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Extract from the Story
The Vijayanagara Empire was
renowned
for its glory, wealth, and cultural achievements. Among its many
illustrious
rulers, King Krishnadeva Raya (ruled 1509–29 CE) stood out as a wise and powerful monarch. His reign is often referred to as the Golden Era of the Vijayanagara Empire, a time when art, literature, and architecture flourished. A great
patron
of learning, Krishnadeva Raya was not only an
eminent
warrior but also a gifted poet. His works, such as the epic Amuktamalyada and the Sanskrit drama Jambavati Parinayam, are acclaimed even today.
Summary in Bullet Points
- We enter the Vijayanagara Empire , presented as wealthy, culturally rich and widely respected. empire = a large territory ruled by one ruler or ruling power renowned = well known
- Its ruler, Krishnadeva Raya , is described as wise and powerful—not as someone who usually makes foolish decisions. monarch = a king or queen who rules a kingdom reign = the period during which a king or queen rules
- His reign is called a Golden Era because art, literature and architecture flourished . Golden Era = a period of exceptional growth, achievement and prosperity flourished = grew and developed successfully
- He also supported learning and wrote poetry himself. patron = supporter; here, a ruler who encouraged learning, writers and scholars eminent = famous
NCERT Questions (from the Textbook)
Let us think and reflect · II.1
NCERT Poorvi page 8
Let us think and reflect · II.1
Why was the Vijayanagara Empire considered to be in its “Golden Era” during Krishnadeva Raya’s reign?
How to answer:
Use the exact event or wording from the story and explain it in one or two complete sentences.
View Answer
It was a
Golden Era
because art, writing and buildings all grew a lot in his rule. He also loved learning and gave strong support to writers, poets and artists.
Board Pattern
Questions Mapped to Exam Format
Fill in the Blank (Bracket Choice)
1 mark
Krishnadeva Raya’s reign is called the Golden Era because art, literature and architecture __________. (flourished / declined)
How to answer:
Use the exact word from the extract and know what it means.
View Answer
flourished
flourished (= grew a lot)
Why: The story clearly says art, writing and buildings all grew a lot during his rule.
flourished (= grew a lot)
Why: The story clearly says art, writing and buildings all grew a lot during his rule.
MCQ · Meaning in Context
1 mark
The phrase “a great patron of learning” means that Krishnadeva Raya:
How to answer:
Focus on the contextual meaning of
patron
.
View Answer
Answer: (B)
— He supported and pushed learning, writers and writing. Basically, he loved learning big time.
Short Answer · Character Establishment
2 marks
How does the opening paragraph establish Krishnadeva Raya as more than just a powerful ruler?
How to answer:
Name at least two non-political qualities and support them with details from the extract.
View Answer
The opening shows him as a
brave soldier, a lover of learning and a gifted poet
. In his time art, writing and buildings all grew a lot. So he wasn't just powerful — he was smart and creative too. The full package.
