In the context of the Vijayanagara Empire, which of the following statements are correct? 'Mahanavami Dibba' is a distinctive structure found in Hampi. It was a massive platform located on one of the highest points in the city of Vijayanagara. The base of the platform is covered with relief carvings. The term 'Mahanavami' seems to be associated with the ten-day festival of Dusshera or Durga Puja. On the day of Mahanavami, the Vijayanagara ruling dynasty used to observe mourning and condolence. Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Understanding the Mahanavami Dibba in Vijayanagara
The Vijayanagara Empire was a prominent South Indian kingdom. Its capital city, Vijayanagara (modern-day Hampi), was known for its grand structures and elaborate festivals. One such distinctive structure is the 'Mahanavami Dibba'. Let's examine the statements provided about this significant platform.We will analyze each statement carefully to determine its correctness in the context of the Mahanavami Dibba and the Vijayanagara Empire.
- Statement (A): 'Mahanavami Dibba' is a distinctive structure found in Hampi.
This statement is correct. Hampi is the location of the ruins of the historical city of Vijayanagara, the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. The Mahanavami Dibba is one of the most famous and distinctive structures within these ruins, located in the royal centre.
- Statement (B): It was a massive platform located on one of the highest points in the city of Vijayanagara.
This statement is correct. The Mahanavami Dibba is indeed a very large, imposing platform. While perhaps not the absolute highest point, it is situated on an elevated area within the royal enclosure, giving it prominence and visibility, suitable for royal ceremonies and spectacles.
- Statement (C): The base of the platform is covered with relief carvings.
This statement is correct. The multi-tiered base of the Mahanavami Dibba is extensively decorated with intricate relief carvings. These carvings depict a variety of scenes, including royal processions, hunting scenes, dancers, musicians, animals, and various aspects of daily life and ceremonial activities during the Vijayanagara period.
- Statement (D): The term 'Mahanavami' seems to be associated with the ten-day festival of Dusshera or Durga Puja.
This statement is correct. 'Mahanavami' refers to the ninth day of the ten-day Navaratri festival, which culminates in Dussehra or Durga Puja. The Mahanavami festival was a very important annual event in the Vijayanagara Empire, celebrated with great pomp, military parades, and royal ceremonies. The Dibba was specifically used by the king to view these celebrations.
- Statement (E): On the day of Mahanavami, the Vijayanagara ruling dynasty used to observe mourning and condolence.
This statement is incorrect. As mentioned earlier, the Mahanavami festival was a period of grand celebration, display of royal power, military strength, and religious rituals. It was a joyous occasion, not one of mourning and condolence. The king presided over elaborate ceremonies, received tribute, and reviewed the army and royal retinue from the Mahanavami Dibba.
Based on the analysis, statements (A), (B), (C), and (D) are correct, while statement (E) is incorrect.
Therefore, the correct statements about the Mahanavami Dibba in the context of the Vijayanagara Empire are (A), (B), (C), and (D).
Revision Table: Mahanavami Dibba Facts
| Statement | Correctness | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| (A) Found in Hampi | Correct | Hampi is the site of the Vijayanagara capital. |
| (B) Massive platform, high point | Correct | Large structure on an elevated area for visibility. |
| (C) Base with relief carvings | Correct | Extensively decorated base depicting various scenes. |
| (D) Associated with Mahanavami/Dusshera | Correct | Name linked to the important royal festival. |
| (E) Observed mourning | Incorrect | It was a festival of celebration and display of power. |
Additional Information about Vijayanagara Structures and Festivals
The Vijayanagara Empire, flourishing from the 14th to the 16th centuries, was renowned for its rich culture, architecture, and administration. The ruins at Hampi provide invaluable insights into its past glory. The Mahanavami Dibba was central to the state rituals, particularly the annual Mahanavami festival, which served to legitimize the king's authority and display the empire's might.
Other important structures in Vijayanagara included:
- Temples: Virupaksha Temple, Vitthala Temple (known for its musical pillars and stone chariot).
