Question

How was Dasara celebrated in the Medieval Period?
1. Weapons were offered puja
2. Cross the boundaries ceremoniously
3. Distribute ‘Apta’ leaves
4. All of the above

Answer 1

Hint:
The celebration of Dasara festival began as early as the 15th Century by the Vijayanagara Kings.
This festival worshipped Durga as the warrior Goddess.


Complete answer:
The festival of Dasara is of great historical importance for the Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th Century. The celebration of Dasara festival began as early as the 15th Century by the Vijayanagara Kings. This festival worshipped Durga as the warrior Goddess, who was also referred to in some texts as ‘Chamundeshwari’. The ninth day was called as Mahanavami and the festivities of that time are portrayed in the artworks on the outer wall of the ‘Hazara Rama Temple’ in Hampi. On the tenth day which was Vijayadashami Day, the king held a review of all his forces.
The festival was celebrated for nine days in either September or October. During this period there used to be many traditions that were followed. People used to display ‘Raja Rani’ dolls in their households. People also used to distribute ‘Apta’ leaves to other people. The celebrations also included singing, dancing and athletic competitions.
There were also military parades and elephant marches and in this manner, they used to cross boundaries in celebration. The elephants used to carry 750kgs of golden howdah on their backs. They also offered puja to weapons as part of the tradition. An Italian traveller ‘Niccolo de Conti’, who happened to be in India during this period, described the importance and the intensity of the festival as a “grandeur religious and martial event”, having the royalty involved.


Therefore the answer is 4. All of the above


Note:
After the decline of the Vijayanagara Empire, the Deccan Sultanates took over.
The Hindu celebration came to an end under the influence of the Muslim rulers.
Other rulers like the Wodeyars of Mysore and some Vijayanagara rulers in the southern part of India still thrived and continued the celebrations of Dasara ahead.