Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

History

Chapter

Medieval India: An Imperial Capital: Vijayanagara

Question:

Read the passage and answer the questions:

Temple building in the region had a long history, going back to dynasties such as the Pallavas, Chalukyas, Hoysalas and Cholas. Rulers very often encouraged temple building as a means of associating themselves with the divine - often, the deity was explicitly or implicitly identified with the king. Temples also functioned as centres of learning. Besides, rulers and others often granted land and other resources for the maintenance of temples. Consequently, temples developed as significant religious, social, cultural and economic centres. From the point of view of the rulers, constructing, repairing and maintaining temples were important means of winning support and recognition for their power, wealth and piety.

Krishnadeva Raya built a hall in front of the main shrine of which of the following temples to mark his accession?

Options:

Hazara Rama Temple

Vitthala Temple

Virupaksha Temple

Chidambaram Temple

Correct Answer:

Virupaksha Temple

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (3) → Virupaksha Temple

The Virupaksha temple was built over centuries. While inscriptions suggest that the earliest shrine dated to the ninth-tenth centuries, it was substantially enlarged with the establishment of the Vijayanagara Empire. The hall in front of the main shrine was built by Krishnadeva Raya to mark his accession. This was decorated with delicately carved pillars.