🏰 SAMPLE PAPER (CBSE BOARD PATTERN)

Class XII – History (Course B)

Chapter: An Imperial Capital – Vijayanagara (c. 14th–16th Century)

Time: 3 Hours | Max Marks: 80
No Copyright – Free for Education

🧾 General Instructions:

1. All questions are compulsory.
2. Answers should be to the point and based on the chapter content.
3. Support your answers with facts, examples, and interpretations wherever applicable.

SECTION – A: Very Short Answer Questions (1 × 4 = 4 Marks)

(Answer each question in 30–40 words)

Q1. Who rediscovered the ruins of Vijayanagara and in which year?
Answer:

• The ruins of Vijayanagara (Hampi) were rediscovered in 1800 CE by Colin Mackenzie, a Scottish engineer and India’s first Surveyor General.
• He collected maps, inscriptions, and local traditions to reconstruct the city’s history.

Q2. Name any two foreign travelers who visited Vijayanagara and mention one feature of the city they described.
Answer:

• Domingo Paes (Portuguese) – described Vijayanagara as “larger than Rome” and famous for its markets and festivals.
• Abdur Razzaq (Persian) – praised its fortifications and wealth.

Q3. Who were the founders of Vijayanagara Empire and which dynasty did they belong to?
Answer:

• The founders were Harihara and Bukka Raya.
• They belonged to the Sangama dynasty, which ruled from 1336 to 1485 CE.

Q4. What is the significance of the Virupaksha temple in Vijayanagara?
Answer:

• The Virupaksha temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, was one of the oldest and most sacred temples.
• It was the center of major festivals and royal rituals, symbolizing the religious authority of the state.

SECTION – B: Short Answer Questions (3 × 4 = 12 Marks)

(Answer each question in about 100–120 words)

Q5. Describe the main dynasties that ruled Vijayanagara and their contributions.
Answer:

• Sangama Dynasty (1336–1485): Founded by Harihara and Bukka Raya; laid the political foundation and expanded territory.
• Saluva Dynasty (1485–1505): Brought administrative reforms.
• Tuluva Dynasty (1505–1570): Under Krishnadeva Raya, the empire reached its zenith in military power and cultural glory.
• Aravidu Dynasty (1570–1646): Continued after the Battle of Talikota, though weakened.
  Each dynasty promoted temple architecture, literature, and trade, making Vijayanagara a regional superpower.

Q6. What was the importance of the location of Vijayanagara?
Answer:

• Situated on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, surrounded by rocky hills, it had natural defense.
• The fertile plains supported agriculture.
• Close proximity to west coast ports (Goa, Calicut) encouraged trade.
• It stood at a cultural junction of Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu regions.
  Thus, its location combined strategic defense, agricultural productivity, and trade advantages.

Q7. Explain the significance of the Mahanavami Dibba and the festival associated with it.
Answer:

• The Mahanavami Dibba (Great Platform) was built by Krishnadeva Raya.
• It was used during the Mahanavami (Navaratri/Dussehra) Festival.
• Royal processions, dances, military parades, and worship of Durga were held here.
• The carvings depict elephants, horses, and festive scenes, showcasing imperial power and devotion.

Q8. Write a short note on the economic life of Vijayanagara.
Answer:

• Agriculture was the backbone: rice, sugarcane, and betel were grown.
• Canals and tanks like Hiriya canal ensured irrigation.
• Temples acted as economic centers, managing land and trade.
• Markets near temples sold gems, silk, spices, and horses.
• Long-distance trade connected Vijayanagara with Persia, Arabia, and Portugal.

SECTION – C: Long Answer Questions (6 × 3 = 18 Marks)

(Answer each question in about 200–250 words)

Q9. Examine the architectural features of Vijayanagara temples and secular buildings.
Answer:

• Temple Architecture:
  • Followed Dravidian style – with tall gopurams (gateways) and mandapas (halls).
  • Famous temples: Virupaksha, Vitthala, and Hazara Rama temples.
  • Vitthala temple’s stone chariot and musical pillars are remarkable.
• Sculpture:
  • Walls adorned with epics scenes and local life.
  • Use of granite and intricate carvings.
• Secular Architecture:
  • Lotus Mahal – blend of Islamic arches and Dravidian domes.
  • Elephant Stables – Indo-Islamic style, showing cultural synthesis.
  • Mahanavami Dibba – decorated with carvings showing festivals and processions.
    Thus, Vijayanagara architecture represents a harmonious blend of religion, art, and politics.

