Question

Analyse the factors that led the rulers of the Vijayanagara empire to choose the site of Vijayanagara as their capital.

Hint:

Geography and trade played a significant role in the establishment of Vijayanagara as the center of the empire’s power.

Answer 1

Several factors contributed to the choice of Vijayanagara as the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire:
1. Strategic Location: Vijayanagara was located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, which provided both water supply and a natural defense barrier. The location was easily defensible against enemy invasions, making it an ideal choice for the capital.
2. Economic Advantages: The region around Vijayanagara was fertile, and it had access to trade routes, both inland and maritime. This allowed the empire to flourish economically, as it could control the flow of goods and wealth from various regions, both within India and with other parts of Asia.
3. Political and Military Considerations: The geographical location of Vijayanagara also helped the rulers maintain control over the Deccan plateau, as it was centrally located among the Deccan Sultanates, which helped in controlling the surrounding regions and asserting dominance over rival states.
Thus, the combination of strategic location, economic advantages, and military considerations led to the selection of Vijayanagara as the capital.