Krishnadeva Raya Founds Nagalapuram

The question asks about the suburban township founded by the famous Vijayanagara emperor, Krishnadeva Raya, near Vijayanagara, and who it was named after.

Krishnadeva Raya, one of the most renowned rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire, was known for his administrative skills, military campaigns, and patronage of arts and literature. He undertook several building projects during his reign.

Historical records and inscriptions confirm that Krishnadeva Raya founded a new suburban settlement close to the capital city of Vijayanagara. This new township was named Nagalapuram.

The name 'Nagalapuram' is significant. It was named in honour of his mother, Nagala Devi. Founding a town or city and naming it after a parent or spouse was a common practice among rulers to show respect and commemorate them.

Analysis of the Options

Let's examine the provided options in the context of the historical information:

• Option 1: father - Krishnadeva Raya's father was Saluva Narasimha Deva Raya. While he might have honoured his father in other ways, the township of Nagalapuram was not named after him.
• Option 2: teacher - Krishnadeva Raya had teachers and gurus, who were highly respected. However, the historical sources indicate Nagalapuram was named after a family member, not a teacher.
• Option 3: sister - There is no historical evidence to suggest that Nagalapuram was named after Krishnadeva Raya's sister.
• Option 4: mother - Historical accounts and inscriptions explicitly state that Krishnadeva Raya founded Nagalapuram and named it after his mother, Nagala Devi. This aligns with the practice of rulers naming important settlements after loved ones.

Based on historical facts, the township of Nagalapuram was named after Krishnadeva Raya's mother, Nagala Devi.

Key Information about Nagalapuram

• Founder: Krishnadeva Raya
• Location: Near the capital city of Vijayanagara
• Named After: His mother, Nagala Devi
• Significance: It was planned as a significant suburban centre, possibly serving as a commercial hub or a residential area for parts of the population outside the core capital.

Revision Table: Vijayanagara and Krishnadeva Raya

Additional Information: Krishnadeva Raya and Nagalapuram

Krishnadeva Raya's reign is often considered a golden age of the Vijayanagara Empire. He was not only a formidable military leader but also a great scholar and patron of arts, literature, and architecture.

• He patronized Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, and Sanskrit literature. His own work, 'Amuktamalyada', is a significant contribution to Telugu literature.
• He built and renovated many temples, tanks, and other public works.
• The founding of Nagalapuram reflects his efforts to expand and beautify the area around the capital city of Vijayanagara. It demonstrates his personal devotion and respect for his mother, Nagala Devi.
• The ruins of Nagalapuram can still be explored today near Hampi, giving visitors a sense of the scale and planning of the Vijayanagara urban landscape.

The act of naming the township Nagalapuram after his mother is a testament to the cultural values and personal relationships that were important even for powerful rulers.