The question asks about the deity in whose name the Vijayanagara rulers governed. This requires knowledge of the religious and political affiliations of the Vijayanagara Empire.
C) Virupaksha (Shiva) โ The Vijayanagara rulers considered Lord Virupaksha, a form of Shiva, as the patron deity and the true ruler of their empire. They governed as his representatives.
The question asks for the goddess from whom the name 'Hampi' is derived. This requires knowledge of the historical and mythological origins of the name of the ancient city of Hampi.
Correct Option: D) Pampadevi โ The name 'Hampi' is derived from Pampadevi, a local goddess who is a form of Parvati and is associated with the Tungabhadra River, which flows through the region. The ancient city was also known as Pampa-kshetra (Pampa's field).
The question asks for the contemporary name used by the Vijayanagara rulers for their empire. This requires knowledge of the historical terminology associated with the Vijayanagara Empire.
Correct Option: A) Karnataka Samrajyamu โ Historical evidence, including inscriptions and literary works from the Vijayanagara period, confirms that the rulers referred to their empire as 'Karnataka Samrajyamu' or 'Karnataka Rajya'. This term signifies the empire's identity and its connection to the Karnataka region.
The question asks for the literal meaning of the word 'Vijayanagara'. This requires knowledge of the etymology of the name of the historical empire and city in South India.
Correct Option: B) The word 'Vijayanagara' is a compound of two Sanskrit words: 'Vijaya' meaning 'victory' and 'Nagara' meaning 'city'. Therefore, its literal meaning is 'City of Victory'.
The question asks about the number of major dynasties that ruled the Vijayanagara Empire. To answer this, one needs to recall the historical succession of ruling families in the empire.
Correct Option: C) Four
The question asks to identify the first ruling dynasty of the Vijayanagara Empire. To answer this, one needs to recall the chronological order of the dynasties that ruled the Vijayanagara Empire.
D) Sangama โ The Sangama dynasty was founded by Harihara I and Bukka Raya I in 1336 and was the first dynasty to rule the Vijayanagara Empire.