The correct option is 1, 2 and 3 only
Explanation
The Vijayanagara Empire (1336-1646 CE) was located in the arid and semi-arid Deccan plateau, specifically within the natural basin formed by the Tungabhadra River. Due to the dry climate and rocky terrain, the rulers developed an elaborate hydraulic system comprising tanks, reservoirs, and canals to sustain agriculture and the large population of the capital city.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: The most striking feature of the Vijayanagara location is the natural basin formed by the Tungabhadra River. Streams flowing down from the surrounding granite hills were dammed by embankments to create reservoirs of varying sizes. This allowed the storage of rainwater and runoff in an otherwise dry region.
- Statement 2 is Correct: The Kamalapuram tank is one of the most significant hydraulic structures found in the region. It served a dual purpose: irrigating the nearby agricultural fields and supplying water through a channel to the "Royal Centre," the administrative hub of the capital.
- Statement 3 is Correct: The Hiriya canal is a prominent waterwork that drew water from a dam built across the Tungabhadra River. It irrigated the cultivated valley separating the "Sacred Centre" from the "Urban Core." Historical records attribute its construction to the kings of the Sangama dynasty (the first dynasty of the empire).
- Statement 4 is Incorrect: The region surrounding Vijayanagara (modern-day Hampi) is arid and rocky, not one of the most fertile or wet zones of the peninsula. The elaborate water management system was a necessity precisely because the region lacked abundant natural rainfall and fertility compared to river deltas like that of the Kaveri.
Key Takeaway
Vijayanagara Water Management: The empire is renowned for its advanced hydraulic engineering, necessitated by its arid geography. Key structures include the Kamalapuram tank (Royal Centre supply) and the Hiriya canal (Sangama dynasty), which utilized the Tungabhadra River basin effectively.