HistoryMedieval India: An Imperial Capital: Vijayanagara

A statue is placed on the gopuram of the temple at Chidambaram, Tamil…

A statue is placed on the gopuram of the temple at Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu. It shows how a Vijayanagara ruler wanted to project himself. Which ruler does the statue represent?

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 3

The correct answer is Option (3) → Krishnadeva Raya

Option (1) Harihara — Incorrect. Harihara, with his brother Bukka, founded the empire in 1336. The Chidambaram statue is of a later ruler.

Option (2) Bukka — Incorrect. Bukka was a co-founder of the empire with Harihara. The statue on the gopuram is not of him.

Option (3) Krishnadeva Raya — Correct. The statue on the gopuram at Chidambaram is of Krishnadeva Raya. It shows the image the ruler himself wanted to project.

Option (4) Rama Raya — Incorrect. Rama Raya was a later figure linked with the defeat of 1565. The statue does not show him.

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.”