The 'Hiriya canal ' one of the most prominent waterwork among the ruins of Vijayanagar Empire drew water from

Category: Karnataka Gk

Hint: Consider the geographical location of the Vijayanagar Empire and the rivers nearby.

Correct Answer: D) Tungabadara

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

The Vijayanagar Empire, which flourished in South India from the 14th to the 16th century, was renowned for its advanced water management systems. One of the most significant waterworks among the ruins of the Vijayanagar Empire is the Hiriya canal. This canal was a crucial part of the empire's infrastructure, designed to provide water for irrigation and other essential purposes.

The Hiriya canal drew its water from the Tungabadra River, which is a major river in the region. The Tungabadra River is formed by the confluence of the Tunga and Bhadra rivers in Karnataka. It flows through the heart of the Vijayanagar Empire's territory, making it an ideal source for the canal. The Tungabadra River's proximity to the empire's capital and its abundant water supply made it the logical choice for the Hiriya canal's water source.

The Vijayanagar Empire's water management systems were highly sophisticated for their time. The Hiriya canal was part of a network of canals, tanks, and reservoirs that were designed to harness the water resources of the region. These systems were crucial for the empire's agricultural productivity and sustained its population. The canal's construction and maintenance were a testament to the engineering skills and administrative capabilities of the Vijayanagar rulers.

Understanding the geographical context is essential to answering this question correctly. The Vijayanagar Empire was located in the Deccan Plateau, and the Tungabadra River was a significant waterway in this region. The other rivers mentioned in the options, such as the Godavari and Krishna, while important, are not the source of the Hiriya canal. The Saraswati River, mentioned in ancient texts, is not a major river in the region of the Vijayanagar Empire.

Thus, the Hiriya canal's water source is the Tungabadra River, which is a key geographical feature of the region where the Vijayanagar Empire was located. This knowledge is crucial for understanding the historical and geographical context of the empire's water management systems.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The Godavari River is not the source of the Hiriya canal. The Godavari is located further north and does not flow through the region of the Vijayanagar Empire where the canal was constructed.
Option B: The Krishna River, while a significant river in the region, is not the source of the Hiriya canal. The canal was specifically designed to draw water from the Tungabadra River, which is closer to the Vijayanagar Empire's territory.
Option C: The Saraswati River is not a major river in the region of the Vijayanagar Empire. It is more associated with ancient Indian texts and mythology, and not a source of water for the Hiriya canal.
Option D: The Tungabadra River is the correct source of the Hiriya canal. This river flows through the region where the Vijayanagar Empire was located, and the canal was constructed to draw water from it for irrigation and other purposes.

Mnemonic: Think "T" for Tungabadra, the source of the Hiriya canal.

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