Q.Why was the Vitthala temple of Vijayanagara considered unique and interesting ? Explain with example.
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🔒 Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →Part (a)Concept understanding — Architectural Syncretism
Architectural Syncretism: When Buildings Tell Stories of Cultural Fusion
Think of a friend who speaks two languages at home — mixing words from both, creating a way of speaking that belongs to neither parent culture entirely but is perfectly understood in their household. Architectural syncretism works exactly like that, except the language is stone, brick, and mortar.
The Everyday Intuition
You've seen it without knowing the name. A Mughal garden with Persian water channels but Indian lotus motifs. A South Indian temple with a European-style clock tower added during colonial times. A church in Goa that looks like a Hindu temple from the outside. These aren't mistakes or confusions — they are deliberate, living examples of architectural syncretism.
The Precise Meaning
Architectural syncretism is the blending of two or more distinct architectural traditions to create a new, hybrid style. It is not mere copying or borrowing. It is a creative fusion where elements from different cultures — structural techniques, decorative motifs, spatial layouts, symbolic meanings — are combined into something that feels coherent and new.
Syncretism is different from eclecticism (picking styles arbitrarily) or imitation (copying one style poorly). True syncretism produces a style that has its own logic, its own grammar, and its own identity — recognisably neither parent tradition alone.
Why It Matters
Architectural syncretism is never accidental. It happens when:
- Two cultures live side by side for generations
- A ruling power adopts local building traditions while imposing its own
- Trade routes bring craftsmen, materials, and ideas across continents
- Religious or political leaders deliberately choose fusion to signal unity or legitimacy
In India, this is not a footnote — it is the main story of our built heritage. The NCERT textbook for Class XI Fine Arts (Chapter on "Indian Architecture") explicitly discusses how Indo-Islamic architecture is the most famous example of syncretism in India. The textbook states that this style "was neither purely Islamic nor purely Hindu, but a happy synthesis of the two."
Key Examples You Should Know
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The Indo-Islamic style (roughly 12th–18th centuries): Islamic arches and domes combined with Indian pillars, brackets, and decorative motifs. The Qutb Minar complex, the Jama Masjid, and the Taj Mahal all show this fusion. The lotus motif, a sacred symbol in Hinduism and Buddhism, appears repeatedly in Islamic buildings.
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The Sikh architecture of the Golden Temple: The Harmandir Sahib combines Hindu temple architecture (the shikhara-style dome, the marble work) with Islamic elements (the arched entrances, the inlay work) — yet it is unmistakably Sikh. …
Part (b)Concept understanding — Subsistence Agriculture
Subsistence Agriculture: Growing to Live, Not to Sell
Think about the food you ate today. Someone grew it, processed it, packed it, transported it, and sold it — all so you could buy it from a shop. That entire chain exists because farmers grow more than their own family needs, and sell the surplus.
Now imagine the opposite. A farmer who grows only enough rice, vegetables, or millet to feed their own household. No extra to sell. No profit. No connection to a market. That is subsistence agriculture — farming for survival, not for trade.
The Core Idea
Subsistence agriculture is a system where the farmer and their family consume nearly everything they produce. The goal is not to generate income, but to meet basic food needs. There is little or no surplus left for sale.
In subsistence agriculture, the household is both the producer and the consumer. The farm is not a business; it is a source of food security.
Key Characteristics (as per NCERT)
- Small landholdings — the farm is typically just a few acres, often fragmented.
- Traditional methods — simple tools (hoe, digging stick, wooden plough), little use of modern machinery or chemical fertilisers.
- Low productivity — output per hectare is low because of limited inputs and technology.
- Mixed cropping — farmers grow multiple crops (e.g., rice, pulses, vegetables) to reduce risk. If one crop fails, others may survive.
- Labour-intensive — most work is done by family members. Hired labour is rare.
- No market orientation — the farmer does not produce for a distant buyer. Whatever is grown is consumed locally, often within the village.
Why Does It Matter?
Subsistence agriculture is not a relic of the past. It still supports hundreds of millions of people in developing countries — especially in parts of India, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Understanding it helps you see:
- Why some regions remain poor despite having fertile land (no surplus means no cash income).
