NCERT Solutions for Class 12 History Chapter 7: An Imperial Capital Vijayanagara

NCERT Solutions Class 12 History Chapter 7 An Imperial Capital Vijayanagara (2025-26)

Questions (Short Answer: 100-150 words)

1. What have been the methods used to study the ruins of Hampi over the last two centuries? How did these complement the information from the priests of the Virupaksha temple?

Answer: The ruins of Hampi have been studied using various methods. In 1800, Colin Mackenzie prepared the first plan of the site, depending on local memories and shrines. Later, photographers, from 1856 onwards, documented the monuments. Epigraphists compiled inscriptions, and information was also obtained from accounts of foreign travellers and literature in Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, and Sanskrit. These archaeological and documentary methods complemented the oral testimonies of priests from the Virupaksha temple, providing a fuller, multi-dimensional understanding of Vijayanagara’s social, cultural, and architectural past. The combination ensured more accuracy and a broader perspective about the site’s history and importance.

2. How were the water requirements of Vijayanagara met?

Answer: The rulers of Vijayanagara developed an elaborate system to meet the city’s water requirements. Surrounded by rivers and granite hills, they built embankments to create reservoirs. The Kamalapuram tank and the Hiriya canal (constructed by Sangama kings) helped irrigate agriculture and supplied water for daily use. Channels brought water from distant sources, such as the tank described by Domingo Paes, which collected water from two hills through channels running about 15 km. These efforts created a reliable supply of water for farming, domestic use, and ritual activities in the city throughout the year.

3. What do you think were the advantages and disadvantages of enclosing agricultural land within the fortified city?

Answer: Advantages: Enclosing agricultural land inside fortifications offered protection from enemy armies, ensuring food supply during sieges. It also guaranteed consistent revenue, as the primary income source was land tax. Peasants felt secure and could farm without fear. Disadvantages: Fortifying vast tracts was expensive, required a large army to defend the area, and posed challenges in defining how much land should be included. The cost and complexity of maintenance were very high. Nonetheless, this ensured that the city could withstand prolonged attacks without facing food shortages.

4. What was the significance of the rituals associated with the mahanavami dibba?

Answer: Rituals held at the mahanavami dibba (Mahanavami platform) were central to royal ceremonies during festivals like Dussehra/Navaratri. The king performed worship, animal sacrifices, and supervised processions, demonstrating his power, divine sanction, and relationship with deities. Such public rituals reinforced the king’s authority, signaled his legitimacy to subjects and visitors, and showcased the grandeur of the royal court. The elaborate platform and rituals were powerful tools for political and cultural symbolism in the Vijayanagara Empire.

5. Fig. 7.33: Describe the pillar motifs from the Virupaksha temple (floral, animal, human figures).

Answer: The pillars of the Virupaksha temple are decorated with intricate motifs. Floral designs are seen as stylized lotus buds and creepers. Animal figures such as horses, elephants, and mythical creatures symbolize strength and protection. Human figures, often depicted in dynamic poses, represent dancers, musicians, or mythological characters. These motifs reflect the artistic excellence and religious narrative traditions of Vijayanagara art and architecture.

Essay (250-300 words):

6. Is “royal centre” an appropriate term for that part of the city?

Answer: The term “royal centre” is an apt description for the south-western part of Vijayanagara city. This area housed the king’s palaces, administrative complexes, and important temples, including the Mahanavami Dibba, used for royal rituals. Archaeological excavations reveal more than 30 palatial complexes and over 60 temples, with a massive ceremonial platform and audience halls. The presence of the Lotus Mahal (possibly a council chamber), the Hazara Rama temple (reserved for royal families), and the elephant stables further underline the area’s exclusivity and importance for the ruling elite. The grand scale, fortified enclosures, and ornamental architecture distinguished it from the urban core or sacred centre. However, not all parts were purely regal or administrative; some temples and structures served religious and civic purposes. The continued use of palatial architecture by later rulers (nayakas) shows its lasting association with governance and prestige. Thus, while “royal centre” highlights its primary function as the seat of power, the area also symbolized political, religious, and cultural dominance in Vijayanagara.

