UPSC Prelims 2003 Q114: Medieval History – Vijayanagara Empire
Assertion (A): Saluva Narasimha put an end to the old dynasty and assumed the royal title.
Reason (R): He wanted to save the kingdom from further degeneration and disintegration.
- (a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
- (b) Both A and R are individually true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
- (c) A is true but R is false
- (d) A is false but R is true
Answer: (a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
Explanation
Saluva Narasimha and the Vijayanagara throne
| Part | Verdict |
|---|---|
| A. Saluva Narasimha put an end to the old dynasty and assumed the royal title | True — the Sangama dynasty ended in about 1485 |
| R. He wanted to save the kingdom from degeneration and disintegration | True — and it explains his usurpation |
Both are true and R explains A: he seized the throne to save the kingdom from degeneration under the weak Sangama rulers.
Answer: (a) Both A and R are true and R explains A.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. A is true and R gives his motive.
- (b) Incorrect. R does explain A, so this code is wrong.
- (c) Incorrect. R is true, so this code is wrong.
- (d) Incorrect. A is true, so this code is wrong.
Key point
Vijayanagara: Sangama (1336-1485), Saluva (1485-1505), Tuluva (1505-70), Aravidu.
Remember
Saluva Narasimha ended the Sangama dynasty.
Common mistakes
- Placing Saluva Narasimha after the Tuluvas.
- Mixing him up with Vira Narasimha of the Tuluvas.
- Forgetting the weakness of the later Sangamas.
Exam tip
Saluva Narasimha, general of the Sangamas, took the throne.
Sources
- NCERT Class XII History — Themes in Indian History Part II — An Imperial Capital: Vijayanagara
- Burton Stein — Vijayanagara (The New Cambridge History of India, Cambridge University Press, 1989)