Question

 

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?

 

A. Devaraya I

B. Mallikarjuna

C. Vira Vijaya

D. Virupaksha

 

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Answer 

 

The correct answer is A. Devaraya I

 

Deva Raya I, a king of the Vijayanagara Empire, reigned from 1406 to 1422 CE. He emerged victorious in a dispute over the throne after the death of Harihara II, showcasing his capable leadership. Deva Raya I was renowned for his military achievements and his support for irrigation projects.

 

Deva Raya I recognized the need for adequate water supply in the capital for both drinking and irrigation purposes. To address this, he oversaw the construction of a barrage across the Tungabhadra River and commissioned a 24-kilometer-long aqueduct connecting the river to the capital. 

 

He modernized the Vijayanagara army by enhancing the cavalry and recruiting skilled archers from the Turkish clan. He also strengthened his forces with bowmen and horses from Arabia and Persia. Nicolo Conti, an Italian traveler who visited Vijayanagara around 1420, described Deva Raya I as a powerful king, surpassing all other rulers in India. Conti also noted the significant expansion of the royal city, which now encompassed a circumference of 60 miles.

 

Deva Raya I was a patron of Kannada literature and architecture. He had a Jain poet named Madhura in his court, who composed works in Kannada, including the Dharmanathapurana and a poem praising Gommateshvara of Shravanabelagola.