Question

The ruling period of Harihara Raya II of Vijaynagar Empire was ________.
A. 1446-1465
B. 1485- 1491
C. 1491- 1505
D. 1377- 1404

Answer 1

Hint: Harihara II was the third king of Vijayanagar kingdom’s Sangama dynasty and took the titles, Vaidikamarga Sthapana Acharya and Vedamarga Pravartaka.

Complete answer: Vijayanagara Empire was founded in 1336 AD by two Sangama dynasty brothers, Harihara I and Bukka. They served at the Warangal court and were later sent to Kampili where they came in contact with popular Medieval saint Vidyaranya. It was on his insistence they established the city of Vijayanagara–‘city of victory’.
Vijayanagara empire was ruled over by four dynasties from 1336 to 1672, namely Sangama, Saluva, Tuluva and Aravidu respectively. It remained very crucial in Deccan politics for almost three centuries, being a single Hindu empire at a constant tussle with the Bahmani Sultans, Warangal over the areas in Tungabhadra Doab.
Harihara Raya II was the third ruler following the two brothers and ruled from 1377 to 1404. He is known for his invasions of Gulbarga and Bedar following which he assumed the title Yavanarajya Sthapanacharya. He went up to the river Krishna in south conquering lands from Reddy’s of Kondaveedu and Velamas of Rachakonda. Strategic commercial ports of Goa, Dabhol and Chaul were taken under control. Harihara II centralized the administration by limiting governorship offices to his sons, eliminating his brothers.
Vijayanagara kingdom is known for encouraging Hindu art and culture as they patronized poets, artisans, temple architecture, etc. Harihara II patronized a Jaina Kannada poet called Madhura and also important work related to Vedas was completed during his reign.
So, option (D) is correct.

Note: Vijayanagara kingdom allowed women to be part of the state services so much so they even went to battles. This is unique in terms of agency it imparted to common women as often the power in medieval kingdoms remained limited to elite or royal women.