How to Use This Page
This page provides complete exercise solutions for the Bahmani and Vijayanagar Kingdoms chapter from the Samacheer Kalvi Class 11 History textbook. Follow these steps for best results:
1. Read the textbook chapter first — these solutions are meant to supplement, not replace, the original material. 2. Attempt each question on your own before checking the answer. 3. Read the explanation alongside the answer to understand the reasoning. 4. Use the Key Concepts table for quick last-minute revision before exams. 5. Review the Common Mistakes section to avoid losing marks needlessly.
Key Concepts (Quick Recap)
| Concept | Details |
|---|
| Vijayanagar founders | Harihara and Bukka (Sangama dynasty, 1336) |
| Vijayanagar capital | Hampi (on the banks of Tungabhadra) |
| Four dynasties of Vijayanagar | Sangama, Saluva, Tuluva, Aravidu |
| Greatest Vijayanagar ruler | Krishnadevaraya (1509-1529, Tuluva dynasty) |
| Bahmani founder | Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah (1347) |
| Bahmani capital | Initially Gulbarga, later shifted to Bidar |
| Contested region | Raichur Doab (between Krishna and Tungabhadra) |
| Vijayanagar administration | Well-organized with Nayakas and Palayakkarars |
| Land revenue | One-sixth of the produce under Vijayanagar |
| Major port | Visakhapatnam under Vijayanagar |
| Battle of Talikota | 1565 — combined Deccan sultanates defeated Vijayanagar |
| Bahmani split | Broke into five Deccan sultanates (Bijapur, Ahmednagar, Berar, Bidar, Golkonda) |
| Vijayanagar literature | Ashtadiggajas in Krishnadevaraya's court |
| Amuktamalyada | Political treatise by Krishnadevaraya in Telugu |
I. Choose the Best Answer
1. Who founded the Vijayanagar Empire?
Answer
(a) Krishnadevaraya (b) Harihara and Bukka (c) Saluva Narasimha (d) Achyuta Deva Raya
Answer(b) Harihara and Bukka
ExplanationHarihara and Bukka, two brothers of the Sangama dynasty, founded the Vijayanagar Empire in 1336 CE. They were initially in the service of the Kakatiya ruler of Warangal and later converted by the saint Vidyaranya to establish a Hindu kingdom to resist Muslim expansion in the south.
2. The capital of the Bahmani kingdom was initially at
Answer
(a) Bidar (b) Gulbarga (c) Bijapur (d) Daulatabad
Answer(b) Gulbarga
ExplanationAlauddin Hasan Bahman Shah established his capital at Gulbarga (then called Ahsanabad). Later, during the reign of Ahmad Shah Wali, the capital was shifted to Bidar around 1427 CE.
3. The Raichur Doab is situated between the rivers
Answer
(a) Ganga and Yamuna (b) Krishna and Tungabhadra (c) Godavari and Krishna (d) Pennar and Palar
Answer(b) Krishna and Tungabhadra
ExplanationThe Raichur Doab, the fertile region between the Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers, was a major bone of contention between the Bahmani and Vijayanagar kingdoms. Control of this rich agricultural area shifted between the two powers through successive wars.
4. Who among the following was known as an Ashtadiggaja?
Answer
(a) Vidyaranya (b) Allasani Peddana (c) Tenali Ramakrishna (d) Both (b) and (c)
Answer(d) Both (b) and (c)
ExplanationThe Ashtadiggajas were eight great scholars in Krishnadevaraya's court. Allasani Peddana and Tenali Ramakrishna were both among them. Allasani Peddana was called "Andhrakavita Pitamaha" (Father of Telugu poetry).
5. The Battle of Talikota (1565) was fought between Vijayanagar and
Answer
(a) The Bahmani Sultanate alone (b) The combined forces of Bijapur, Ahmednagar, Berar, Bidar, and Golkonda (c) The Mughal Empire (d) The Portuguese
Answer(b) The combined forces of Bijapur, Ahmednagar, Berar, Bidar, and Golkonda
ExplanationAfter the disintegration of the Bahmani kingdom, five Deccan sultanates — Bijapur, Ahmednagar, Berar, Bidar, and Golkonda — formed an alliance and defeated the Vijayanagar forces at the Battle of Talikota in 1565. This marked the beginning of the end for the Vijayanagar Empire.
6. Which dynasty of Vijayanagar did Krishnadevaraya belong to?
Answer
(a) Sangama (b) Saluva (c) Tuluva (d) Aravidu
Answer(c) Tuluva
ExplanationKrishnadevaraya belonged to the Tuluva dynasty, which was the third ruling dynasty of Vijayanagar. The dynasty was founded by Tuluva Narasa Nayaka. Krishnadevaraya was the greatest ruler of this line.
