Which one of the following kingdoms was founded by the two brothers Harihar and Bukka?
Vijayanagara
Understanding the Founding of the Vijayanagara Kingdom
The question asks us to identify which kingdom was established by the two brothers, Harihar and Bukka. We are given four options:
- Bahmani
- Vijayanagara
- Malwa
- Maratha
Identifying the Founders of the Vijayanagara Kingdom
Historical records confirm that the Vijayanagara Empire, a prominent South Indian kingdom, was founded by two brothers, Harihar I and Bukka Raya I. They established the kingdom in the Deccan region in the 14th century.
The foundation of the Vijayanagara Kingdom is generally placed around 1336 CE. The capital city was named Vijayanagara, meaning "City of Victory", which later became the name of the empire itself. The kingdom emerged during a period when the Delhi Sultanate's control over the southern parts of India was weakening.
Why Vijayanagara is the Correct Kingdom
Based on historical evidence, the credit for founding the Vijayanagara Kingdom goes to the brothers Harihar and Bukka. They laid the foundation for what would become a major power in South India for over three hundred years.
Examining Other Kingdom Options
- Bahmani Kingdom: This kingdom was also a major power in the Deccan and a contemporary rival of Vijayanagara. However, it was founded by Ala-ud-Din Bahman Shah (Hasan Gangu) in 1347 CE, a different founder and slightly later period than Vijayanagara.
- Malwa Kingdom: The Sultanate of Malwa was established in Central India in the early 15th century. Its founders were distinct from Harihar and Bukka.
- Maratha Kingdom: The Maratha Empire rose to prominence much later, in the 17th century, under the leadership of Shivaji Maharaj. This kingdom's origin is completely separate from the founders mentioned in the question.
| Kingdom | Key Founder(s) | Approximate Founding Year |
|---|---|---|
| Bahmani | Ala-ud-Din Bahman Shah | 1347 CE |
| Vijayanagara | Harihar I and Bukka Raya I | 1336 CE |
| Malwa | Dilawar Khan Ghuri (independent ruler) | Early 15th Century CE |
| Maratha | Shivaji Maharaj | Mid-17th Century CE |
Thus, the kingdom that was founded by the two brothers Harihar and Bukka is the Vijayanagara Kingdom.
Revision Table: Key Facts on Vijayanagara
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Founding Brothers | Harihar I and Bukka Raya I |
| Year Founded | 1336 CE |
| Region | Southern Deccan, South India |
| Capital | Vijayanagara (modern-day Hampi) |
| Significance | Prominent empire, cultural centre, resisted northern invasions |
Additional Information: The Rise of Vijayanagara
The founding of the Vijayanagara Kingdom by Harihar and Bukka marked a significant turning point in the history of South India. Their establishment of an independent Hindu kingdom helped to consolidate power in the region and provided a bulwark against the expanding influence of the Delhi Sultanate and later the Bahmani Sultanate.
The empire grew rapidly and became known for its wealth, extensive trade networks, and impressive architectural and artistic achievements, particularly around its capital city, Vijayanagara (now the ruins at Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage site). The rulers of Vijayanagara, such as Krishnadevaraya, were patrons of art, literature, and architecture, leading to a flourishing cultural period.
Understanding the context of the 14th century, with the decline of established powers and the rise of new regional kingdoms like Vijayanagara and Bahmani, is essential for comprehending the complex political dynamics of medieval India.
Important Questions from Southern Dynasties
Who among the following laid the foundation of the Vijayanagara Empire?
'Sengol', installed in the new Parliament building of India, was seen as a symbol of the path of service, duty and nation in which Empire of the past?
The Vijayanagara Empire received its death blow at the Battle of:
Which of the following is a work on statecraft written by Krishnadevaraya?
The Anantraj Sagar Tank was built by the ______ rulers.