- Why governments push for commercialisation of agriculture — to break the cycle of mere survival.
- Why food security is fragile in subsistence economies — a bad monsoon can mean hunger, not just lower profits.
NCERT distinguishes between primitive subsistence agriculture (shifting cultivation, nomadic herding) and intensive subsistence agriculture (high population density, small plots, heavy labour). Both share the core idea: production for self-consumption, not for the market.
A Quick Comparison
| Aspect | Subsistence Agriculture | Commercial Agriculture | …
Part (a)
The Vitthala temple at Vijayanagara, dedicated to Vitthala (a form of Vishnu), was considered unique for its architectural inventiveness. Its most celebrated features are the stone chariot in the courtyard — a shrine of Garuda carved as a temple chariot whose wheels were once able to turn — and the musical pillars of its halls, which produce musical notes when struck. The complex has richly carved mandapas, including a kalyana mandapa (marriage hall), and pillars with rearing horses (yali) and narrative friezes. Never finally consecrated, it represents the peak of Vijayanagara art. …
Part (a): The Vitthala temple was unique for its stone chariot with once-movable wheels, its musical pillars and its ornate mandapas — the height of Vijayanagara architecture.
Part (b): Enclosing farmland within the fortifications made Vijayanagara self-sufficient in food during long sieges, sustained by a sophisticated irrigation system drawing on the Tungabhadra.
Part (a)
The Vitthala temple stands out in the sacred landscape of Vijayanagara not for its size but for the sheer imagination of its design.
- Dedication. It was dedicated to Vitthala, a form of Vishnu worshipped in Maharashtra, whose cult the Vijayanagara rulers brought to their capital — itself a sign of the empire's integrative reach.
- The stone chariot. In the courtyard stands the famous stone chariot, a shrine of Garuda carved to look like a processional temple chariot (ratha); its stone wheels were originally capable of turning. It is the most iconic monument of the site.
- Musical pillars. The halls contain clusters of slender pillars that emit musical notes when tapped, showing extraordinary skill in acoustics and stone-carving.
- Elaborate mandapas. The complex includes richly carved halls, among them a kalyana mandapa (marriage hall), with pillars featuring rearing horses (yali) and narrative scenes. …
Showing the 12 most recent of 14 on this concept.
- CBSE 2026Set 61/2/11 markMCQQ.Choose the correct option to fill the blank : Tribal Communities during 16th and 17th centuries [Diagram: three linked boxes with an arrow from each region to its tribal community - Punjab -> Lohani ; Assam -> ? ; Mewar -> Bhils] (A) Ahoms (B) Gonds (C) Meenas (D) Khasis
›Reveal solutionSolution
The question asks which tribal community was prominent in Assam during the 16th–17th centuries. The Ahoms established a powerful kingdom in the Brahmaputra valley and ruled Assam for six centuries, making the answer (A).
This is a straightforward question about matching tribal communities to their historical regions during the early modern period in India. The pattern shows three regions paired with their dominant tribal groups, and we need to identify which community was associated with Assam.
Let me work through each option by examining the historical geography of these tribal communities:
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The Ahoms and Assam
The Ahoms were a Tai group who migrated from present-day Myanmar and established the Ahom kingdom in the Brahmaputra valley around 1228 CE. By the 16th and 17th centuries, they had built a sophisticated state structure in Assam, successfully resisting Mughal expansion multiple times. They ruled Assam for nearly 600 years until the British annexation in 1826. Their association with Assam is unambiguous and well-documented.
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The Gonds and Central India
The Gonds were (and remain) one of India's largest tribal groups, concentrated in the forested highlands of central India — primarily Gondwana, which spans parts of present-day Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Telangana. During the 16th–17th centuries, Gond kingdoms like Garha-Katanga and Chanda flourished in this region, not in Assam.
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The Meenas and Rajasthan
The Meenas were a tribal community of Rajasthan, particularly strong in the Amber (Jaipur) and Alwar regions. They had their own chieftaincies before being gradually absorbed into Rajput kingdoms. Their territory was in western India, far from Assam.
