Question

Discuss the Vijayanagar Kingdom as the centre of power in south India.

Answer 1

Instructions: The answer to this question can be broken down into five parts:

• Write the date and the name of the founder of the kingdom
• Name some important ruler
• Talk about the extract from the description of Abdur Razzaq.
• Write about the numerous ports and fertile land.
• Write about the powerful army of the kingdom.

Solution: Vijaynagar Kingdom was established by Harihara and Bukka in the 14th century CE. The famous south Indian ruler, Krishnadeva Raya, belonged to this kingdom. Abdur Razzaq,the Persian traveller, who visited India gives a vivid description of the Vijayanagara kingdom. According to an extract from his description, the Vijayanagar kingdom had three hundred ports which they used for trade and transportation. Moreover, the land stretches were so vast that it would take three months to travel through it completely. The land was also very fertile and well cultivated. Abdur Razzaq also describes the powerful army of the Vijayanagara Kingdom, which according to him amounted to eleven lakhs in number. From all his description, it is very evident that the Vijayanagar kingdom was an important and powerful centre of power in south India.