✅ Answer: A) 1, 2 and 3All three statements are correct. Krishnadevaraya was the greatest ruler of the Tuluva dynasty. He wrote Amuktamalyada in Telugu. Portuguese traveller Domingo Paes visited his court and described Vijayanagara as “the best provided city in the world.” Nuniz also visited and wrote about Vijayanagara.

✅ Answer: B) Eight great Telugu poetsThe Ashtadiggajas were eight great Telugu poets at Krishnadevaraya’s court. The most famous was Allasani Peddana — called “Andhra Kavita Pitamaha” (grandfather of Telugu poetry). He wrote Manucharitra. Other notable poets: Nandi Timmana (Parijatapaharanam), Dhurjati, Ayyalaraju Ramabhadra. Krishnadevaraya’s reign is called the golden age of Telugu literature.

✅ Answer: A) Alauddin Bahman Shah (Hasan Gangu)The Bahmani Kingdom was founded in 1347 CE by Alauddin Bahman Shah (also known as Hasan Gangu). He was a governor under Muhammad bin Tughlaq who rebelled and established an independent kingdom in the Deccan. The capital was Gulbarga (later shifted to Bidar). The kingdom lasted until 1527 CE when it broke into five Deccan Sultanates.

✅ Answer: B) TungabhadraThe Hampi ruins are located on the banks of the Tungabhadra river in Karnataka. Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Virupaksha Temple at Hampi is dedicated to Shiva and is still an active place of worship. The ruins spread over 26 sq km.

✅ Answer: B) GolcondaThe Golconda Sultanate (Qutb Shahi dynasty) was famous for its diamond mines. The Koh-i-Noor, Hope Diamond, and many other famous diamonds originated from Golconda mines. The Golconda fort (near Hyderabad) was the capital. Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah founded Hyderabad city and built the Charminar in 1591 CE.

✅ Answer: B) Vidyaranya (Madhavacharya)The Vijayanagara Empire was founded with the spiritual guidance of Vidyaranya (also known as Madhavacharya), the head of the Sringeri Math. He inspired Harihara and Bukka to reconvert to Hinduism and establish a Hindu kingdom to resist Muslim expansion. Vidyaranya is considered the “kingmaker” of Vijayanagara.

✅ Answer: C) Muhammad bin TughlaqThe Kakatiya dynasty of Warangal (Telangana) was finally defeated by Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s forces (through Ulugh Khan) in 1323 CE. Alauddin Khalji’s general Malik Kafur had earlier raided Warangal (1309 CE) but didn’t conquer it permanently. The Kakatiyas were known for building the Warangal fort and Ramappa Temple (UNESCO WHS).

✅ Answer: C) Village administration by hereditary officialsThe Ayagar system was the village administration system in Vijayanagara. Each village had 12 hereditary officials (Ayagars) who performed specific functions — accountant, watchman, carpenter, blacksmith, etc. They were paid in land grants (manyam) instead of cash. This system ensured efficient village administration and continued in South India for centuries.

✅ Answer: B) Employing Muslim soldiers and archersDeva Raya II (1422–1446 CE) of the Sangama dynasty is known for employing Muslim soldiers and archers in his army — recognising their superior archery skills. He also patronised Persian literature and had Persian works translated. He was a great ruler who expanded Vijayanagara’s power. Persian traveller Abdur Razzaq visited his court.

✅ Answer: B) Battle of Rakkasagi-TangadigiThe Battle of Talikota (1565 CE) is also known as the Battle of Rakkasagi-Tangadigi — named after the two villages near which it was fought. It was fought on January 23, 1565 CE. Four Deccan Sultanates (Bijapur, Golconda, Ahmadnagar, Bidar) united against Vijayanagara. King Aliya Rama Raya was captured and beheaded, and Hampi was sacked.