CAPF AC 2022 Q55: Medieval History – Vijayanagara Empire
The Battle of Rakshasi-Tangadi is popularly known as the
- (a) Battle of Talikota
- (b) Battle of Khanwa
- (c) Battle of Panipat
- (d) Battle of Dharmat
Answer: (a) Battle of Talikota
Explanation
Battle of Rakshasi-Tangadi
How to think: this is the battle that destroyed Vijayanagara in 1565.
It was fought near the villages of Rakshasi and Tangadi, so it carries their names.
Its popular name is the Battle of Talikota.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Year | 1565 |
| Vijayanagara side | Led by Rama Raya, the regent of Sadashiva Raya |
| Other side | The combined armies of Bijapur, Ahmadnagar and Golkonda (with Bidar) |
| Result | Rama Raya was killed; the city of Hampi was sacked |
| Afterwards | The Aravidu dynasty ruled from Penukonda and later Chandragiri |
The other battles:
| Battle | Year | Between |
|---|---|---|
| Khanwa | 1527 | Babur and Rana Sanga |
| Panipat (first) | 1526 | Babur and Ibrahim Lodi |
| Dharmat | 1658 | Aurangzeb and Jaswant Singh |
Answer: (a) Battle of Talikota.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. The Battle of Rakshasi-Tangadi (1565) is the Battle of Talikota.
- (b) Incorrect. Khanwa (1527) was between Babur and Rana Sanga.
- (c) Incorrect. The battles of Panipat were fought in Haryana in 1526, 1556 and 1761.
- (d) Incorrect. Dharmat (1658) was part of the Mughal war of succession.
Key point
Talikota or Rakshasi-Tangadi, 1565: Deccan Sultanates defeated Vijayanagara under Rama Raya; Hampi sacked. Vijayanagara dynasties: Sangama, Saluva, Tuluva, Aravidu.
Remember
Rakshasi-Tangadi = Talikota, 1565.
Common mistakes
- Not knowing the second name and guessing a famous north Indian battle.
- Thinking Krishnadevaraya fought at Talikota; he had died in 1529.
- Forgetting that Berar did not join the alliance against Vijayanagara.
Exam tip
Educated guess: the names Rakshasi and Tangadi sound south Indian (Kannada). Khanwa, Panipat and Dharmat are all in north or central India.
Sources
- NCERT Class XII History — Themes in Indian History Part II, Chapter 7: An Imperial Capital: Vijayanagara
- Satish Chandra, History of Medieval India — The Vijayanagara and Bahmani Kingdoms