Question

What was the capital of Vijaynagar Kingdom?
A.Hampi
B.Hospet
C.Badami
D.Raichur

Answer 1

Hint: the Vijaynagar Kingdom, a South-Indian empire established by Harihara I and Bukka Raya I of the Sangam dynasty. is located on the banks of the Tungabhadra river.

Complete answer: The Vijaynagar Empire is named after its capital city called Vijaynagar. The ruins of the empire surround the present-day Hampi. It was chosen as the capital because of its strategic location. There are several civil, military and religious monuments like Virupaksha temple present in Hampi. Other marvellous architectures are Vijaya Vittala temple, Achyutaraya temple and The King's balance. Hampi was also one of the biggest trading centres in the world. Hampi is also called "the city of ruins".
Option B: Hospet, also known as Hosapete was built by Krishna Deva Raya, a prominent ruler of Vijayanagar, in honour of his mother Naagalaambika.
Option C: Badami was the regal capital of Chalukyas, famous for its rock-cut structural temples.
Option D: Raichur was a part of Vijayanagar Kingdom where the famous Battle of Raichur was fought between Krishna Deva Raya and the Sultanate of Bijapur. The major bone of contention was the Raichur doab between them. The doab is a fertile land between Krishna and Tungabhadra river.
Thus, option (A) is the correct answer.

Note: It is important to note that politically there were three capitals of Vijaynagar Kingdom- Vijaynagar(present-day Hampi), Penukonda and Chandragiri. Hampi was also declared as the World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1986 for its marvellous monuments and structures.