami Dibba

Located in the “king’s palace” enclosure, featuring the Audience Hall and Mahanavami Dibba platform.

3.36 Audience Hall

A high platform with closely spaced slots for wooden pillars.

3.37 Structure of the Mahanavami Dibba

A massive platform (11,000 sq ft base, 40 ft high) with carved relief panels on its base.

3.38 Mahanavami Festival

10-day autumn festival (Dussehra/Durga Puja/Navaratri) used by kings to display prestige and power.

3.39 Rituals Associated with Mahanavami

Included image worship, animal sacrifices, dances, wrestling, military parades, and tribute presentations by nayakas.

3.40 The Mahanavami Dibba: An Enigma

Limited surrounding space makes it uncertain if all grand rituals took place on the platform itself.

3.41 Lotus Mahal

Named by 19th-century British travellers; map evidence suggests it may have been a royal council chamber.

3.42 Architectural Features of Lotus Mahal

Features Indo-Islamic arches and nine towers.

3.43 Elephant Stables

A grand structure with arches and domes near Lotus Mahal.

3.44 Hazara Rama Temple

Intended for the king and family, featuring wall relief panels depicting the Ramayana.

3.45 Continuation of Vijayanagara Building Traditions

Nayakas continued constructing palatial buildings in regional centres after 1565.

3.46 The Sacred Centre

Located in the rocky northern area along the Tungabhadra; tied to Ramayana traditions (Vali and Sugriva) and Pampadevi (who married Virupaksha/Shiva).

3.47 Why Was Vijayanagara Located Here?

To leverage the sacred prestige of Virupaksha and Pampadevi shrines. Royal orders were signed “Shri Virupaksha”.

3.48 Hindu Suratrana

Kings adopted the title “Hindu Suratrana” (Sanskritised “Hindu Sultan”).

3.49 Temples as Political and Economic Institutions

Temples functioned as religious, learning, cultural, and economic hubs while legitimising royal rule.

3.50 Gopurams and Mandapas

Raya Gopurams: Immense gateways that dwarfed central shrines and signaled royal power.

3.51 Mandapas

Pillared pavilions used for ceremonial gatherings and divine rituals.

3.52 Virupaksha Temple

Evolved from 9th–10th century origins; Krishnadeva Raya added the main hall and eastern gopuram.

3.53 Functions of Temple Halls

Used for music, dance, drama, divine marriages, and swing ceremonies.

3.54 Vitthala Temple

Dedicated to Vitthala (a form of Vishnu worshipped in Maharashtra), creating an overarching imperial culture.

3.55 Chariot Shrine

Famous feature within the Vitthala temple complex designed in the shape of a stone chariot.

3.56 Chariot Streets

Paved streets extending straight from gopurams, lined with pillared pavilions and shops.

3.57 Nayakas and Temple Architecture

Local nayakas continued building grand gopurams and temples in subsequent centuries.

3.58 Plotting Palaces, Temples and Bazaars

In 1976, Hampi was declared a site of national importance; documentation accelerated in the 1980s.

3.59 Archaeological Mapping

The site was divided into 25 large square zones, each subdivided systematically.

3.60 What Archaeological Surveys Revealed

Documented thousands of tiny shrines, homes, roads, paths, bazaars, and pillar bases.

3.61 Reconstructing Lost Wooden Structures

Scholars emphasize using traveller accounts to imagine lost wooden superstructures, beams, and painted ceilings.

3.62 The Bazaar

Paes described markets overflowing with luxury gems, textiles, food grains, and produce.

3.63 Fruits and Meat

Nuniz highlighted abundant fruits and various meats available across city markets.

3.64 What Buildings Tell Us About Vijayanagara

Structures illuminate defence strategies, cultural exchange, political power, and religious values.

3.65 Limitations of Architectural Evidence

Buildings do not reveal thoughts of ordinary workers, wages, living conditions, or access restrictions.

3.66 Krishnadeva Raya: Different Perspectives

Statue at Chidambaram shows ideal royal projection, whereas Paes gives realistic physical details.

3.67 Major Political Timeline

3.68 Discovery and Conservation Timeline

4. IMPORTANT TOPICS

The following important topics from An Imperial Capital: Vijayanagara are frequently useful for competitive examinations, school examinations and revision tests.

