Question

Which Vijayanagara ruler took pride in the title, “establisher of the Yavana kingdom”?

• A. Harihara Raya
• B. Rama Raya
• C. Krishnadeva Raya
• D. Bukka Raya

Hint:

Remember that Harihara I and Bukka I were the founding Sangama rulers of Vijayanagara.
Bukka Raya I is specifically associated with the title “establisher of the Yavana kingdom”.
For Vijayanagara questions, carefully distinguish the Sangama, Saluva, Tuluva, and Aravidu dynasties.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Concept:
The Vijayanagara Empire was founded in 1336 by Harihara and Bukka of the Sangama dynasty.
The rulers of Vijayanagara adopted several grand titles to emphasise their military achievements, political authority, and role as protectors of the Hindu political order.
The title “establisher of the Yavana kingdom” is particularly associated with Bukka Raya I.

Step 1: Identifying Bukka Raya I:
Bukka Raya I was one of the founding rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire and succeeded Harihara I.
He ruled during the fourteenth century and played an important role in consolidating the territories of the emerging empire.
His reign was marked by military campaigns and expansion into neighbouring regions.

Step 2: Understanding the Title:
The term “Yavana” was commonly used in medieval Indian political and literary traditions to refer to Muslim rulers or peoples associated with the Islamic world.
Bukka Raya's political and military activities brought him into conflict and interaction with several Muslim powers of the Deccan.
The title “establisher of the Yavana kingdom” reflected his claimed political authority and military success in relation to these powers.

Step 3: Evaluating the Other Options:
Harihara Raya was the first ruler of the Sangama dynasty but is not associated with this particular title.
Rama Raya belonged to a much later period and became the dominant political figure of Vijayanagara during the sixteenth century.
Krishnadeva Raya was the most famous ruler of the Tuluva dynasty and is remembered for his military achievements, administration, and patronage of literature.
Final Answer:
Therefore, the correct answer is (D) Bukka Raya.