UPSC Prelims 2024
Medieval History Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Detailed Explanation:

Correct Answer: ✅ Krishnadevaraya

Krishnadevaraya of the Vijayanagara Empire maintained cordial relations with the Portuguese. In 1510, he permitted the Portuguese governor Alfonso de Albuquerque to build a fort at Bhatkal on the western coast. This strengthened trade relations between the Vijayanagara Empire and the Portuguese.

✅ Krishnadevaraya is Correct: He allowed the Portuguese to construct a fort at Bhatkal to promote trade and strategic cooperation.

❌ Narasimha Saluva is Incorrect: His reign preceded the period of significant Portuguese political influence in India.

❌ Muhammad Shah III is Incorrect: He ruled before the arrival of the Portuguese in India (1498).

❌ Yusuf Adil Shah is Incorrect: He had hostile relations with the Portuguese, especially regarding Goa.

Short Notes: Vijayanagara Empire and the Portuguese

• Vasco da Gama reached India in 1498 at Calicut.

• Krishnadevaraya (1509–1529) was the greatest ruler of the Tuluva Dynasty.

• Portuguese governor Alfonso de Albuquerque captured Goa in 1510.

• Bhatkal was an important port on the Karnataka coast.

• Vijayanagara imported horses, firearms, and luxury goods through Portuguese traders.

• Krishnadevaraya wrote the Telugu work Amuktamalyada.

• The empire reached its peak during Krishnadevaraya's reign.

• The Battle of Talikota (1565) led to the decline of Vijayanagara.