Consider the following statements regarding the titles used in popular traditions of Vijayanagara: 1. The Deccan Sultans were termed as ashvapati. 2. The Gajapati rulers of Orissa were termed as narapati. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is 1 only Explanation In the popular traditions and historical records of the Vijayanagara Empire, the geopolitical landscape of the Deccan and South India was often described through titles associated with the primary military strength of the respective ruling dynasties. These titles distinguished the Vijayanagara Rayas from their contemporary rivals. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Correct: The Deccan Sultans were referred to as ashvapati or "Lord of Horses." This title highlighted their heavy reliance on cavalry and their control over the trade of high-quality horses imported from West Asia, which was a crucial component of their military power. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: The rulers of Orissa were known as the Gajapati, meaning "Lord of Elephants," reflecting their powerful elephant corps. The term narapati, meaning "Lord of Men" (signifying large infantry), was the title used by the Vijayanagara Rayas for themselves, not for the rulers of Orissa. Key Takeaway: The three major powers were distinguished by their military assets: Ashvapati (Deccan Sultans - Horses), Gajapati (Orissa Rulers - Elephants), and Narapati (Vijayanagara Rayas - Infantry/Men).

NCERT Class 12 History — Chapter 3: An Imperial Capital: Vijayanagara (c. 14th - 16th centuries)

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Consider the following statements regarding the titles used in popular traditions of Vijayanagara:

The Deccan Sultans were termed as ashvapati.
The Gajapati rulers of Orissa were termed as narapati.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 only
B2 only
CBoth 1 and 2
DNeither 1 nor 2

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is

1 only

Explanation

In the popular traditions and historical records of the Vijayanagara Empire, the geopolitical landscape of the Deccan and South India was often described through titles associated with the primary military strength of the respective ruling dynasties. These titles distinguished the Vijayanagara Rayas from their contemporary rivals.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: The Deccan Sultans were referred to as ashvapati or "Lord of Horses." This title highlighted their heavy reliance on cavalry and their control over the trade of high-quality horses imported from West Asia, which was a crucial component of their military power.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The rulers of Orissa were known as the Gajapati, meaning "Lord of Elephants," reflecting their powerful elephant corps. The term narapati, meaning "Lord of Men" (signifying large infantry), was the title used by the Vijayanagara Rayas for themselves, not for the rulers of Orissa.

Key Takeaway:
The three major powers were distinguished by their military assets: Ashvapati (Deccan Sultans - Horses), Gajapati (Orissa Rulers - Elephants), and Narapati (Vijayanagara Rayas - Infantry/Men).

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The correct option is

1 only

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: The Deccan Sultans were referred to as ashvapati or "Lord of Horses." This title highlighted their heavy reliance on cavalry and their control over the trade of high-quality horses imported from West Asia, which was a crucial component of their military power.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The rulers of Orissa were known as the Gajapati, meaning "Lord of Elephants," reflecting their powerful elephant corps. The term narapati, meaning "Lord of Men" (signifying large infantry), was the title used by the Vijayanagara Rayas for themselves, not for the rulers of Orissa.