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The Khasis and Meghalaya …
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- CBSE 2026Set 61/2/11 markMCQQ.Which among the following was not the major factor for the development of agriculture during Mughal India ? (A) Availability of land in abundance (B) Availability of cheap labour (C) Mobility among the peasants (D) Availability of tube-wells for irrigation
›Reveal solutionSolution
The question asks to identify which factor was not significant for agricultural development in Mughal India. Tube-wells are a modern irrigation technology and were not available during the Mughal period, making (D) the correct answer.
The core idea behind this question is to test your understanding of the historical context of agricultural practices in Mughal India. When evaluating factors for development, we need to consider what technologies and socio-economic conditions existed during that specific era. The key is to identify the option that is anachronistic – something that did not exist or was not prevalent at the time.
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Analyze the historical context of Mughal agriculture:
During the Mughal period (roughly 16th to 18th century), agriculture was the backbone of the economy. The state actively encouraged cultivation to maximize land revenue. Factors like land availability, labour, and traditional irrigation methods were crucial.
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Evaluate option (A) - Availability of land in abundance:
Mughal India was a vast empire. While some regions were densely populated, there were extensive tracts of uncultivated land, especially in frontier areas or regions recovering from conflict. The state often encouraged peasants to bring new lands under cultivation to increase agricultural output and, consequently, state revenue. This was indeed a major factor.
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Evaluate option (B) - Availability of cheap labour:
India had a large rural population, and the vast majority were engaged in agriculture. This meant there was an abundant supply of labour, which was generally cheap for landlords and the state. This availability of labour was essential for intensive cultivation and expansion. This was also a major factor.
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Evaluate option (C) - Mobility among the peasants:
While peasants were often tied to their villages by social and economic bonds, there was a degree of mobility. Peasants might migrate to new areas in search of better land, to escape famine, excessive taxation, or oppression. The state sometimes encouraged this mobility by offering incentives to settle and cultivate new lands (e.g., pahis or migrant cultivators). This mobility, while sometimes a sign of distress, also contributed to the expansion of agriculture into new regions and the re-cultivation of abandoned lands. Thus, it played a role in agricultural development.
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Evaluate option (D) - Availability of tube-wells for irrigation: …
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- CBSE 2025Set 61/1/11 markMCQQ.Which of the following statements regarding Colonel Colin Mackenzie are correct ? Choose the correct option : I. The ruins of Hampi were brought to light in 1800 by him. II. He was an official of East India Company. III. He prepared the first survey maps of the site. IV. He received information of Vijayanagara empire from the Duarte Barbosa. Options : (A) I, II and III (B) II, III and IV (C) I, III and IV (D) I, II and IV
›Reveal solutionSolution
Colonel Colin Mackenzie, an East India Company surveyor, brought Hampi's ruins to light in 1800 and prepared the first survey maps; however, Duarte Barbosa (a 16th-century Portuguese traveller) predated Mackenzie by centuries and could not have informed him. The correct option is (A).
The question tests your knowledge of early colonial archaeology and the rediscovery of Vijayanagara. Mackenzie was a pivotal figure in documenting India's historical sites during the early 19th century, but we need to separate fact from chronological impossibility.
Let's examine each statement:
- Statement I: The ruins of Hampi were brought to light in 1800 by him.
This is correct. Colonel Colin Mackenzie is credited with bringing the ruins of Hampi (the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire) to the attention of the wider world in 1800. While local populations never "lost" knowledge of the site, Mackenzie's documentation marked its formal entry into colonial and European historical consciousness.
- Statement II: He was an official of East India Company.
This is correct. Mackenzie served as a military engineer and surveyor in the East India Company. He later became the first Surveyor General of India (1815–1821), making him one of the most important figures in early colonial cartography and antiquarian research.
- Statement III: He prepared the first survey maps of the site.
This is correct. Mackenzie's team conducted systematic surveys of Hampi, producing detailed maps, sketches, and documentation of the ruins. His work laid the foundation for all subsequent archaeological studies of Vijayanagara.
