Class 12 History - BIHAR
An Imperial Capital Vijayanagara
The chapter 'An Imperial Capital: Vijayanagara' explores the glorious rise and fall of the Vijayanagara Empire, established in 1336 by Harihara and Bukka. It examines the architectural marvels, urban core, royal centre, water resources, and administration of capital Vijayanagara (modern Hampi). Students will study accounts of foreign travellers like Abdur Razzaq, Domingo Paes, and Fernão Nunes. For BSEB Class 12 History students, this chapter is extremely crucial for map-work questions, long-answer descriptive questions, and objective questions about historical monuments and travellers.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Establishment of Vijayanagara
Founded in 1336 on the banks of river Tungabhadra by two brothers, Harihara and Bukka, belonging to the Sangama dynasty.
Rayas of Vijayanagara
The rulers of Vijayanagara were called Rayas, with Krishnadeva Raya being the most famous ruler of the Tuluva dynasty, known for empire expansion and cultural growth.
The Amaranayaka System
A major political innovation where military commanders (amaranaikas) were given territories to govern and collect taxes in exchange for maintaining troops.
The Royal Centre and Sacred Centre
The capital city was distinctly divided into the Sacred Centre (temple zones like Virupaksha and Vittala) and the Royal Centre (palaces, state rituals, and administrative buildings).
Water Resources
Despite being in one of the most arid zones of the peninsula, the empire engineered advanced water harvesting systems, including Kamalapura tank and Hiriya canal.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Bihar (BSEB) Class 12 History board examination, this chapter typically carries around 6 to 10 marks. Questions frequently include short-answer questions on foreign travellers, objective questions on important dates and rulers, map-pointing of Vijayanagara/Hampi, and long-answer questions describing the architecture and administration of the empire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded the Vijayanagara Empire and when?
The Vijayanagara Empire was founded in 1336 CE by two brothers, Harihara and Bukka.
What was the significance of the Battle of Talikota?
Fought in 1565, the Battle of Talikota resulted in the defeat of the Vijayanagara army by the combined forces of Ahmednagar, Bijapur, and Golconda, leading to the destruction and abandonment of the capital city.
Who were the Amaranayakas?
Amaranayakas were military commanders who were assigned territories (amarams) by the Rayas to collect taxes and maintain a specific number of troops for the king.
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