Vijayanagar and Bahmani Kingdoms MCQ: Gol Gumbaz, Charminar & the Founding of Mysore Kingdom

Attempt the quiz above first, then review every question with its correct answer and a short explanation below.

1. Q1.In the Vijayanagara administration, what did the term 'Amaram' refer to?

   • A.Land granted to soldiers/military chiefs✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Land granted to temples
   • C.Tax-free land for scholars
   • D.Crown land

   Explanation: 'Amaram' was the land granted to military chiefs (Nayakas) in lieu of their salary and for the maintenance of troops.

2. Q2.Krishnadeva Raya defeated Ismail Adil Shah of Bijapur in which battle in 1520 AD?

   • A.Battle of Raichur✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Battle of Talikota
   • C.Battle of Khanwa
   • D.Battle of Panipat

   Explanation: In 1520 AD, Krishnadeva Raya fought the Battle of Raichur and defeated Ismail Adil Shah, recovering the Raichur Doab.

3. Q3.Which traveler described Vijayanagara as a city with 'seven fortified walls'?

   • A.Abdur Razzaq✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Nicolo Conti
   • C.Domingo Paes
   • D.Barbosa

   Explanation: Abdur Razzaq, the Persian ambassador, described Vijayanagara as having seven concentric fortified walls.

4. Q4.Who built the Charminar in Hyderabad?

   • A.Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Ibrahim Qutb Shah
   • C.Abul Hasan Tana Shah
   • D.Sikandar Lodi

   Explanation: Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the fifth ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, built the Charminar in 1591 AD.

5. Q5.The kingdom of Berar was eventually annexed by which state?

   • A.Ahmednagar✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Bijapur
   • C.Golconda
   • D.Bidar

   Explanation: The Imad Shahi kingdom of Berar was conquered and annexed by Nizam Shahi of Ahmednagar in 1574 AD.

6. Q6.The kingdom of Bidar was annexed by which state?

   • A.Bijapur✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Golconda
   • C.Ahmednagar
   • D.Mughal Empire

   Explanation: The Barid Shahi kingdom of Bidar was annexed by Adil Shahis of Bijapur in 1619 AD.

7. Q7.What is the unique architectural feature of Gol Gumbaz in Bijapur?

   • A.Whispering Gallery✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Hanging Pillars
   • C.Musical Pillars
   • D.Inverted Lotus Dome

   Explanation: The Gol Gumbaz is famous for its 'Whispering Gallery', where even the softest sound can be heard clearly on the other side.

8. Q8.What title did Krishnadeva Raya assume after his victories?

   • A.Yavana-rajya-sthapana-acharya✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Gajabetekara
   • C.Vikramaditya
   • D.Shaka-ari

   Explanation: Krishnadeva Raya assumed the title of 'Yavana-rajya-sthapana-acharya' (Restorer of the Yavana kingdom) after intervening in Bahmani politics.

9. Q9.Which Portuguese governor sent an ambassador to Krishnadeva Raya?

   • A.Alfonso de Albuquerque✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Francisco de Almeida
   • C.Vasco da Gama
   • D.Nino da Cunha

   Explanation: Alfonso de Albuquerque sent an ambassador named Friar Luis to Krishnadeva Raya to seek permission to build a fort at Bhatkal.

10. Q10.The 'Kalyana Mandapa' was a notable feature of temple architecture during which period?

    • A.Vijayanagara✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Chola
    • C.Pallava
    • D.Chalukya

    Explanation: The construction of 'Kalyana Mandapas' (marriage halls for deities) with carved pillars was a distinct feature of Vijayanagara architecture.

11. Q11.Which Vijayanagara ruler is known as 'Gajabetekara' (The Elephant Hunter)?

    • A.Devaraya II✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Krishnadeva Raya
    • C.Harihara II
    • D.Devaraya I

    Explanation: Devaraya II assumed the title of 'Gajabetekara' (Hunter of Elephants) to signify his strength.

12. Q12.Who was the minister and commander responsible for the decline of the Saluva dynasty and rise of Tuluva dynasty?

    • A.Narasa Nayaka✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Timmarusu
    • C.Rama Raya
    • D.Basavappa

    Explanation: Narasa Nayaka was the able commander who became the de-facto ruler, and his son Vira Narasimha later founded the Tuluva dynasty.

13. Q13.Raja Wodeyar founded the Kingdom of Mysore in 1612 with the permission of which Vijayanagara ruler?

    • A.Venkata II✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Sriranga I
    • C.Sadasiva Raya
    • D.Rama Raya

    Explanation: Raja Wodeyar established the independent state of Mysore in 1612 AD during the reign of Venkata II.

14. Q14.What was the emblem of the Vijayanagara Empire?

    • A.Varaha (Boar)✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Lion
    • C.Fish
    • D.Tiger

    Explanation: The emblem of the Vijayanagara Empire was the 'Varaha' (Boar), an incarnation of Vishnu.

15. Q15.Who was the Portuguese traveler to visit Vijayanagara during the reign of Achyuta Deva Raya?

    • A.Fernao Nuniz✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Domingo Paes
    • C.Duarte Barbosa
    • D.Vasco da Gama

    Explanation: Fernao Nuniz, a Portuguese horse trader and chronicler, spent three years in Vijayanagara during the reign of Achyuta Deva Raya.

16. Q16.The famous diamond mine 'Kollur' was located in which kingdom?

    • A.Golconda✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Bijapur
    • C.Vijayanagara
    • D.Ahmednagar

    Explanation: The Golconda kingdom was famous for its diamond mines, including the world-famous Kollur mine.

17. Q17.Who described Vijayanagara as 'The best provided city in the world'?

    • A.Domingo Paes✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Nicolo Conti
    • C.Abdur Razzaq
    • D.Ibn Battuta

    Explanation: Domingo Paes praised the city's markets and abundance, calling it the best provided city in the world.

18. Q18.What was the main port of the Vijayanagara Empire on the west coast?

    • A.Bhatkal✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Calicut
    • C.Cochin
    • D.Goa

    Explanation: Bhatkal was the most important commercial port of the Vijayanagara Empire on the western coast.

19. Q19.Which deity was worshipped in the famous Virupaksha Temple at Hampi?

    • A.Lord Shiva✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Lord Vishnu
    • C.Lord Krishna
    • D.Goddess Durga

    Explanation: Virupaksha is a form of Lord Shiva, and he was considered the guardian deity of the Vijayanagara rulers.

20. Q20.Who executed the famous Bahmani Prime Minister Mahmud Gawan?

    • A.Muhammad Shah III✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Humayun
    • C.Ahmad Shah
    • D.Nizam Shah

    Explanation: Muhammad Shah III, influenced by the conspiracy of Deccan nobles, ordered the execution of his loyal minister Mahmud Gawan in 1481.