What do you think were the advantages and disadvantages of enclosing agricultural land within the fortified area of the city?
A great fortification of Vijayanagara was accomplished in the fifteenth century. It also encircled the agricultural heartland and forests. This encirclement had the following advantages:
(i) It enclosed agricultural tracts, cultivated fields, gardens and forests.
(ii) It had an elaborate canal system which drew water from the Tungabhadra.
(iii) In the medieval period, sieges were laid to starve the defending armies into submission. These sieges lasted for many months or many years. So the rulers of Vijayanagara adopted an elaborate strategy to protect the agricultural belt and build large granaries.
(iv) This encirclement also saved crops from animals.
Disadvantages:
(i) This system was very expensive.
(ii) It was inconvenient to farmers during adverse circumstances.
What have been the methods used to study the ruins of Hampi over the last two centuries? In what way do you think they would have complemented the information provided by the priests of the Virupaksha temple?
How were the water requirements of Vijayanagara met?
What do you think was the significance of the rituals associated with the Mahanavami dibba?
Fig. 7.33 is an illustration of another pillar from the Virupaksha temple. Do you notice any floral motifs? What are the animals shown? Why do you think they are depicted? Describe the human figures shown.