- Statement IV: He received information of Vijayanagara empire from Duarte Barbosa. …
- CBSE 2025Set 61/1/11 markMCQQ.Which one of the following statements is most appropriate regarding the zamindars of 16th and 17th century India ? (A) The zamindars were the exploitative class for the peasants. (B) The zamindars collected revenue on behalf of the state. (C) They always maintained cordial relations with the villagers. (D) The zamindars had small piece of lands for personal use.
›Reveal solutionSolution
Zamindars in Mughal India were primarily revenue intermediaries who collected land revenue on behalf of the state, not landlords in the modern sense.
The question asks us to identify the most accurate characterisation of zamindars during the Mughal period. To understand this, we need to grasp what the term "zamindar" actually meant in sixteenth and seventeenth-century agrarian society.
In Mughal administrative vocabulary, a zamindar was not simply a landlord. The term literally means "landholder," but the role was far more complex. Zamindars were individuals or groups who held hereditary rights over land in a particular locality. Crucially, their primary function in the Mughal revenue system was to act as intermediaries between the state and the cultivators. The state assigned them the responsibility of collecting land revenue from the peasants in their area and remitting it to the imperial treasury.
This intermediary position gave zamindars considerable local power. They knew the terrain, the villages, and the cultivators. They often commanded small armed retinues and enjoyed social prestige in their regions. But their authority derived from their role in the revenue apparatus — they were not absolute owners of the land in the way a modern landlord might be.
Let us now examine each option:
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(A) The zamindars were the exploitative class for the peasants: While zamindars certainly extracted surplus and could be oppressive, this statement is too sweeping and ideologically loaded. The relationship was more nuanced. Some zamindars did exploit peasants, but others maintained relatively stable, even protective relationships with cultivators. The NCERT does not characterise them uniformly as an "exploitative class."
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(B) The zamindars collected revenue on behalf of the state: This is the core administrative function that defined the zamindar's role in Mughal India. They were revenue collectors, agents of the state's fiscal machinery. This is explicitly stated in the NCERT textbook's discussion of agrarian relations. …
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- CBSE 2025Set 61/2/11 markMCQQ.Which of the following statements is true regarding the land revenue system of the Mughals ? (A) The revenue collectors collected tax of land in cash only. (B) The cultivated lands were taxed without any measurement. (C) Revenue from the land was the economic mainstay of the empire. (D) The tax collectors used to collect taxes with the help of Sahukars.
›Reveal solutionSolution
The land revenue system was the most crucial source of income for the Mughal Empire, funding its vast administration and military.
The Mughal Empire, spanning centuries, relied heavily on a well-structured and often complex land revenue system to sustain its vast administration, powerful military, and opulent court. This system was not static but evolved, with significant reforms introduced by emperors like Akbar, particularly through his finance minister, Raja Todar Mal. Understanding this system is key to grasping the economic backbone of the empire.
At its core, the Mughal land revenue system aimed to extract a share of the agricultural produce from the peasants. This share was the primary source of imperial income, making it the economic mainstay of the empire. Without this consistent flow of revenue, the Mughals would not have been able to maintain their extensive territories, fund their numerous campaigns, or undertake grand architectural projects.
A defining feature of the Mughal land revenue system, especially under Akbar, was the emphasis on systematic measurement and assessment. The 'zabt' system, also known as the Dahsala system, was a sophisticated method of revenue assessment. It involved:
- Detailed Land Measurement: Cultivated lands were meticulously surveyed and measured using a bamboo rod joined by iron rings (tanab) to ensure accuracy.
- Land Classification: Lands were categorized based on their fertility and frequency of cultivation (e.g., Polaj for land continuously cultivated, Parauti for land left fallow for a short period, Chachar for land fallow for 3-4 years, and Banjar for uncultivated land).
- Average Produce and Prices: The average produce of different crops and the average market prices over the previous ten years were calculated. This helped in fixing a fair and stable revenue demand.
- State's Share: The state's share was generally fixed at one-third of the average produce, though it could vary.
