RAS question
Krishna Deva Raya (1509-1529) is considered the greatest Vijayanagara ruler. He patronized:
Correct answer: (D) Telugu and Sanskrit literature, art, and the Ashtadiggajas (eight great poets).
Krishna Deva Raya patronised Telugu and Sanskrit literature, art, and the Ashtadiggajas, the eight great Telugu poets associated with his court.
Explanation
Krishna Deva Raya is treated as the greatest Vijayanagara ruler because his reign combined power, prosperity, temple-building and literary patronage. His court patronised the Ashtadiggajas, the eight great Telugu poets, and he himself wrote Amuktamalyada in Telugu and Jambavati Kalyanam in Sanskrit. NCERT places Krishnadeva Raya in the Tuluva dynasty, notes that his rule saw expansion and consolidation, and describes Vijayanagara as flourishing under conditions of unusual peace and prosperity. NCERT also records that he composed Amuktamalyada in Telugu and was credited with building fine temples and adding impressive gopurams to important south Indian temples, including work connected with the Vitthala temple complex at Hampi.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Urdu poetry is not the tradition linked to Krishna Deva Raya's court; the stated patronage is Telugu and Sanskrit literary culture, especially the Ashtadiggajas.
- (B) Krishna Deva Raya is associated with temple-building and additions to temple complexes, not a policy described as only temple destruction.
- (C) Persian literature is not the literary field identified here; the relevant works and courtly patronage are Telugu and Sanskrit.
Concept
This tests the cultural history of the Vijayanagara Empire, especially royal patronage under Krishna Deva Raya. It recurs in RAS because medieval Indian history questions often connect rulers with literary works, court poets and temple architecture.