UPSC Prelims 2023 Q48: Medieval History – Vijayanagara Empire
Who among the following rulers of Vijayanagara Empire constructed a large dam across
Tungabhadra River and a canal - cum - aqueduct several kilometres long from the river to the
capital city?
- (a) Devaraya I
- (b) Mallikarjuna
- (c) Vira Vijaya
- (d) Virupaksha
Answer: (a) Devaraya I
Explanation
Devaraya I (1406–1422) — the Tungabhadra dam and aqueduct
| Detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| Ruler | Devaraya I, Sangama dynasty of Vijayanagara |
| Work | Built a dam across the Tungabhadra and a canal-cum-aqueduct about 24 km long to the capital |
| Purpose | Water for the city of Vijayanagara (Hampi) and irrigation |
| Source | Described by Nicolo de Conti, the Italian traveller who visited in about 1420 |
Vijayanagara water works:
| Structure | Built by |
|---|---|
| Tungabhadra dam and aqueduct | Devaraya I |
| Kamalapuram tank | Early 15th century |
| Hiriya canal | Sangama period |
Rulers in the options:
| Ruler | Note |
|---|---|
| Mallikarjuna | Weak later Sangama ruler (mid-15th century) |
| Vira Vijaya | Brief reign after Devaraya I |
| Virupaksha | Last Sangama ruler; dynasty ended in 1485 |
Answer: (a) Devaraya I.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Devaraya I dammed the Tungabhadra and built a long aqueduct to the capital.
- (b) Incorrect. Mallikarjuna was a weak later Sangama ruler, not known for major water works.
- (c) Incorrect. Vira Vijaya had a very short reign after Devaraya I.
- (d) Incorrect. Virupaksha was the last, weak Sangama ruler before the Saluvas took over.
Key point
Devaraya I (Sangama) built the Tungabhadra dam and aqueduct to Vijayanagara; Nicolo de Conti visited his court.
Remember
Devaraya I built the Tungabhadra dam and aqueduct to Vijayanagara.
Common mistakes
- Choosing Krishnadevaraya in similar questions because he is the most famous ruler; this work was Devaraya I's.
- Confusing Devaraya I with Devaraya II, who recruited Muslim soldiers and was visited by Abdur Razzaq.
- Mixing up Vijayanagara dynasties: Sangama → Saluva → Tuluva → Aravidu.
Exam tip
Devaraya I = dam; Devaraya II = Abdur Razzaq; Krishnadevaraya = Amuktamalyada. Learn one fact per king.
Sources
- NCERT Class XII — Themes in Indian History Part II, Ch 7 (An Imperial Capital: Vijayanagara)
- Satish Chandra — Medieval India