NoteThe 'zabt' system was a significant improvement over earlier, less systematic methods, aiming for greater fairness and predictability in revenue collection. It required extensive administrative machinery and record-keeping.
Regarding the mode of payment, while the revenue was assessed as a share of the produce (in kind), the imperial administration generally preferred and encouraged payment in cash. This was largely for administrative convenience, as it simplified accounting and provided the state with a liquid asset that could be used anywhere. However, payment in kind (ghalla bakhshi) was also an option, especially in certain regions or for specific crops, or when cash was scarce. Therefore, stating that revenue was collected "in cash only" would be an oversimplification and not entirely accurate. …
- CBSE 2025Set 61/4/11 markMCQQ.Which of the following was the main source of initial information about Hampi's ruins for Colonel Colin Mackenzie ? (A) British documents (B) Memories of priests (C) Foreign travellers account (D) Epigraphic inscriptions
›Reveal solutionSolution
Colonel Colin Mackenzie's initial understanding of Hampi's ruins primarily came from the oral traditions and memories preserved by the priests of the Virupaksha temple and the shrine of Pampadevi.
The rediscovery and initial mapping of the magnificent ruins of Hampi, the erstwhile capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, owe much to the efforts of Colonel Colin Mackenzie. As an engineer, antiquarian, and the first Surveyor General of India, Mackenzie played a pivotal role in bringing this lost city to light in 1800. His approach to understanding the site was comprehensive, involving both surveying and the collection of local histories.
When Mackenzie began his work, the grandeur of Vijayanagara was largely forgotten by the wider world, though local communities continued to revere certain sacred sites within the ruins. To piece together the history and significance of the structures he was surveying, Mackenzie relied heavily on the knowledge passed down through generations.
The main source of his initial information was:
- Memories of priests: Mackenzie was actively assisted by pandits and, crucially, the priests of the Virupaksha temple and the shrine of Pampadevi. These religious figures had maintained a continuous presence at the site, preserving oral traditions, legends, and historical accounts related to the city and its rulers. Their collective memory provided Mackenzie with invaluable insights into the layout, purpose, and historical context of the various structures, as well as the narratives of the Vijayanagara kings. This direct interaction with the custodians of local knowledge was fundamental to his early understanding of Hampi.
ImportantThe NCERT textbook explicitly states that "Much of the initial information was based on the memories of priests of the Virupaksha temple and the shrine of Pampadevi." This highlights the critical role of local oral traditions in Mackenzie's pioneering work.
While other sources became important later in the study of Vijayanagara, they were not Mackenzie's main initial source:
- British documents: While Mackenzie was a British official, British documents of the time would not have contained detailed historical information about the ruins of Hampi, as the site's significance was largely unknown to the British until his surveys. …
- CBSE 2024Set 61/3/11 markMCQQ.Fill in the blank with the appropriate word from the given options : The land which was annually cultivated for each crop in succession was called ________ in the Mughal Empire. (A) Polaj (B) Parauti (C) Banjar (D) Chachar
›Reveal solutionSolution
The question asks for the Mughal term for land that was cultivated every year, taking crops in rotation. The correct term is Polaj, which refers to continuously cultivated, never-fallowed land.
The Mughal revenue system classified agricultural land into several categories based on how often it was cultivated. This classification was crucial for tax assessment — the more regularly land was farmed, the higher its revenue potential.
The key distinction is between land that is always under cultivation and land that is periodically left fallow to restore fertility. The Mughals had precise terms for each:
- Polaj — land that was cultivated every year, never left fallow. Crops were rotated to maintain soil health, but the land itself was in continuous use. This was the most fertile and highest-revenue category.
- Parauti — land that was left fallow for one or two years to regain fertility, then brought back into cultivation. It was less productive than Polaj in a given year.
- Banjar — land that had been abandoned or left uncultivated for a long period (often several years). It required significant effort to bring back under the plough.
- Chachar — land that was left fallow for three to four years, longer than Parauti but shorter than Banjar. …
- CBSE 2023Set 61/2/11 markMCQQ.Why was Vijayanagar named as Hampi ? Select the appropriate option from the following : (A) This name was given by Krishnadeva Raya to Vijaynagar. (B) This name was derived by Colin Meckenzie, an antiquarian. (C) This name was derived from the local goddess named Pampadevi. (D) This name was devoted to Vithhla and Virupaksha deities.