Political History

1. Meaning of Vijayanagara – “City of Victory” — p. 170
2. Foundation by Harihara and Bukka in 1336 — p. 171
3. Extent of the Vijayanagara Empire — pp. 170–174
4. Sangama dynasty — p. 173
5. Saluva dynasty — p. 173
6. Tuluva dynasty — p. 173
7. Aravidu dynasty — pp. 173–174
8. Krishnadeva Raya, 1509–1529 — p. 173
9. Raichur doab — p. 173
10. Battle of Rakshasi-Tangadi/Talikota, 1565 — p. 174
11. Rama Raya and the Deccan Sultanates — p. 174
12. Vijayanagara–Deccan Sultanate relations — p. 174

Administration

13. Rayas and Nayakas — p. 175
14. Amara-Nayaka system — p. 175
15. Revenue collection by Amara-Nayakas — p. 175
16. Military contingents of horses and elephants — p. 175
17. Tribute and royal loyalty — p. 175
18. Rise of independent Nayaka kingdoms — p. 175

Trade and Economy

19. Horse trade from Arabia and Central Asia — p. 172
20. Kudirai Chettis — p. 172
21. Portuguese arrival from 1498 — p. 172
22. Muskets and military technology — p. 172
23. Markets of spices, textiles and precious stones — pp. 172–173
24. Krishnadeva Raya’s trade policy — p. 173
25. Vijayanagara bazaars — p. 191

Urban Planning

26. Physical setting of Vijayanagara — p. 177
27. Tungabhadra River — pp. 176–177
28. Granite hills — p. 177
29. Water reservoirs and tanks — p. 177
30. Kamalapuram tank — p. 177
31. Hiriya canal — p. 177
32. Vijayanagara fortifications — pp. 177–178
33. Seven lines of forts mentioned by Abdur Razzaq — p. 177
34. Agricultural land within fortified area — pp. 177–178
35. Indo-Islamic architectural features — p. 178
36. Roads and temple bazaars — p. 178

Urban Society

37. Urban core — pp. 178–179
38. Chinese porcelain and wealthy traders — p. 179
39. Muslim residential quarter — p. 179
40. Houses of ordinary people — p. 179
41. Shrines and small temples — p. 179
42. Wells and tanks — p. 179

Royal Centre

43. Location of royal centre — p. 179
44. Temples in royal centre — p. 179
45. Palaces and secular buildings — p. 180
46. Mahanavami dibba — pp. 180–181
47. Audience hall — p. 180
48. Mahanavami festival — pp. 180–181
49. Royal rituals and political symbolism — p. 181
50. Lotus Mahal — pp. 181–182
51. Elephant stables — p. 182
52. Hazara Rama temple — p. 183

Sacred Centre and Architecture

53. Sacred centre — p. 184
54. Virupaksha and Pampadevi traditions — p. 184
55. Royal association with Virupaksha — p. 184
56. Hindu Suratrana — p. 184
57. Temples as religious, social, cultural and economic centres — p. 184
58. Raya gopurams — pp. 185–186
59. Mandapas — pp. 185–186
60. Virupaksha temple — pp. 186–187
61. Vitthala temple — p. 188
62. Chariot streets — p. 188
63. Nayaka contribution to temple architecture — p. 188

Sources and Historiography

64. Colin Mackenzie — pp. 170–171
65. Epigraphic evidence — pp. 170, 176
66. Foreign travellers — p. 176
67. Domingo Paes — pp. 176–177, 191–192
68. Abdur Razzaq — pp. 177–178
69. Fernao Nuniz — p. 191
70. Archaeological surveys and mapping — pp. 188–190
71. Limitations of architectural evidence — pp. 191–192

5. IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

A. Very Short Answer Questions

1. What does the term Vijayanagara mean?

2. Who founded the Vijayanagara Empire?

3. Who discovered the ruins of Hampi in 1800?

4. Who prepared the first survey map of Hampi?

5. What was the contemporary name used for the Vijayanagara Empire?

6. Who were the Kudirai Chettis?

7. Who was the most famous ruler of Vijayanagara?

8. When did Krishnadeva Raya rule?

9. What was the Amuktamalyada?

10. What was the Raichur doab?

11. What was the Amara-Nayaka system?

12. What is Kamalapuram tank?

13. What was the Hiriya canal?

14. Who mentioned seven lines of fortifications at Vijayanagara?

15. What is a gopuram?

16. What is a mandapa?

17. What is the Mahanavami Dibba?

18. Who was Vitthala?

19. When was Vijayanagara sacked?

20. Where did the Aravidu dynasty later rule from?

B. Short Answer Questions

1. How was the history of Hampi reconstructed? (Page 170)

2. Why was horse trade important to Vijayanagara? (Page 172)

3. Explain the achievements of Krishnadeva Raya. (Page 173)

4. Why was Vijayanagara prosperous? (Pages 172–173, 191)

5. Explain the Amara-Nayaka system. (Page 175)

6. Why were agricultural fields included within the fortifications? (Pages 177–178)

7. What was the importance of water management in Vijayanagara? (Page 177)

8. What was the importance of the royal centre? (Pages 179–183)

9. What was the significance of the Mahanavami festival? (Pages 180–181)

10. How did Vijayanagara rulers use temple architecture to display power? (Pages 184–186)

11. What do the bazaars tell us about Vijayanagara society? (Page 191)

12. Why are traveller accounts important? (Pages 176, 191–192)

C. Long Answer Questions

1. Discuss the main features of the Vijayanagara Empire under Krishnadeva Raya. (Pages 173–174)

2. Explain the major features of the Amara-Nayaka system. (Page 175)

3. Describe the water-management system of Vijayanagara. (Page 177)

4. Discuss the fortification system of Vijayanagara. (Pages 177–178)

5. Discuss the significance of the royal centre. (Pages 179–183)

6. Explain the importance of temples in Vijayanagara society. (Pages 184–188)

7. What architectural traditions influenced Vijayanagara architecture? (Pages 171, 178, 184–188)

8. What can be learnt about ordinary people from the chapter? (Pages 179, 191–192)

6. FAQs

FAQ 1. Why is Vijayanagara important in Indian history?

FAQ 2. Why was Hampi suitable for a major capital?

FAQ 3. What was the role of the Nayakas?

FAQ 4. Why are gopurams important?

FAQ 5. Why did Vijayanagara decline?

7. QUICK REVISION SUMMARY

Vijayanagara in One Glance

• Vijayanagara = “City of Victory” — p. 170
• Empire founded by Harihara and Bukka — 1336 — p. 171
• Capital remembered as Hampi — p. 170
• Hampi associated with Pampadevi — p. 170
• Colin Mackenzie brought ruins to wider attention in 1800 — p. 170
• Contemporary name: Karnataka samrajyamu — p. 171
• Important rival powers: Deccan Sultans and Gajapati rulers — p. 171
• Horse trade was strategically important — p. 172
• Kudirai Chettis = horse merchants — p. 172
• Portuguese arrived on the west coast from 1498 — p. 172
• Krishnadeva Raya ruled 1509–1529 — p. 173
• Krishnadeva Raya belonged to the Tuluva dynasty — p. 173
• His work on statecraft: Amuktamalyada — p. 173
• Raichur doab acquired in 1512 — p. 173
• Orissa subdued in 1514 — p. 173
• Bijapur defeated in 1520 — p. 173
• Rama Raya led Vijayanagara at Talikota — p. 174
• Battle of Rakshasi-Tangadi/Talikota: 1565 — p. 174
• Vijayanagara was sacked and abandoned — p. 174
• Aravidus later ruled from Penukonda and Chandragiri — p. 174
• Nayakas = military chiefs — p. 175
• Amara-Nayakas received territories from the raya — p. 175
• Amara-Nayakas collected taxes and maintained troops — p. 175
• Tungabhadra was central to the city’s water system — p. 177
• Kamalapuram tank supported irrigation — p. 177
• Hiriya canal drew water from the Tungabhadra — p. 177
• Abdur Razzaq mentioned seven lines of fortifications — p. 177
• Agricultural land was included within fortified areas — pp. 177–178
• Vijayanagara contained an urban core, royal centre and sacred centre — pp. 176–184
• Royal centre had 60+ temples — p. 179
• Mahanavami dibba was a major ceremonial platform — pp. 180–181
• Mahanavami ceremonies demonstrated royal prestige, power and suzerainty — p. 181
• Lotus Mahal may have been a council chamber — pp. 181–182
• Hazara Rama temple contains Ramayana sculptures — p. 183
• Virupaksha was the guardian deity associated with the kingdom — p. 184
• Vijayanagara kings claimed to rule on behalf of Virupaksha — p. 184
• Royal orders were signed “Shri Virupaksha” — p. 184
• Hindu Suratrana literally meant “Hindu Sultan” — p. 184
• Raya gopurams demonstrated imperial authority — pp. 185–186
• Mandapas were important pillared pavilions/halls — pp. 185–186
• Virupaksha temple was enlarged under Vijayanagara — pp. 186–187
• Vitthala temple represents the incorporation of different religious traditions — p. 188
• Chariot streets connected temples with commercial activity — p. 188
• Archaeological surveys divided the site into 25 squares — p. 189
• Traveller accounts help reconstruct vanished wooden structures and urban life — p. 190
• Vijayanagara bazaars sold luxury goods, food grains, fruits and meat — p. 191
• Hampi recognised as a site of national importance in 1976 — p. 188
• Hampi declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1986 — p. 193

Most Important 10 Facts for Exams

1. 1336 – Foundation of Vijayanagara Empire
2. Harihara and Bukka – Founders
3. Krishnadeva Raya – Most famous ruler
4. 1509–1529 – Krishnadeva Raya’s reign
5. Amara-Nayaka system – Military-territorial administration
6. Tungabhadra – Major river associated with the capital
7. Mahanavami dibba – Major ceremonial platform
8. 1565 – Battle of Rakshasi-Tangadi/Talikota
9. Hampi – Ruins of Vijayanagara capital
10. 1986 – Hampi declared a UNESCO World Heritage site

Key Source–Contribution Pairs

NCERT chapter reference: pp. 170–195.