7. The Bahmani kingdom broke up into how many independent sultanates?
Answer
(a) Three (b) Four (c) Five (d) Six
Answer(c) Five
ExplanationThe Bahmani kingdom disintegrated into five independent sultanates — Bijapur (Adil Shahi), Ahmednagar (Nizam Shahi), Berar (Imad Shahi), Bidar (Barid Shahi), and Golkonda (Qutb Shahi). These are collectively known as the Deccan sultanates.
8. Amuktamalyada, a work on polity, was composed by
Answer
(a) Vidyaranya (b) Krishnadevaraya (c) Allasani Peddana (d) Sayana
Answer(b) Krishnadevaraya
ExplanationKrishnadevaraya himself authored Amuktamalyada in Telugu, which is a treatise on polity and administration. The title literally means "one who wore the garland given by the Lord," and it discusses ideal governance, the role of ministers, and military organisation.
II. Fill in the Blanks
1. The Vijayanagar Empire was founded in the year 1336 CE. 2. Harihara and Bukka were guided by the saint Vidyaranya to establish the Vijayanagar kingdom. 3. The Bahmani kingdom was founded by Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah in 1347 CE. 4. The capital of the Vijayanagar Empire was Hampi (on the banks of the Tungabhadra). 5. The fertile region between the Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers is called the Raichur Doab. 6. Krishnadevaraya belonged to the Tuluva dynasty of Vijayanagar. 7. The eight great scholars in Krishnadevaraya's court were called Ashtadiggajas. 8. The father of Telugu poetry, Allasani Peddana, was honoured with the title Andhrakavita Pitamaha. 9. The Battle of Talikota in 1565 led to the decline of the Vijayanagar Empire. 10. The Bahmani kingdom split into five independent sultanates. 11. The last dynasty to rule Vijayanagar was the Aravidu dynasty. 12. The Bahmani capital was shifted from Gulbarga to Bidar during Ahmad Shah Wali's reign. 13. The Vijayanagar rulers bore the title Raya or Raya of Rayas. 14. The provincial governors in the Vijayanagar administration were called Nayakas. 15. Krishnadevaraya wrote the Telugu political treatise Amuktamalyada.
III. True or False (with corrections)
1. The Vijayanagar Empire was founded by Krishnadevaraya.
Answer
False. The Vijayanagar Empire was founded by Harihara and Bukka of the Sangama dynasty in 1336 CE. Krishnadevaraya came later and was the greatest ruler of the Tuluva dynasty.
2. The Bahmani kingdom and the Vijayanagar Empire were allies throughout their history.
Answer
False. The two kingdoms were bitter rivals and fought numerous wars, primarily over control of the Raichur Doab. The conflict between them was one of the defining features of medieval Deccan history.
3. The Bahmani capital was initially at Bidar.
Answer
False. The initial capital was Gulbarga (Ahsanabad). It was shifted to Bidar later during the reign of Ahmad Shah Wali around 1427 CE.
4. Krishnadevaraya patronised the Ashtadiggajas in his court.
Answer
True. Krishnadevaraya's court had eight great scholars known as Ashtadiggajas, including Allasani Peddana, Tenali Ramakrishna, and others who enriched Telugu and Sanskrit literature.
5. The Battle of Talikota resulted in a Vijayanagar victory.
Answer
False. The Battle of Talikota (1565) resulted in a decisive defeat for Vijayanagar at the hands of the combined Deccan sultanates. The city of Vijayanagar was sacked, leading to the rapid decline of the empire.
6. The provincial governors under Vijayanagar were called Nayakas.
Answer
True. The Vijayanagar administration was decentralised, with Nayakas (provincial governors) managing territories. They maintained military forces and paid tribute to the king. This system later evolved into the Palayakkarar (Polygar) system.
7. The Bahmani rulers patronised only Persian culture.
Answer
False. While the Bahmani rulers were Muslim and patronised Persian culture and language, they also promoted a synthesis of cultures. Many Hindu officials served in their administration, and local Deccani culture flourished alongside Persian influences.
