The chariot streets that extended from the temple gopuram at Vijayanagara were lined with pillared pavilions used by:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → merchants to set up their shops
Option (1) pilgrims to rest during temple festivals — Incorrect. Pilgrims used these streets, but the pavilions along them were places of trade.
Option (2) royal officers to collect taxes from visitors — Incorrect. The pavilions were where merchants did business; they were shops.
Option (3) priests to teach sacred texts to students — Incorrect. Teaching of sacred texts is not linked with these street pavilions; they were used for trade.
Option (4) merchants to set up their shops — Correct. The chariot streets ran straight from the gopuram, were paved with stone, and their pillared pavilions held merchants' shops.
NCERT (2026-27): “5.2. Gopurams and mandapas … |