States PCS: Karnataka GK for KPSC and other Karnataka State Exams
For all Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) exams including KAS, Group A & B, FDA, SDA, and other Karnataka state services.
1. Who among the following was the Sultan at Delhi when the Vijayanagar empire was founded?
[A] Firoz Tughlaq
[B] Sikandar Lodi
[C] Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
[D] Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq]
Notes:
Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq was the Sultan of Delhi when the Vijayanagar empire was founded in 1336 by Harihara and Bukka. He reigned from 1325 to 1351 as the second Tughlaq ruler after Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq (1320-1325). Rebellions in South India during his rule, including by Harihara and Bukka, led to Vijayanagar’s establishment as Delhi lost control.
2. Which of the following was the first Vijaynagar king to include Muslims in his army?
[A] Harihara II
[B] Deva Raya I
[C] Deva Raya II
[D] Krishna Deva Raya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Deva Raya I]
Notes:
Deva Raya I maintained a secular attitude in administrative matters of his empire. He had also included 10,000 Muslims in his army, being the first Vijaynagar king to do so. He also got a mosque and a slaughterhouse constructed for the convenience of the Muslim soldiers in the army.
3. The battle of Talaikotta was fought in which of the following years?
[A] 1565 CE
[B] 1465 CE
[C] 1555 CE
[D] 1665 CE
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [1565 CE]
Notes:
In 1565 CE, the Deccan Sultanates (Bijapur, Ahmadnagar, Golkonda, Bidar) defeated the Vijayanagar Empire at the Battle of Talaikotta, leading to its decline. Vijayanagar ruler Aliya Rama Raya was captured and executed, resulting in chaos and the sacking of Hampi. The Sultanates’ advanced artillery was key to their victory.
4. Which of the following assumed the title Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah?
[A] Muhammad Shah I
[B] Taj-ud-din Firoz Shah
[C] Ahmah Shah Wali
[D] Hasan Gangu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Hasan Gangu]
Notes:
Hasan Gangu, a former Brahmin, founded the Bahmani Sultanate in 1347, claiming descent from Bahman Shah. It was the first independent Muslim kingdom in South India, with capitals at Gulbarga and Bidar. His reign initiated significant cultural and architectural developments, including Gulbarga Fort and Jama Masjid, influencing Deccan’s history.
5. Which of the following pairs is correctly matched regarding Bahmani military terms?
- Barq-andaz – Matchlock-men/Musketeers
- Golandaz – Artillerymen/Gunners
- Paigah – Naval commanders
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] 1 and 2 only
[B] 2 and 3 only
[C] 1 and 3 only
[D] 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [1 and 2 only]
Notes:
Barq-andaz (literally “lightning-throwers”) refers to infantry armed with muskets, and Golandaz (literally “ball-throwers”) were artillerymen. These correspond to Statements 1 and 2. Paigah were elite cavalry or household troops, not naval commanders, making Statement 3 incorrect.
6. Which of the following places in Tamil Nadu was capital of later Vijaynagara Kings?
[A] Kanchi
[B] Madurai
[C] Vellore
[D] Mahabalipuram
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Vellore ]
Notes:
Venkatapatiraya and Tirumalaraya decided to shift the capital of the Vijayanagara empire first to Penugonda (1565), and later, to Chandragiri both in Andhra Pradesh and subsequently to Vellore (Tamil Nadu), beyond the frontiers of Karnataka. It continued as capital till 1646.
7. Who among the Rashtrakuta kings was converted into Jainism by Jinasena?
[A] Govinda III
[B] Amoghavarsha I
[C] Krishna II
[D] Krishna I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Amoghavarsha I]
Notes:
Amoghavarsha was converted into Jainism by Jinasena, a Jaina monk.
8. Who established the Vijayanagar Empire?
[A] Sadasivaraya
[B] Saluva Narsimha
[C] Krishna Deva Raya
[D] Harihar I and Bukka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Harihar I and Bukka]
Notes:
The Vijayanagar Empire was founded in 1336 by Harihara and Bukka, two of the Sangama brothers, with support from sage Vidyaranya. They had previously served in the Kakatiya and Kampili administrations. The empire is known for advanced irrigation systems and the promotion of Sanskrit and regional languages, contributing to a cultural renaissance in South India.
9. Who was executed in battle of talikota?
[A] Rama Raya
[B] Tirumala Deva Raya
[C] Venkata II
[D] Sriranga II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Rama Raya]
Notes:
The Battle of Talikota (26 January 1565), also known as Battle of Rakshasa- Tangadi, led to the execution of Rama Raya after being taken prisoner.
10. Which of the following hoysala king converted into hinduism under the influence of Sri Ramanujan?
[A] Veera Ballala I
[B] Ereyanga
[C] Narasimha I
[D] Bitti Deva
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Bitti Deva]
Notes:
Sri Ramanujan converted a Jain king, Bitti Deva to Hinduism after miraculously healing his daughter.
