Name the platform used for ritual purposes by the kings of the Vijayanagara Empire.
- A.Mahanavami Dibba
- B.Lotus Mahal
- C.Hazara Rama
- D.Virupaksha
Correct answer
Explanation
The correct answer is A, Mahanavami Dibba. This massive stone platform in the royal enclosure at Hampi was where the Vijayanagara kings performed the rituals of the Mahanavami festival.
The Mahanavami Dibba rises in tiers from a base of about 11,000 square feet and its sides are carved with scenes of processions, hunting, dancers and horses. During Mahanavami, the nine-day festival held around Dussehra, the king led the worship of the deity and of the state horse, watched dances and wrestling, offered sacrifices and reviewed his army and nobles from this platform. Foreign visitors such as the Portuguese traveller Domingo Paes described the splendour of the festival held there.
Option B is wrong because the Lotus Mahal is a graceful pavilion with Indo-Islamic arches in the zenana enclosure, probably used as a council hall. Option C is wrong because the Hazara Rama temple was the royal chapel, famous for its carved Ramayana panels. Option D is wrong because the Virupaksha temple is the main Shiva temple of Hampi, a place of worship, not a royal platform.
Exam tip: Mahanavami Dibba = royal ritual platform; Hazara Rama = royal chapel; Lotus Mahal = zenana pavilion, all at Hampi.
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