NCERT Class 12 History Themes in Indian History-II: Chapter 3 — An Imperial Capital: Vijayanagara
This chapter, "An Imperial Capital: Vijayanagara," from NCERT's Class 12 History textbook "Themes in Indian History-II," explores the Vijayanagara Empire, founded in the fourteenth century and flourishing until its sack in 1565. The chapter details the rediscovery of the empire, known to locals as Hampi, by Colonel Colin Mackenzie in 1800. It highlights the collaborative efforts of archaeologists, epigraphists, and historians using inscriptions, monuments, foreign accounts, and local traditions to reconstruct its history. The text also touches upon the empire's political landscape, including its competition with the Sultans of the Deccan and Gajapati rulers of Orissa, and the cultural exchange in architecture. It introduces the founders, Harihara and Bukka, and the empire's contemporary name, Karnataka samrajyamu. This chapter provides a foundational understanding of a significant medieval Indian empire for Class 12 students.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 12 |
| Subject | History |
| Book | Themes in Indian History-II |
| Chapter | Chapter 3 — An Imperial Capital: Vijayanagara |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 4 minutes |
| Word count | 670 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the historical significance of the Vijayanagara Empire.
- Learn about the process of rediscovering Hampi and its importance.
- Identify the key rulers and political dynamics of the empire.
- Recognize the cultural and architectural influences on Vijayanagara.
- Appreciate the use of various sources like inscriptions and oral traditions in reconstructing history.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Antiquarian | A person who studies or collects antiques. |
| Cartographer | A person who draws or produces maps. |
| Epigraphists | Scholars who study inscriptions. |
| Doab | The land between two rivers. |
| Pampadevi | The local mother goddess of Hampi. |
| Gajapati | Rulers of Orissa. |
| Sultans of the Deccan | Rulers of the Deccan region. |
| Karnataka samrajyamu | The contemporary name for the Vijayanagara Empire. |
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Practice questions
- Who is credited with bringing the ruins of Hampi to light in 1800? Answer: Colonel Colin Mackenzie.
- What was the contemporary name for the Vijayanagara Empire? Answer: Karnataka samrajyamu.
- According to tradition, who founded the Vijayanagara Empire? Answer: Harihara and Bukka.
- What event led to the city of Vijayanagara being sacked and deserted? Answer: It was sacked in 1565.
Practice MCQs
Q1. In which year were the ruins at Hampi first brought to light?
Explanation: Colonel Colin Mackenzie, an engineer and antiquarian, brought the ruins of Hampi to light in 1800.
Q2. Who was the local mother goddess whose name is derived from Hampi?
Explanation: The name Hampi is derived from the local mother goddess, Pampadevi.
Q3. Which empire was founded in the fourteenth century and had its capital at Vijayanagara?
Explanation: The Vijayanagara Empire, founded in the fourteenth century, had its capital at Vijayanagara.
Q4. Who were the founders of the Vijayanagara Empire according to tradition?
Explanation: According to tradition and epigraphic evidence, two brothers, Harihara and Bukka, founded the Vijayanagara Empire.
Q5. What was a significant event that occurred in 1565 related to Vijayanagara?
Explanation: In 1565, the city of Vijayanagara was sacked and subsequently deserted.
Frequently asked questions
When was the Vijayanagara Empire founded?
The Vijayanagara Empire was founded in the fourteenth century, specifically in 1336 according to tradition and epigraphic evidence.
Who was Colonel Colin Mackenzie and what was his role in the discovery of Hampi?
Colonel Colin Mackenzie was an engineer and antiquarian who, in 1800, prepared the first survey map of the ruins at Hampi, bringing them to light.
What information did Mackenzie use to prepare his initial survey?
Much of the initial information Mackenzie received was based on the memories of priests from the Virupaksha temple and the shrine of Pampadevi.
What does the term 'Vijayanagara' refer to?
Vijayanagara was the name of both a city and an empire, meaning 'city of victory'.
What happened to Vijayanagara in 1565?
In 1565, the city of Vijayanagara was sacked and subsequently deserted.
What was the contemporary name used by people to describe the Vijayanagara Empire?
Contemporaries described the empire as the 'karnataka samrajyamu'.
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NCERT Class 12 History — Themes in Indian History-II — Chapter 3 — An Imperial Capital: Vijayanagara. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.