The rulers of Vijayanagara drew on earlier traditions of temple building but also brought in new practices. Which of the following was one such new practice?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Royal portrait sculpture was displayed in temples.
Option (1) Temples began to function as centres of learning. — Incorrect. Temples were centres of learning in the region long before Vijayanagara. This was an earlier tradition.
Option (2) Land and other resources were granted for temple upkeep. — Incorrect. Rulers and others had long granted land and resources to maintain temples. It was part of the older tradition.
Option (3) The deity was identified with the king in temples. — Incorrect. Rulers of earlier dynasties such as the Pallavas and Cholas already linked the deity with the king. It was an old link.
Option (4) Royal portrait sculpture was displayed in temples. — Correct. Displaying <strong>royal portrait sculpture</strong> in temples was a <strong>Vijayanagara innovation</strong>. The king's temple visits also became state occasions.
NCERT (2026-27): “5.1 Choosing a capital … “Even as they drew on earlier traditions, the rulers of Vijayanagara innovated and developed these. Royal portrait sculpture was now displayed in temples, and the king’s visits to temples were treated as important state occasions on which he was accompanied by the important nayakas of the empire.” |