Question

Where is the famous Virupaksha temple located and during which empire was it substantially enlarged?
A. Agra, Mughal Empire
B. Thanjavur, Cholas
C. Pandharpur, Maratha Empire
D. Hampi, Vijayanagara Empire

Answer 1

Hint:
> The inception of the temple is in the 7th century. It is considered one of the older temples in India.
> The temple is devoted to Virupaksha, a form of Lord Shiva. He is one of the principal goddesses according to the Hindu religion
> Large crowds reach the temple for the marriage festivities of Pampa and Virupaksha in December.

Complete answer:
In the Vijayanagara district of Karnataka, India, Virupaksha Temple is situated in Hampi. It forms part of the Hampi Monument Category, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lakkan Dandesha, a chief under Deva Raya II of the Vijayanagara Empire, built the temple. The main pilgrimage centre at Hampi is the Virupaksha Temple, and over the years it has been known as the most sacred sanctuary.

Agra, Mughal Empire - Modern Agra was established in the 16th century by Sikandar Lodhi (Lodhi dynasty; Delhi Sultanate). As Shahjahan designed the Taj in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, he marked the zenith of Mughal architecture. Hence, it is an incorrect option.

Thanjavur, Cholas - Chola King Raja Raja Chola I founded the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur during the first decade of the eleventh century. One of the best specimens of Tamil architecture is considered to be the temple. Hence, it is an incorrect option.

Pandharpur, Maratha Empire - The Maratha Empire was a power that in the 18th century, dominated a large part of the Indian subcontinent. The empire officially existed as Chhatrapati from 1674 with the coronation of Shivaji. It is an incorrect option.

Hampi, Vijayanagara Empire - The Vijayanagara Empire emerged out of the remnants of the kingdom of Kampili in 1336 CE. Around Hampi, the Vijayanagara Empire established its capital, naming it Vijayanagara. Hence, it is the correct option.

Therefore the correct answer is D

Note
> The word Virupaksha means eyes without form. This term is used as a name by many individuals.
> In a village named Nalagamapalle, Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh, there is also a Virupakshini Amma temple (mother goddess)
> The Vijayanagara Empire’s economy was largely dependent on agriculture. It includes cotton, sorghum, legumes, while sugarcane, wheat thrived, and rice.