Read the passage and answer the question:

Krishnadeva Raya's rule was characterised by expansion and consolidation. This was the time when the land between the Tungabhadra and Krishna rivers (the Raichur doab) was acquired (1512), the rulers of Orissa were subdued (1514) and severe defeats were inflicted on the Sultan of Bijapur (1520). Although the kingdom remained in a constant state of military preparedness. It flourished under conditions of unparalleled peace and prosperity. Krishnadeva Raya is credited with building some fine temples and adding impressive gopurams to many important South Indian temples.

Why was the kingdom, referred in the paragraph, remained in constant state of military preparedness?

To maintain the balance of power in favour of the kingdom in the contemporary politics of South India.

The correct answer is Option (4) → To maintain the balance of power in favour of the kingdom in the contemporary politics of South India.

The paragraph highlights the military activities of Krishnadeva Raya, such as acquiring the Raichur doab, subduing the rulers of Orissa, and defeating the Sultan of Bijapur. These actions indicate that the kingdom was engaged in territorial expansion and power consolidation, which required a constant state of military preparedness. The phrase "constant state of military preparedness" reflects the need to maintain the kingdom's dominance and protect it from rival powers in the highly competitive political landscape of South India during that era.

The other options are incorrect because:

British East India Company: It did not arrive in India until much later (17th century), well after Krishnadeva Raya's reign (1509–1529).
Abundance of military supplies from Central Asia: This is not relevant to the situation described in the passage.
Poor revenue administration: There is no mention of administrative weaknesses in the passage, and the kingdom is described as flourishing under peace and prosperity.