Question
Who among the following rulers of Vijayanagara Empire constructed a large dam across Tungabhadra River and a canal-cum-aqueduct several kilometres long from the river to the capital city?
Correct Answer — A
Explanation
The correct option is A (Devaraya I).
- Dam and Canal Construction: To overcome chronic freshwater shortages in the capital city of Vijayanagara (Hampi), Devaraya I (reigned 1406–1422 CE) constructed a major barrage/dam across the Tungabhadra River and an aqueduct-cum-canal several kilometres long leading into the royal center and agricultural fields.
- Haridra Dam: He also constructed a dam across the Haridra River to supply irrigation canals for extensive cultivation around the empire.
- Foreign Account Evidence: The Italian traveler Niccolò de’ Conti, who visited Vijayanagara around 1420 CE during Devaraya I’s reign, provided a detailed description of these massive hydraulic engineering works, aqueducts, and the thriving urban landscape.