UPSC Prelims 2004 Q2: Medieval History – Vijayanagara Empire
Consider the following statements:
1. Narasimha Saluva ended the Sangama dynasty and seized the throne for himself and started
the Saluva dynasty.
2. Vira Narasimha deposed the last Saluva ruler and seized the throne for himself.
3. Vira Narasimha was succeeded by his younger brother, Krishnadeva Raya.
4. Krishnadeva Raya was succeeded by his half - brother, Achyuta Raya.
Which of these statements given above are correct?
- (a) 1, 2 and 3
- (b) 2, 3 and 4
- (c) 1 and 4
- (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Explanation
Vijayanagara dynasties
| Statement | Verdict |
|---|---|
| 1. Narasimha Saluva ended the Sangama dynasty | True — Saluva dynasty, about 1485 |
| 2. Vira Narasimha deposed the last Saluva ruler | True — founded the Tuluva dynasty |
| 3. Vira Narasimha succeeded by his younger brother Krishnadeva Raya | True (a half-brother) |
| 4. Krishnadeva Raya succeeded by his half-brother Achyuta Raya | True |
All four statements are correct, tracing the move from the Sangama to the Saluva and then to the Tuluva dynasty.
Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 4 is also correct.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 1 is also correct.
- (c) Incorrect. Statements 2 and 3 are also correct.
- (d) CORRECT. All four statements are correct.
Key point
Vijayanagara: Sangama, Saluva, Tuluva, Aravidu.
Remember
Vira Narasimha was followed by his brother Krishnadeva Raya.
Common mistakes
- Skipping the Saluva dynasty between Sangama and Tuluva.
- Mixing Vira Narasimha with Narasimha Saluva.
- Thinking Krishnadeva Raya was succeeded by his son.
Exam tip
Order of dynasties: Sangama, Saluva, Tuluva, Aravidu.
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)