Questions and Answers
What term is used for the Deccan Sultans, representing their connection to horses?
Ashvapati
What did the rayas, or kings, of the Deccan Sultans, signify with the term 'narapati'?
Lord of men
Why was the import of horses from Arabia and Central Asia significant for rival kingdoms?
Because warfare depended on effective cavalry.
Who initially controlled the horse trade before the arrival of other traders?
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Which European group began trading and establishing military stations on the west coast of the subcontinent in 1498?
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What goods were notable in Vijayanagara's markets?
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How did trade affect the prosperity of the Vijayanagara state?
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What was the name of the first dynasty that controlled Vijayanagara until 1485?
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What role did Krishnadeva Raya play in the context of the Sultanates and Vijayanagara?
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What was the significance of the Sultan of Bijapur in relation to Vijayanagara?
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What led to the decisive defeat of Rama Raya by the Sultans?
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Who were the nayakas and what was their role in the Vijayanagara Empire?
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How did the amara-nayaka system function within the Vijayanagara Empire?
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What languages did the nayakas typically speak?
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What was one of the main reasons for the rebellion of nayakas against Vijayanagara kings?
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What was the relationship between the Vijayanagara kings and the Sultanates?
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What was one of the main purposes of retaining part of the revenue by the Vijayanagara kings?
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How did the amara-nayakas demonstrate their loyalty to the king?
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What was the impact of the independent kingdoms established by the nayakas during the seventeenth century?
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What is the significance of the term 'amara' in relation to the nayakas?
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Identify one physical feature mentioned that may have influenced communication with Vijayanagara.
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What characterized the physical layout and building style of Vijayanagara?
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How do inscriptions contribute to our understanding of Vijayanagara's history?
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What role did travelers play in the historical understanding of Vijayanagara?
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Which present-day state in India corresponds to the historical region of Bijapur?
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What present-day Indian state includes the area of Hyderabad?
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Identify the present-day state that corresponds to the city of Madurai.
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Which present-day state included the historical region of Kanchipuram?
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What current state corresponds to the historic area of Mysore?
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Which present-day Indian state includes the historical region of Thanjavur?
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Identify the modern state corresponding to the area of Cochin.
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What present-day state did the historical region of Chidambaram belong to?
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Which current state includes the historical area of Goa?
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Determine the present-day state that corresponds to Masulipatnam.
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What type of shops were set up in the pillared pavilions of the streets?
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What architectural features did the nayakas contribute to during their rule?
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How did the rulers of Vijayanagara engage with earlier architectural traditions?
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What significant recognition did Hampi receive in 1976?
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What was the goal of the project initiated in the early 1980s regarding Vijayanagara?
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Who contributed to the compilation and preservation of information about Vijayanagara?
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What method was used to organize the mapping of the Vijayanagara area?
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What were some of the techniques used in the surveys of Vijayanagara?
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Study Notes
Deccan Sultans and Trade
- Deccan Sultans referred to as ashvapati, meaning lord of horses, and rayas called narapati, or lord of men.
- Warfare relied on effective cavalry, making horse imports from Arabia and Central Asia vital for kingdoms.
- Initially, horse trading was dominated by Arab traders, supported by local horse merchants known as kudirai chettis.
- In 1498, the Portuguese entered the scene, aiming to set up military and trading posts, leveraging advanced military technology like muskets.
- Vijayanagara was a hub for markets dealing in spices, textiles, and precious stones, showcasing vibrant trade as a status symbol among affluent cities.
Political Structure and Power Dynamics
- Power claims within Vijayanagara came from ruling lineage and military commanders.
- The Sangama dynasty ruled from the fourteenth to late fifteenth century until 1485.
- The Sultans were responsible for the destruction of Vijayanagara, yet relations were not always antagonistic, with some Sultans, like the Sultan of Bijapur, aiding in succession disputes.
- Krishnadeva Raya (1509-1529) supported Sultanate claimants and was noted for the title "establisher of the Yavana kingdom."
- The unification of Sultans against Rama Raya led to the latter's significant defeat.
Nayakas and Military Chiefs
- Military chiefs known as nayakas controlled territory and held armed followers, often migrating in search of fertile lands.
- Nayakas spoke Telugu or Kannada and sometimes rebelled against Vijayanagara authority.
- The amara-nayaka system was a political innovation allowing these military commanders to govern territories, collect taxes, and maintain a contingent of horses and elephants for military support.
- Revenue from this system funded the state, temple maintenance, and irrigation projects, contributing to the empire's resilience.
The Capital: Vijayanagara
- Characterized by a unique physical structure, Vijayanagara had well-planned zones and fortified walls.
- Streets were adorned with stone slabs and lined with pillared pavilions for merchants.
- Local nayakas enhanced architectural traditions, creating notable gopurams (temple towers) that echo Vijayanagara's cultural heritage.
- The Archaeological Survey of India documented and preserved Vijayanagara's material remains, leading to the recognition of Hampi as a site of national importance in 1976.
Cultural and Architectural Heritage
- Numerous inscriptions from Vijayanagara kings and nayakas detail temple donations and significant events.
- The integration of traditional architecture by Vijayanagara rulers influenced the grandeur of temple structures.
- Mapping and thorough documentation of the city were conducted over two decades by international scholars to preserve its historical significance.
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Description
Explore the significance of the Deccan Sultans in the context of their titles and the crucial role of horse trade in their warfare strategies. This quiz delves into the dynamics of kingship and commerce during this historical period, highlighting the import of horses from Arabia and Central Asia. Test your knowledge on this fascinating subject!
