In popular traditions of Vijayanagara, who are termed as ashvapati?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Deccan Sultans
Option (1) Rulers of Orissa — Incorrect. The powerful ruling lineage of Orissa in the fifteenth century was called gajapati, literally lord of elephants.
Option (2) Deccan Sultans — Correct. In the popular traditions of Vijayanagara the Deccan Sultans are termed ashvapati, or lord of horses.
Option (3) Rayas — Incorrect. The rayas, the rulers of Vijayanagara themselves, are called narapati, or lord of men.
Option (4) Mughal Emperors — Incorrect. The three titles describe the powers of the Deccan and the south in the time of Vijayanagara; the Mughal emperors have no place among them.
Note: A same/similar question was asked in CUET (UG) in the papers below.
| 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
| – | 19-05 S1 | – | 14-06 S2* | – |
* A similar question.
NCERT (2026-27): “Elephants, horses and men … Gajapati literally means lord of elephants. This was the name of a ruling lineage that was very powerful in Orissa in the fifteenth century. In the popular traditions of Vijayanagara the Deccan Sultans are termed as ashvapati or lord of horses and the rayas are called narapati or lord of men.” |