- Royal Enclosure: Containing palaces, audience halls, and ceremonial platforms like the Mahanavami Dibba and King's Audience Hall.
- Sacred Centre: Area with numerous temples and religious structures.
- Urban Infrastructure: Reservoirs, canals, and fortifications.
The festivals celebrated, especially Mahanavami, highlighted the synthesis of religious devotion and state power. Foreign visitors like Domingo Paes and Fernao Nuniz provided detailed accounts of these grand celebrations, describing the processions, wrestling matches, animal sacrifices, and the king's appearances from the Mahanavami Dibba.
Important Questions from An Imperial Capital : Vijayanagara
Read the passage and answer the questions:
Temple building in the region had a long history, going back to dynasties such as the Pallavas, Chalukyas, Hoysalas, and Cholas. Rulers very often encouraged temple building as a means of associating themselves with the divine – often, the deity was explicitly or implicitly identified with the king. Temples also functioned as centres of learning. Besides, rulers and others often granted land and other resources for the maintenance of temples. Consequently, temples developed as significant religious, social, cultural, and economic centres. From the point of view of the rulers, constructing, repairing, and maintaining temples were important means of winning support and recognition for their power, wealth, and piety.
What was the ‘Kalyana mandapa’ used for?
Read the passage and answer the questions:
Temple building in the region had a long history, going back to dynasties such as the Pallavas, Chalukyas, Hoysalas, and Cholas. Rulers very often encouraged temple building as a means of associating themselves with the divine – often, the deity was explicitly or implicitly identified with the king. Temples also functioned as centres of learning. Besides, rulers and others often granted land and other resources for the maintenance of temples. Consequently, temples developed as significant religious, social, cultural, and economic centres. From the point of view of the rulers, constructing, repairing, and maintaining temples were important means of winning support and recognition for their power, wealth, and piety.
Krishnadeva Raya built a hall in front of the main shrine of which of the following temples to mark his accession?
Read the passage and answer the questions:
Temple building in the region had a long history, going back to dynasties such as the Pallavas, Chalukyas, Hoysalas, and Cholas. Rulers very often encouraged temple building as a means of associating themselves with the divine – often, the deity was explicitly or implicitly identified with the king. Temples also functioned as centres of learning. Besides, rulers and others often granted land and other resources for the maintenance of temples. Consequently, temples developed as significant religious, social, cultural, and economic centres. From the point of view of the rulers, constructing, repairing, and maintaining temples were important means of winning support and recognition for their power, wealth, and piety.
Which of the following temple has a shrine designed as a ‘chariot’?
Read the passage and answer the questions:
Temple building in the region had a long history, going back to dynasties such as the Pallavas, Chalukyas, Hoysalas, and Cholas. Rulers very often encouraged temple building as a means of associating themselves with the divine – often, the deity was explicitly or implicitly identified with the king. Temples also functioned as centres of learning. Besides, rulers and others often granted land and other resources for the maintenance of temples. Consequently, temples developed as significant religious, social, cultural, and economic centres. From the point of view of the rulers, constructing, repairing, and maintaining temples were important means of winning support and recognition for their power, wealth, and piety.
Which of the following temple portrays sculpture of scenes from the Ramayana?
Read the passage and answer the questions:
Temple building in the region had a long history, going back to dynasties such as the Pallavas, Chalukyas, Hoysalas, and Cholas. Rulers very often encouraged temple building as a means of associating themselves with the divine – often, the deity was explicitly or implicitly identified with the king. Temples also functioned as centres of learning. Besides, rulers and others often granted land and other resources for the maintenance of temples. Consequently, temples developed as significant religious, social, cultural, and economic centres. From the point of view of the rulers, constructing, repairing, and maintaining temples were important means of winning support and recognition for their power, wealth, and piety.
“In our study of these monuments of Vijayanagara we have to imagine a whole series of vanished wooden elements....” Who amongst the following stated these lines?
A. J. F. Fleet
B. George Michell
C. M. S. Nagaraja
D. Fernao Nuniz
