Question

With regard to Vijayanagara forts, consider the following statements :-

1. Cities were fortified along with agricultural tracts and forests.
2. There was a single line of fortification for the cities.
3. No mortar or cementing agent was employed anywhere in the construction of these forts.
4. Gateways to forts were influenced by Turkish architecture.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 4 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4​

Answer 1

Option C - 1, 3 and 4 only

■ Explanation :-

• Abdur Razzaq, an ambassador sent by the ruler of Persia to Calicut (present-day Kozhikode) in the fifteenth century, was greatly impressed by the fortifications and mentioned seven lines of forts. These encircled not only the city but also its agricultural hinterland and forests. Hence statement 1 is correct but statement 2 is not correct.

• The massive masonry construction was slightly tapered. No mortar or cementing agent was employed anywhere in the construction. The stone blocks were wedge-shaped, which held them in place, and the inner portion of the walls was of earth packed with rubble. Hence statement 3 is correct.

• What was most significant about this fortification is that it enclosed agricultural tracts. Abdur Razzaq noted that “ between the first, second and the third walls there are cultivated fields, gardens and houses”.

• And Paes observed: “From this first circuit until you enter the city there is a great distance, in which are fields in which they sow rice and have many gardens and much water, in which water comes from two lakes.” This tract was serviced by an elaborate canal system drawing water from the Tungabhadra.

• A second line of fortification went around the inner core of the urban complex, and a third line surrounded the royal centre, within which each set of major buildings was surrounded by its own high walls.

• The fort was entered through well-guarded gates, which linked the city to the major roads. Gateways were distinctive architectural features that often defined the structures to which they regulated access. The arch on the gateway leading into the fortified settlement as well as the dome over the gate are regarded as typical features of the architecture introduced by the Turkish Sultans. Hence statement 4 is correct.

Hope It helps you

Answer 2

$\huge\fbox \red{A}\fbox \green{n}\fbox \purple{s}\fbox \orange{w}\fbox \red{e}\fbox \red{r}$

Option [ C ]

1,3, and 4

$\large\mathbf\pink{they \: are: - }$

1) Cities were fortified along with agricultural tracts and forests.

3) No mortar or cementing agent was employed anywhere in the construction of these forts.

4) Gateways to forts were influenced by Turkish architecture.