›Reveal solutionSolution
The name Hampi is derived from the local goddess Pampadevi, who is worshipped in the region, making (C) the correct option.
The name "Hampi" refers to the geographical location and the cluster of ruins that once constituted the magnificent capital city of the Vijayanagar Empire. Understanding why this site is called Hampi requires looking at the deep-rooted local traditions and linguistic evolution, rather than just the imperial history. Place names often have ancient origins, reflecting local deities, geographical features, or historical events that predate even major empires.
Here's a breakdown of why option (C) is the most accurate explanation:
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Understanding the Relationship between Vijayanagar and Hampi:
The Vijayanagar Empire was a powerful South Indian empire. Its capital city was known as Vijayanagar (City of Victory). The ruins of this grand capital are located in a specific area that has long been known by its local name, Hampi. So, while the empire's capital was Vijayanagar, the site itself, with its ancient temples and natural landscape, was locally referred to as Hampi.
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Evaluating Option (A): Krishnadeva Raya's Role:
Krishnadeva Raya was one of the most illustrious rulers of the Vijayanagar Empire, reigning from 1509 to 1529 CE. He was known for his military prowess, administrative reforms, and patronage of art and literature. However, he did not name the city or the site of Hampi. The name Hampi predates his rule and the founding of the Vijayanagar Empire itself.
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Evaluating Option (B): Colin Mackenzie's Role:
Colin Mackenzie was a Scottish antiquarian, surveyor, and collector who served in the British East India Company. He was the first Surveyor General of India and played a crucial role in mapping and documenting many historical sites, including the ruins of Vijayanagar, in the early 19th century. While he extensively surveyed and brought the ruins to scholarly attention, he did not name the site. He recorded the existing local names and traditions.
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Evaluating Option (C): Derivation from Pampadevi: …
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- CBSE 2023Set 61/3/11 markMCQQ.With which of the following aspect was the 'Ricardian theory' related ? (A) Social (B) Political (C) Economic (D) Cultural
›Reveal solutionSolution
The 'Ricardian theory', developed by the classical economist David Ricardo, primarily deals with economic principles such as international trade, rent, and income distribution, making (C) Economic the correct answer.
The question asks about the primary aspect associated with the 'Ricardian theory'. To answer this, we need to understand who Ricardo was and what his major contributions were. David Ricardo was a highly influential figure in the development of classical economics. His theories provided fundamental insights into how economies function, particularly concerning trade, land use, and the distribution of wealth.
Here's a breakdown of the concept and why the economic aspect is central:
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Who was David Ricardo?
David Ricardo (1772-1823) was a British political economist, and one of the most influential classical economists alongside Adam Smith and Thomas Malthus. His major work, "On the Principles of Political Economy and Taxation" (1817), laid out many of his key theories.
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What are the core 'Ricardian theories'?
Ricardo's contributions are numerous and foundational to economic thought. Some of his most famous theories include:
- Theory of Comparative Advantage: This theory explains why countries benefit from international trade even if one country is more efficient in producing all goods. It argues that countries should specialize in producing goods where they have a comparative advantage (lower opportunity cost) and trade with others. This is a cornerstone of international economics.
- Theory of Rent: Ricardo developed a theory explaining how rent arises from the differential fertility of land. As population grows and less fertile land is brought into cultivation, the rent on more fertile land increases. This is a theory of income distribution and resource allocation.
- Labor Theory of Value: While not solely Ricardo's, he refined the idea that the value of a commodity is determined by the amount of labor required for its production.
- Distribution Theory: Ricardo analyzed how national income is distributed among the three factors of production: wages (to labor), profits (to capital), and rent (to land).
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Why is it 'Economic'?
All of Ricardo's major theories directly address economic phenomena:
- They explain how wealth is created, distributed, and exchanged.
- They analyze the behavior of markets, prices, and factors of production.
