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 ✓ UPSC's answer
- (b) Mallikarjuna
- (c) Vira Vijaya
- (d) Virupaksha
Why the answer is (a)
• Devaraya I (1406–1422) of the Sangama dynasty faced water scarcity at Vijayanagara and, as the chronicler Nuniz records, built a large dam across the Tungabhadra and a long canal-cum-aqueduct carrying water to the capital, which also boosted irrigation and revenue — option (a).
• He also built a dam on the Haridra river and is remembered for fortifying the city and encouraging trade in horses.
• Mallikarjuna, Vira Vijaya and Virupaksha were later, weaker Sangama rulers of the mid-15th century, not associated with these works.
• The hydraulic works are among the surviving features of the Hampi World Heritage Site.
• Hence option (a).
Why the other options are wrong
- (b) Mallikarjuna
- Mallikarjuna was a later ruler not linked to the dam.
- (c) Vira Vijaya
- Vira Vijaya was a short-reigning later ruler.
- (d) Virupaksha
- Virupaksha was a late Sangama ruler with no such works.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2023, held on 28 May 2023. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.