Consider the following pairs: 1. Gajapati - Name of a powerful Dynasty in Orissa 2. Ashvapati - Deccan Sultans 3. Narapati - Rayas of Vijayanagara Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

In the medieval political landscape of South India, specific regnal titles were used to signify the military strength and divine associations of various rulers. The term 'Gajapati', meaning 'lord of elephants', refers to the powerful Suryavamsi dynasty that ruled Orissa (modern Odisha) during the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries [2]. In the popular traditions of the Vijayanagara Empire, the Deccan Sultans (specifically the Bahmani rulers) were referred to as 'Ashvapati' or 'lord of horses', reflecting their superior cavalry [2]. Conversely, the Rayas of Vijayanagara were known as 'Narapati' or 'lord of men', emphasizing their vast human resources and infantry [2]. These titles were part of a broader cultural and political nomenclature where 'Pati' (lord) was combined with the primary military asset of the state to denote sovereignty and stature [2]. Thus, all three pairs are correctly matched.

Sources

1. [1] THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART II, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: An Imperial Capital: Vijayanagara > Elephants, horses and men > p. 172
2. [2] Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science, Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 2: Reshaping India’s Political Map > THINK ABOUT IT > p. 32