- They provide frameworks for understanding international trade, agricultural economics, and the dynamics of economic growth and stagnation. …
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- CBSE 2020Set 61/1/11 markMCQQ.During the reign of which of the following rulers was Jizya reimposed on non-Muslim subjects ? (A) Akbar (B) Jahangir (C) Shah Jahan (D) Aurangzeb
›Reveal solutionSolution
Aurangzeb reimposed Jizya on non-Muslim subjects in 1679, reversing Akbar's earlier abolition of the tax.
The question asks about the ruler who reimposed Jizya on non-Muslim subjects. To understand this, we first need to know what Jizya was and its history in the Mughal Empire, particularly its abolition by Emperor Akbar.
Jizya was a per capita annual tax historically levied on non-Muslim subjects (known as dhimmis) in Islamic states. It was often seen as a payment for protection and exemption from military service, as well as a mark of their subordinate status. In India, it had been levied by various Muslim rulers before the Mughals.
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Akbar's Abolition of Jizya: Emperor Akbar (reigned 1556-1605) was known for his policy of religious tolerance and his efforts to integrate various communities into the Mughal administration. As part of this policy, he abolished Jizya in 1564. His aim was to remove discrimination against non-Muslims and foster a sense of equality among all his subjects, promoting his concept of Sulh-i-kul (universal peace). This was a significant step towards a more inclusive state.
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Jahangir and Shah Jahan's Policies: Akbar's successors, Jahangir (reigned 1605-1627) and Shah Jahan (reigned 1628-1658), generally continued Akbar's policy of not levying Jizya. While Shah Jahan, particularly in his later years, showed some inclination towards more orthodox Islamic policies and there were isolated instances of its collection in certain regions, Jizya was not systematically reimposed across the empire during their reigns. …
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- CBSE 2020Set 61/3/11 markQ.Name the organisation of India which is trying to identify Harappan ruins through archaeological excavations.(OR)Name the author of "The Story of Indian Archaeology".
›Reveal solutionSolution
Part (a): The organisation is the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Part (b): The author of "The Story of Indian Archaeology" is Sourindranath Roy.
Part (a)
The body responsible for identifying and excavating Harappan ruins is the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Set up in 1861 (its first Director-General was Alexander Cunningham) and now under the Ministry of Culture, the ASI conducts field excavations and conserves monuments; it has worked at major Harappan sites including Dholavira, Rakhigarhi and Lothal. …
- CBSE 2020Set 61/3/11 markMCQQ.Which one of the following temples was used only by Vijayanagara rulers and their families ? (A) The Vitthala Temple (B) The Virupaksha Temple (C) The Hazara Rama Temple (D) The Lotus Temple
›Reveal solutionSolution
The Hazara Rama Temple was the private, family-use shrine of the Vijayanagara kings, while the other listed temples were public or ceremonial. The correct option is (C).
The key here is understanding the function of each temple within the Vijayanagara capital. The empire’s rulers built many temples, but not all served the same purpose. Some were grand public pilgrimage sites, some were royal ceremonial stages, and one — the Hazara Rama Temple — was explicitly a private chapel for the royal family.
Let’s see why each option fits or doesn’t.
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The Vitthala Temple (Option A)
This is the most famous and elaborate temple in Hampi, known for its stone chariot and musical pillars. It was a major religious and cultural centre, hosting large festivals and attracting pilgrims from across the empire. It was not private — it was a public temple of great importance.
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The Virupaksha Temple (Option B)
This temple, dedicated to Shiva, was the principal temple of the capital and had been a place of worship long before the Vijayanagara period. It continued to be a bustling public temple, open to all devotees, and remains active today. Clearly not a private family shrine.
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The Hazara Rama Temple (Option C)
This temple is unique. Its name means “thousand Ramas” (referring to the many Ramayana panels carved on its walls). It was located within the royal enclosure, very close to the king’s palace complex. The temple was used exclusively by the Vijayanagara rulers and their families for their private worship. The outer walls depict secular scenes of royal processions and court life, while the inner walls show Ramayana scenes — reinforcing its role as a royal, not public, temple. …
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