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. Which gold coin was issued during the Vijayanagar Empire?
[A] Varaha
[B] Tara
[C] Kakini
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Varaha]
Notes:
Varaha was a gold coin issued by the Vijayanagar Empire featuring the boar emblem. It was minted during the reigns of rulers like Harihara II and Krishnadevaraya between the 14th and 16th centuries CE. Tara was a silver coin, and Kakini was a copper coin used in the empire.
2. Which of the following was patronized by the king Achyuta Deva Raya?
- Chatu Vittalanatha
- Purandaradasa
- Rajanatha Dindima II
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 3
[B] Only 1 & 2
[C] Only 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2, & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2, & 3]
Notes:
The king Achyuta Deva Raya was a patron of music and art. He patronized the Kannada poet Chatu Vittalanatha, the great singer and composer Purandaradasa (father of Carnatic music), and the Sanskrit scholar Rajanatha Dindima II.
3. Which of the following was the chief occupation of the people of the Vijaynagar empire?
[A] Pottery
[B] Trade
[C] Agriculture
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Agriculture]
Notes:
According to the accounts of the different foreign travelers who visited the Vijayanagar kingdom, it was one of the wealthiest kingdoms of the world at that time. Agriculture continued to be the chief occupation of the people.
4. Which of the following statements are correct regarding art and architecture of Vijaynagara empire?
- The style of art and architecture was essentially opulent, ornate and exuberant.
- Numerous temples were built throughout the kingdom during the Vijaynagara rule.
- During this time art and architecture attained a certain fullness and freedom of expression.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
The style of art and architecture in the Vijaynagara empire was essentially opulent, ornate and exuberant. Numerous temples were built throughout the kingdom during the Vijaynagara rule. During this time art and architecture attained a certain fullness and freedom of expression.
5. Which of the following was the founder of Bahmani Kingdom?
[A] Hasan Gangu
[B] Muhammad Shah I
[C] Taj-ud-din Firoz Shah
[D] Ahmah Shah Wali
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Hasan Gangu]
Notes:
The Bahmani kingdom, founded by Hasan Gangu in 1347, was the first Muslim kingdom in the Deccan. Initially a Brahmin named Zafar Khan, he converted to Islam and served Muhammad bin Tughlaq. Its capital was Ahsanabad (Gulbarga), later moved to Muhammadabad (Bidar). The kingdom is known for Indo-Islamic architecture, like the Gol Gumbaz, and for blending Persian, Turkic, and local cultures. It frequently clashed with the Vijayanagara Empire.
6. Which of the following divided the Bahmani kingdom into eight tarafs or provinces?
[A] Ahmah Shah Wali
[B] Humayun Shah
[C] Nizam Shah
[D] Mahmud Gawan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Mahmud Gawan]
Notes:
Mahmud Gawan divided the Bahmani kingdom into eight provinces, each led by a tarafdar. He limited each tarafdar to one fort, implemented central revenue collection, and established a spy network. Gawan founded a madrasa in Bidar and promoted Persian culture and administration.
7. Every province under the rule of Bahamani kingdom was headed by which of the following?
[A] Tarafdar
[B] Afaqis
[C] Sadar-i-jahan
[D] Wazir
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Tarafdar]
Notes:
The Bahamani kingdom had an organized administrative system divided into four provinces, each led by a Tarafdar (Subedar) responsible for law, taxes, and local governance. They used an “iqta” system for revenue collection, assigning land to officials as salaries. The capital shifted from Gulbarga to Bidar, a cultural center for Persian art and literature. The rulers contributed architecturally, notably with the Gol Gumbaz.
8. Which of the following marched against the new city of Nauraspur that was being built by Ibrahim II?
[A] Malik Hasan Bahri
[B] Malik Ambar
[C] Ali Adil Shah I
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Malik Ambar]
Notes:
The new city of Nauraspur was built by Ibrahim Adil Shah II. When Ibrahim Adil Shah II annexed Bidar in 1619 CE, it aroused the wrath of Malik Ambar who marched against the new city of Nauraspur.
9. Which of the following rulers was also called as Jagadguru Badshah?
[A] Burhan Nizam Shah
[B] Ali Adil Shah I
[C] Ibrahim Adil Shah II
[D] Malik Hasan Bahri
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ibrahim Adil Shah II]
Notes:
Ibrahim Adil Shah II, or Jagadguru Badshah, was a Sunni patron known for religious tolerance. He employed Brahmins and Marathas, composed “Kitab-e-Navras” in Persian and Kannada, and promoted Hindustani classical music. His court attracted artists and scholars, and he built the Ibrahim Rauza in Bijapur.
10. Which of the following statements are correct regarding the battle of Talikota?
1. Ibrahim Qutb Shah took over the hill forts of Adoni and Udayagiri, as a result of his victory.
2. He also attacked the Penukonda fortress, where the last remnants of the Vijayanagar court had shifted.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 & 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Both 1 & 2]
Notes:
After the battle of Talikota Ibrahim Qutb Shah took over the hill forts of Adoni and Udayagiri, as a result of his victory. He also attacked the Penukonda fortress, where the last remnants of the Vijayanagar court had shifted.
