Class 12 History - Chapter 7: An Imperial Capital – Vijayanagara
Explore the architecture, temples, and city planning of Vijayanagara in Class 12 History Chapter 7. Discover Hampi’s ruins and the rise and fall of this South Indian empire.
Overview
This chapter takes you through the rise, glory, and architecture of Vijayanagara – the capital of a powerful South Indian empire. It explores city planning, fortifications, temples, markets, and the fall of the empire based on archaeological and literary sources.
Why This Chapter Matters
Vijayanagara represents a peak in medieval urban planning, temple architecture, and cultural patronage. The study of this capital city helps us understand political power, sacred space, and regional identities.
Real-Life Applications
- Analyzing the layout and significance of temples, bazaars, and royal structures in Hampi.
- Understanding how the empire used architecture and rituals to display power.
- Exploring sources like traveler accounts, inscriptions, and archaeology to reconstruct Vijayanagara’s history.
Skills You Will Learn
- Interpreting archaeological site plans and ruins.
- Understanding temple architecture as political and religious symbolism.
- Evaluating how cities reflect power, faith, and cultural life.
Explore and Test Your Knowledge
Practice Test
Test your knowledge with our practice test.
Scheduled Talent Test
Participate in the weekly talent test for this chapter.
Flashcards
A: At Hampi in present-day Karnataka.
A: Mandapas are pillared halls for public rituals; gopurams are ornate entrance towers of South Indian temples.
A: Archaeological remains, inscriptions, traveler accounts (like Domingo Paes), and temple architecture.
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