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Question

In the traditional accounts of Vijayanagara, who were referred to as narapati or "lord of men"?

This question was previously asked in
SSC CGL 2025 Tier 1 Question Paper (25-Sep-2025) (Shift 3)
The correct answer is
Rayas

Vijayanagara Rulers: Identifying 'Narapati'

In the historical accounts of the Vijayanagara Empire, specific terms were used to denote the rulers and their authority.

Understanding the Term 'Narapati'

  • The Sanskrit term $narapati$ literally translates to "lord of men".
  • This title signifies a supreme ruler or king, emphasizing their dominion over people.

The Vijayanagara Rulers: Rayas

  • The Vijayanagara Empire was ruled by a dynasty known as the Rayas.
  • The term "Raya" itself implies lordship or chieftaincy.
  • Historical texts and inscriptions often refer to the Vijayanagara kings using this title.

Connecting 'Narapati' and 'Rayas'

  • Given that $narapati$ means "lord of men" and the Rayas were the rulers (lords) of the Vijayanagara kingdom (its men), the term was applied to them.
  • Traditional accounts used such honorifics to describe the sovereignty of the Rayas.

Therefore, in the traditional accounts of Vijayanagara, the rulers referred to as Rayas were also described using the title $narapati$ or "lord of men".

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Important Questions from Medieval History

  1. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists:

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    (System / Category)

    List-II 

    (Description)

    A.Upari1. Peasants directly responsible for the payment of revenue
    B.Pattadar2.Category of tenancy tenure held under the Marathas
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    D.Inam lands4.Co-parcenary title holder and designated revenue payer in southern India

  2. Name the calligrapher in Akbar’s court who was honoured with the title “Zarrin Kalam” or Golden Pen.

  3. Which one of the following statements about Fatehpur Sikri is NOT correct?

  4. Which one of the following pairs is correctly matched?

    Bhakti Saint

    Philosophy

    (a)

    Shankara

    :

    Avadhuta

    (b)

    Ramananda

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    Ramanuja

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  5. Consider the following statements related to the Virashaiva tradition in Karnataka:

    1) The Virashaiva movement was led by a Brahmana named Basavanna, a minister in the court of the Kalachuri ruler in the twelfth century.

    2) The Virashaivas encouraged practices, approved by the Dharmashastras, like post-puberty marriages and remarriage of widows.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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