Explanation: The Vijayanagar Empire, one of the most significant empires in South Indian history, was founded in the 14th century and reached its zenith under the rule of Krishnadeva Raya in the early 16th century. Krishnadeva Raya, known for his military prowess and administrative acumen, expanded the empire's territory significantly, but his control was primarily over the southern Deccan plateau and parts of the southern peninsula.
The empire's territorial extent included large parts of present-day Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. Krishnadeva Raya's military campaigns and alliances extended his influence over these regions, making them integral parts of the Vijayanagar Empire. However, the empire's reach did not extend to the entire region of present-day Maharashtra.
Maharashtra, located in the western part of the Indian subcontinent, was under the control of the Bahmani Sultanate during the period of Krishnadeva Raya's rule. The Bahmani Sultanate, established in the 14th century, was a powerful Islamic kingdom that controlled much of the Deccan region, including parts of present-day Maharashtra. The Bahmani Sultanate was a rival to the Vijayanagar Empire, and the two empires often engaged in conflicts over territorial control.
The Vijayanagar Empire's influence did not extend to the entire region of present-day Maharashtra, which was largely under the control of the Bahmani Sultanate and other regional powers. This is why Maharashtra is the correct answer to the question, as it was not under the direct control of Krishnadeva Raya.
It is important to note that while the Vijayanagar Empire had significant influence over the southern Deccan and parts of the southern peninsula, its territorial control was not uniform across all southern Indian states. The empire's influence was strongest in the regions it directly controlled, while other regions, such as Maharashtra, were under the control of other powers.
Understanding the territorial extent of the Vijayanagar Empire and the regions it controlled is crucial for comprehending the political landscape of South India during the medieval period. This knowledge helps in analyzing the interactions between different kingdoms and the dynamics of power and control in the region.