Consider the following statements about the mapping and surveys of Vi…

Consider the following statements about the mapping and surveys of Vijayanagara:

(A) Each of the small squares was subdivided into a set of even smaller squares.
(B) Each of these smaller squares was further subdivided into yet smaller units.
(C) The surveys led to the recovery of traces of roads, paths and bazaars.
(D) The bazaars were located through finds of stone weights and coin hoards.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 1

The correct answer is Option (1) → A, B and C only

(A) Each of the small squares was subdivided into a set of even smaller squares. — Correct. The lettered squares of the site map were split into smaller squares.

(B) Each of these smaller squares was further subdivided into yet smaller units. — Correct. The mapping went one level further, into yet smaller units.

(C) The surveys led to the recovery of traces of roads, paths and bazaars. — Correct. Besides buildings, the surveys found traces of roads, paths and bazaars.

(D) The bazaars were located through finds of stone weights and coin hoards. — Incorrect. The bazaars were traced through pillar bases and platforms, the only remains of the markets.

NCERT (2026-27): “6. Plotting Palaces, Temples and Bazaars …
Let us look at just one part of this enormous exercise – mapping – in more detail. The first step was to divide the entire area into a set of 25 squares, each designated by a letter of the alphabet. Then, each of the small squares was subdivided into a set of even smaller squares. But this was not all: each of these smaller squares was further subdivided into yet smaller units.”

“As you can see, these detailed surveys have been extremely painstaking, and have recovered and documented traces of thousands of structures – from tiny shrines and residences to elaborate temples. They have also led to the recovery of traces of roads, paths, bazaars, etc. The latter have been located through finds of pillar bases and platforms – all that remain of thriving markets.”