IV. Match the Following
| Column A | Column B |
|---|
| 1. Harihara and Bukka | (a) Bahmani founder |
| 2. Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah | (b) Ashtadiggaja |
| 3. Raichur Doab | (c) Vijayanagar founders |
| 4. Allasani Peddana | (d) Between Krishna and Tungabhadra |
| 5. Battle of Talikota | (e) Last Vijayanagar dynasty |
| 6. Aravidu dynasty | (f) 1565 CE |
| 7. Amuktamalyada | (g) Krishnadevaraya's work |
| 8. Gulbarga | (h) First Bahmani capital |
Answer1 — (c), 2 — (a), 3 — (d), 4 — (b), 5 — (f), 6 — (e), 7 — (g), 8 — (h)
V. Answer Briefly (2-mark questions)
1. Mention the four dynasties that ruled the Vijayanagar Empire.
Answer
The four dynasties that ruled Vijayanagar were: (1) Sangama (1336-1485), (2) Saluva (1485-1505), (3) Tuluva (1505-1570), and (4) Aravidu (1570-1646). The Sangama dynasty was the founding dynasty, while the Tuluva dynasty produced the greatest ruler, Krishnadevaraya.
2. Why was the Raichur Doab a source of conflict?
Answer
The Raichur Doab, the fertile region between the Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers, was a major source of conflict between the Bahmani and Vijayanagar kingdoms because of its rich agricultural production and strategic location. Both kingdoms sought to control this territory for its economic value and military advantage, leading to repeated wars throughout their history.
3. What were the Ashtadiggajas?
Answer
The Ashtadiggajas were eight great scholars and poets in the court of Krishnadevaraya. The term literally means "eight elephants" supporting the world of literature. Prominent among them were Allasani Peddana (called the Father of Telugu poetry), Tenali Ramakrishna, and Dhurjati. They produced outstanding works in Telugu and Sanskrit.
4. Write a note on the administrative system of Vijayanagar.
Answer
The Vijayanagar administration was well-organised with the king at the centre, assisted by a council of ministers. The empire was divided into provinces called rajyas or mandalams, governed by Nayakas (provincial governors). The Nayakas maintained armies, collected revenue, and paid tribute to the king. Land revenue was fixed at one-sixth of the produce. The king also maintained a strong central army.
5. State the significance of Amuktamalyada.
Answer
Amuktamalyada is a Telugu poetic work composed by Krishnadevaraya himself. It is both a literary masterpiece and a political treatise. The work discusses ideal governance, the duties of kings, the role of ministers, military organisation, and justice. It is considered one of the finest works on statecraft in Telugu literature and reflects Krishnadevaraya's vision of good administration.
VI. Answer in Detail (5-mark questions)
1. Describe the rise and achievements of the Vijayanagar Empire under Krishnadevaraya.
Answer
Krishnadevaraya (1509-1529 CE), the greatest ruler of the Tuluva dynasty, ascended the throne at a time when the Vijayanagar Empire faced threats from the Bahmani sultanates and internal dissensions. His reign is considered the golden age of Vijayanagar.
Military Achievements:
- He defeated the Bahmani sultanates and secured the Raichur Doab after the Battle of Raichur (1520).
- He subdued the Gajapati ruler of Orissa and captured the fortresses of Udayagiri, Kondavidu, and Kondapalli.
- He successfully dealt with the Portuguese by maintaining diplomatic relations while securing the horse trade through the port of Goa.
- He expanded the empire from the Krishna river in the north to the extreme south of the peninsula.
Administrative Reforms:
- He reorganised the revenue system and ensured fair taxation at one-sixth of the produce.
- He improved irrigation by constructing tanks and canals.
- He maintained a well-disciplined army and reformed the military administration.
Cultural Contributions:
- He patronised the Ashtadiggajas, the eight great scholars of his court.
- He himself authored Amuktamalyada, a Telugu treatise on polity, and Jambavati Kalyanam in Sanskrit.
- He built the Krishnaswami temple at Hampi and several other temples and tanks.
- His reign saw a flowering of Telugu and Sanskrit literature, earning him the title "Andhra Bhoja."
2. Explain the causes and consequences of the Bahmani-Vijayanagar conflict.
Answer
The Bahmani and Vijayanagar kingdoms were the two major powers in the Deccan from the 14th to 16th centuries, and their rivalry shaped the political landscape of medieval South India.
Causes of Conflict:
- The Raichur Doab: The most important cause was the contest for control of the fertile Raichur Doab between the Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers. This region was agriculturally rich and strategically vital.
- Religious Differences: The Hindu Vijayanagar and Muslim Bahmani kingdoms had fundamental ideological differences that fuelled mutual hostility.
- Control of Trade Routes: Both kingdoms wanted to control the western coast and its prosperous ports, which were centres of international trade.
- Expansionist Ambitions: Both powers sought to expand their territories at each other's expense.