Q10. Discuss the role of religion and temples in legitimizing royal authority in Vijayanagara.
Answer:

• Kings claimed divine origin; Krishnadeva Raya called himself the representative of Vishnu.
• Construction of large temples and donations strengthened ties between state and religion.
• Temples received land grants, and priests performed rituals for royal welfare.
• Major temples like Virupaksha and Vitthala symbolized state protection of faith.
• Religious festivals (e.g., Mahanavami) showcased royal power and unity.
• Temples functioned as economic centers, managing land, trade, and artisans.
  Hence, religion and politics were intertwined, giving rulers both spiritual and temporal legitimacy.

Q11. Explain the reasons for the decline of the Vijayanagara Empire.
Answer:

1. Succession Disputes: After Krishnadeva Raya’s death (1529 CE), internal power struggles weakened the empire.
2. Nobility Conflicts: Rivalries among Telugu, Kannada, and Tamil officials led to instability.
3. Battle of Talikota (1565 CE): Combined armies of the Deccan Sultanates (Bijapur, Golconda, Ahmadnagar, Bidar) defeated Vijayanagara.
4. Destruction of Hampi: The city was plundered and burned, leading to administrative collapse.
5. Loss of Trade: Coastal control and foreign trade declined after defeat.
6. Shift of Capital: Later rulers of Aravidu dynasty moved south to Penukonda and Chandragiri.
   Hence, military defeat and internal weakness led to the downfall of one of India’s greatest empires.

SECTION – D: Source-based Question (5 Marks)

(Read the passage and answer the questions that follow.)

Source: (Based on Domingo Paes’s account)

“The king of Vijayanagara is the most powerful ruler in the whole of India.
The city is larger than Rome, well fortified, and full of prosperity.
There are markets of jewels, silks, horses, and spices everywhere.
The king’s palace is marvelous, and the festivals are celebrated with grand processions.”

Q12. (i) Who is the author of this account and during whose reign did he visit Vijayanagara?
Answer: Domingo Paes, a Portuguese traveler, visited during the reign of Krishnadeva Raya (1509–1529 CE).

Q12. (ii) What does this description reveal about the economy of Vijayanagara?
Answer:
It shows Vijayanagara was a flourishing commercial center, trading in jewels, silks, horses, and spices. Its markets were well-organized and connected to foreign traders.

Q12. (iii) What impression do we get about the city and kingship?
Answer:
The king ruled a prosperous and cosmopolitan city, symbolizing wealth, order, and royal grandeur. The festivals reflected the religious and cultural unity of the empire.

SECTION – E: Map-Based Question (5 Marks)

(On an outline map of India, mark and label the following:)

1. Vijayanagara (Capital city)
2. Tungabhadra River
3. Goa (trade port)
4. Talikota (battle site)
5. Chandragiri (later capital)

Answer Key:

• Vijayanagara – near modern Hampi, Karnataka.
• Tungabhadra River – flows beside Hampi.
• Goa – western coastal region.
• Talikota – in northern Karnataka.
• Chandragiri – near Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh).

SECTION – F: Essay Type Question (8 Marks)

(Answer in 300–350 words)

Q13. Evaluate Vijayanagara as a “City of Splendour and Culture.”

Answer:
Vijayanagara represented the glory of medieval South India, combining power, wealth, and culture.

• Political Power: Strong centralized administration under capable rulers, especially Krishnadeva Raya.
• Architecture: Magnificent temples (Virupaksha, Vitthala), royal buildings (Lotus Mahal, Elephant Stables).
• Religion: Coexistence of Shaivism, Vaishnavism, Jainism, and Islam.
• Economy: Flourishing agriculture and international trade via west coast ports.
• Culture: Literature in Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, and Sanskrit flourished; music and dance developed.
• Foreign Accounts: Travelers described Vijayanagara as rich, orderly, and magnificent.

In conclusion, Vijayanagara was truly a “City of Splendour,” blending political strength with spiritual and artistic brilliance — a symbol of India’s cultural resilience.