Who of the following rulers of medieval India gave permission to the Portuguese to build a fort at Bhatkal?
(a) Krishnadevaraya
(b) Narasimha Saluva
(c) Muhammad Shah III
(d) Yusuf Adil Shah
Correct Answer: (a) Krishnadevaraya
- Krishnadevaraya: The Portuguese Governor Afonso de Albuquerque sought and received permission from Krishnadevaraya to build a fort at Bhatkal. Krishnadevaraya was a prominent ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire and maintained friendly relations with the Portuguese, facilitating their strategic and commercial interests in the region.
- Narasimha Saluva: There is no historical evidence indicating that Narasimha Saluva granted permission to the Portuguese to build a fort at Bhatkal. He was a ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire but did not engage in such diplomatic relations with the Portuguese.
- Muhammad Shah III: Muhammad Shah III was the Sultan of the Bahmani Sultanate and did not have the authority over Bhatkal to grant such permissions. His reign was marked by conflicts with other regional powers, but not by granting permissions to the Portuguese for fort construction.
- Yusuf Adil Shah: Yusuf Adil Shah was the founder of the Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur. While he had interactions with the Portuguese, there is no record of him granting permission to build a fort at Bhatkal. His engagements with the Portuguese were more conflictual, particularly over the control of Goa.
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- Krishnadevaraya:
- Reign: 1509-1529, considered the greatest ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire.
- Diplomacy: Maintained friendly relations with the Portuguese, allowing them to build forts and trading posts.
- Cultural Contributions: Authored the Telugu work “Amuktamalyada” and patronized literature and arts.
- Military Achievements: Expanded the empire and secured its borders against the Bahmani Sultanate and other adversaries.
- Narasimha Saluva:
- Reign: Founder of the Saluva dynasty within the Vijayanagara Empire.
- Military Campaigns: Known for consolidating power and defending the empire against internal and external threats.
- Diplomatic Relations: Did not engage in significant diplomatic relations with the Portuguese.
- Muhammad Shah III:
- Reign: Sultan of the Bahmani Sultanate from 1463 to 1482.
- Military Campaigns: Known for his invasions of Orissa and conflicts with regional powers.
- Administrative Reforms: Implemented standard measurements and land valuations.
- Yusuf Adil Shah:
- Reign: Founder of the Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur, ruled from 1489 to 1510.
- Diplomatic Relations: Engaged in both conflict and cooperation with the Portuguese, particularly over Goa.
- Cultural Contributions: Promoted arts and invited scholars to his court.