Consequences:
- Weakening of Both Kingdoms: The incessant warfare drained the resources of both kingdoms and weakened them over time.
- Decline of the Bahmani Kingdom: The constant wars, along with internal factionalism, led to the breakup of the Bahmani kingdom into five independent sultanates by the early 16th century.
- Battle of Talikota (1565): The combined Deccan sultanates defeated Vijayanagar, leading to the sack of its capital and the beginning of the empire's decline.
- Political Fragmentation: The conflict led to the fragmentation of the Deccan into multiple smaller kingdoms, which were later absorbed by the Mughal Empire.
3. Give an account of the administrative and socio-economic conditions under the Vijayanagar Empire.
Answer
The Vijayanagar Empire had a well-structured administration and a thriving economy that supported a rich social and cultural life.
Administration:
- The king was the supreme authority, assisted by a council of ministers (Pradhans).
- The empire was divided into rajyas (provinces), nadus (districts), and sthalas (villages).
- Provincial governors called Nayakas administered the rajyas, maintaining armies and collecting revenue.
- The king maintained a large standing army equipped with firearms and cavalry.
- Justice was administered through a hierarchy of courts from the village level to the king's court.
Economy:
- Agriculture was the main occupation, with land revenue fixed at one-sixth of the produce.
- Irrigation was well-developed, with tanks, canals, and wells constructed by the state.
- Trade flourished both internally and externally. Ports like Visakhapatnam and Mangalore handled international commerce.
- The empire had trade relations with Persia, Arabia, Portugal, and the Malay Archipelago.
- Guilds of merchants (Nagarattar) played an important role in trade and commerce.
Society:
- Society was organised on the basis of the varna system, with Brahmins at the top.
- The position of women was generally subordinate, though some royal women wielded influence.
- The Devadasi system existed in temples, where women were dedicated to temple service.
- Temple construction reached its peak under the Vijayanagar rulers, with temples serving as centres of social, economic, and cultural life.
- Education was promoted through agraharas (Brahmin settlements) and mathas (monastic institutions).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Confusing the dynasties: Do not mix up the Sangama, Saluva, Tuluva, and Aravidu dynasties. Remember: Sangama founded Vijayanagar, Tuluva produced Krishnadevaraya, and Aravidu was the last ruling dynasty.
2. Attributing the founding to Krishnadevaraya: A common error is to state that Krishnadevaraya founded Vijayanagar. He was its greatest ruler but came nearly two centuries after the founding by Harihara and Bukka.
3. Mixing up the capitals: Gulbarga was the first Bahmani capital, not Bidar. The shift to Bidar happened later under Ahmad Shah Wali.
4. Overlooking the Battle of Talikota: Do not confuse the numerous Bahmani-Vijayanagar wars with the Battle of Talikota (1565). The latter was fought by the Deccan sultanates, not the Bahmani kingdom, which had already broken up by then.
5. Ignoring the Nayaka system: The Nayaka system of provincial administration is a distinctive feature of Vijayanagar and should not be confused with the mansabdari system of the Mughals.
6. Confusing Ashtadiggajas with Navaratnas: The Ashtadiggajas (eight scholars) were in Krishnadevaraya's court, while the Navaratnas (nine gems) were in Akbar's court. Do not mix them up.
7. Assuming the Bahmani kingdom was monolithic: The Bahmani kingdom had deep internal divisions, especially between the Deccanis (local Muslims) and the Pareeshas (foreign Muslims), which contributed to its breakup.
Exam Checklist
- [ ] I can name the founders of Vijayanagar (Harihara and Bukka) and the Bahmani kingdom (Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah)
- [ ] I know all four Vijayanagar dynasties in order: Sangama, Saluva, Tuluva, Aravidu
- [ ] I can explain the significance of the Raichur Doab as a source of conflict
- [ ] I can describe Krishnadevaraya's military, administrative, and cultural achievements
- [ ] I can identify the Ashtadiggajas and their contributions
- [ ] I know the significance of Amuktamalyada as a political treatise
- [ ] I can explain the causes and consequences of the Battle of Talikota (1565)
- [ ] I understand the Vijayanagar administrative system (Nayakas, revenue, army)
- [ ] I can list the five Deccan sultanates that emerged from the Bahmani breakup
- [ ] I can describe the socio-economic conditions under Vijayanagar
- [ ] I know the capitals: Gulbarga (first Bahmani capital) and Bidar (shifted later)
- [ ] I can write detailed answers on the Bahmani-Vijayanagar conflict and its consequences
