Who among the following rulers of Vijayanagara Empire constructed a large dam across Tungabhadra River and a canal-cum-aqueduct several kilometres long from the river to the capital city?

Answer: A. Devaraya I of Vijayanagara built the Tungabhadra dam and aqueduct to the capital. Devaraya I (reigned 1406-1422 CE) of the Sangama dynasty undertook a major irrigation engineering project to address water scarcity in Vijayanagara (Hampi). He built a DAM ACROSS THE TUNGABHADRA river and constructed a long canal-aqueduct system to bring water to the capital city, supporting urban population, irrigation and royal gardens. Italian traveller Nicolo Conti and Portuguese chroniclers commented on these works. Devaraya I was succeeded by Devaraya II, under whom the empire reached its zenith. Distractors: (B) Mallikarjuna (1446-1465) presided over a period of decline. (C) Vira Vijaya (later 14th c) was an earlier ruler. (D) Virupaksha (Saluva dynasty, late 15th c) was towards the end of the Sangama line. Source: NCERT Class 12 Themes in Indian History Part II Ch 7 (An Imperial Capital: Vijayanagara).