HistoryMedieval India: An Imperial Capital: Vijayanagara

Domingo Paes described the appearance of Krishnadeva Raya. Which of t…

Domingo Paes described the appearance of Krishnadeva Raya. Which of the following is NOT part of his description?

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 4

The correct answer is Option (4) → Rather thin than fat

Option (1) Of medium height — Part of Paes's description. Paes describes the king as of medium height.

Option (2) Of good figure — Part of Paes's description. Paes gives the king a good figure and a fair complexion.

Option (3) Signs of smallpox on his face — Part of Paes's description. Paes notes signs of smallpox on the king's face, a detail the Chidambaram statue does not show.

Option (4) Rather thin than fat — Not part of Paes's description. Paes writes the opposite: the king was <strong>rather fat than thin</strong>.

Note: The book sets Paes's words beside the king's statue at Chidambaram to show the problem of perspective.

NCERT (2026-27): “7. Questions in Search of Answers …
To recapitulate about some of the problems of perspective, look at this beautiful statue of Krishnadeva Raya placed on the gopuram of the temple at Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu. This is obviously the way in which the ruler wanted to project himself. And this is how Paes describes the king: Of medium height, and of fair complexion and good figure, rather fat than thin; he has on his face signs of smallpox.”