UPSC Prelims 2023 · GS Paper I
Question 48: History and Culture
Who among the following rulers of Vijayanagara Empire constructed a large dam across Tungabhadra River and a canal-cum-aqueduct several kilometres long from the river to the capital city?
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (a).
Devaraya I (c. 1406 to 1422) of the Sangama dynasty built a dam across the Tungabhadra and a long canal to bring water to Vijayanagara, supplying the capital and irrigating its lands. Water works were a notable feature of the empire's engineering. Mallikarjuna, Virupaksha II and Vira Vijaya are other Sangama-line rulers not credited with this project.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Correct: Devaraya I built the Tungabhadra dam and canal.
- (b) Mallikarjuna was a later Sangama ruler not credited with this work.
- (c) Vira Vijaya ruled briefly and is not credited with this work.
- (d) Virupaksha was a later ruler not credited with this work.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2023, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.