7. What do the Lotus Mahal and elephant stables reveal about their patrons?

Answer: The Lotus Mahal and elephant stables demonstrate the sophistication and cosmopolitan outlook of Vijayanagara’s patrons. The Lotus Mahal, despite its uncertain function, exhibits a unique blend of Indo-Islamic architectural elements—arched openings, domes, and intricate plasterwork—showcasing openness to artistic influences and a taste for aesthetic beauty. The elephant stables, with their grand domed chambers and connecting arches, were functional yet artistically designed, reflecting the importance of elephants in royal processions and warfare. These structures indicate that Vijayanagara rulers valued grandeur, innovation, and cross-cultural dialogue in architecture. The investment in impressive secular buildings alongside temples highlights their desire to project authority, elegance, and a sense of order. The patrons aimed to demonstrate their power, wealth, artistic sensibility, and ability to assimilate diverse traditions, making Vijayanagara not just a political centre, but a symbol of cultural fusion and royal prestige.

8. What architectural traditions inspired Vijayanagara’s builders? How were they transformed?

Answer: Vijayanagara’s architecture was inspired by earlier South Indian dynasties like the Cholas, Chalukyas, Hoysalas, and Pandya rulers. Builders adopted features such as towering gopurams, mandapas, and enclosed courtyards from temple architecture. They transformed these traditions by constructing even grander gateways (raya gopurams), long pillared halls, and multi-purpose platforms like the mahanavami dibba. Secular buildings such as palaces and pavilions included Indo-Islamic arches and domes, reflecting openness to new influences. Bustling “chariot streets” lined with bazaars connected temples and city spaces, blending ritual with economic activity. The use of granite and integration with the rocky landscape were uniquely Vijayanagara features. Thus, while rooted in older traditions, architecture in Vijayanagara’s capital evolved through innovation, scale, and cultural fusion, leaving a distinct and enduring legacy in peninsular India.

9. What can the chapter tell us about the lives of ordinary Vijayanagara people?

Answer: The chapter mainly highlights royal, administrative, and elite structures, but glimpses of ordinary life are visible. Foreign travellers describe bustling markets, indicating active trade and diverse occupations—artisans, traders, and farmers. Archaeological finds like Chinese porcelain and fine pavements suggest affluent merchant quarters. Barbosa notes thatched houses organized by occupation, and the presence of wells/tanks for public use. Multicultural religious practices (Hindu, Muslim, Jain) reflect social diversity. However, detailed information about craftsmen’s origins, wages, and building management remains unclear. The chapter acknowledges the need for further research to understand labor organization, migration, and daily lives of non-elite residents. Overall, ordinary Vijayanagara people were an essential part of the city’s economic and cultural vibrancy, supporting its grandeur from behind the scenes.

Map Work/Project

1. On a world map, mark Italy, Portugal, Iran, Russia. Trace travellers’ routes to Vijayanagara.
   Answer: Mark Italy, Portugal, Iran, and Russia on a world map. Italian travellers would likely travel by sea across the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean, landing at the Malabar coast, then using land routes to reach Vijayanagara. Portuguese would sail around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope to Malabar. Iranian and Russian travellers would travel overland via Afghanistan and north-western India, entering the Deccan through central routes toward Karnataka.
2. Research a major city from c.14th–17th centuries in the subcontinent; describe its architecture and functions.
   Answer: Example: Fatehpur Sikri (16th-century Mughal capital). Notable for grand mosques (Jama Masjid), palaces (Diwan-i-Khas, Panch Mahal), intricately designed courtyards, and imperial gateways. Served religious, administrative, economic, and residential functions, reflecting Mughal syncretism and urban planning.
3. Visit a local religious building, sketch roof/pillars/arches/corridors, compare with Virupaksha temple, and investigate its history and uses.
   Answer: Students should visit a nearby temple, mosque, or church, sketch its architectural features, and compare them with the Virupaksha temple’s plan (noting pillars, corridors, arches, gopurams). Research should cover the building’s historical significance, community functions, and rituals to draw parallels with Vijayanagara’s sacred centre.

Key Concepts of An Imperial Capital: Vijayanagara

Mastering the chapter An Imperial Capital: Vijayanagara is crucial for Class 12 History exams. By understanding the rise, administration, and art of the Vijayanagara Empire, students gain valuable insights into India’s rich medieval past.

Focus on the architectural legacy, religious practices, and economic aspects discussed in this chapter. Revising these will help build a strong conceptual foundation and boost your performance in board exams for History 2025-26.

Regular revision of exercise-based questions will ensure you are well-prepared. Pay special attention to map work, timelines, and essay-type answers to enhance your confidence in tackling both objective and analytical questions.