Class 12 History - PUNJAB
An Imperial Capital Vijayanagara
This chapter explores the magnificent empire of Vijayanagara, the City of Victory, founded in the fourteenth century in southern India. It examines the architectural marvels, urban core, royal centre, and sacred center of the capital, detailing how rulers like Krishnadeva Raya consolidated power. Students learn about trade networks, water management systems, and accounts of foreign travelers like Domingo Paes and Abdur Razzaq. For Punjab (PSEB) Class 12 exams, this chapter is crucial for understanding medieval Indian history, state-building processes, and architectural traditions, frequently featuring in both objective and long-answer questions.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Vijayanagara Empire
An empire founded in 1336 CE by Harihara and Bukka, located in the Deccan region with its capital at Vijayanagara on the banks of the Tungabhadra river.
Sacred Centre
The hilly terrain in the north-eastern part of the capital associated with the mythology of the Ramayana, featuring magnificent temples like Virupaksha and Vittala.
Royal Centre
The zone located in the south-western part of the capital that included over 60 temples, imposing state structures like the Lotus Mahal, and the Mahanavami Dibba.
Mahanavami Dibba
A massive platform in the royal centre adorned with intricate relief carvings, used for grand rituals and displaying imperial authority during the Mahanavami festival.
Amaranayaka System
A unique political and military administration system where military commanders (amaranayakas) were assigned territories to govern and collect taxes in exchange for military support.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
This chapter typically carries around 6 to 8 marks in the Punjab (PSEB) Class 12 History board examination. Questions usually include map-pointing of Hampi, short-answer questions on the architecture and foreign travelers, and essay-type questions regarding the administration and features of the capital city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded the Vijayanagara Empire and when?
The Vijayanagara Empire was founded in 1336 CE by two brothers, Harihara and Bukka, belonging to the Sangama dynasty.
What was the significance of the Mahanavami Dibba?
It was a high platform used by the king of Vijayanagara to display his power, prestige, and suzerainty during the nine-day Mahanavami festival.
Who were the Amaranayakas?
Amaranayakas were military commanders who were given territories to govern by the Rayas; they collected taxes and maintained troops for the king.
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