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?

1. The question asks to identify the ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire responsible for constructing a significant dam across the Tungabhadra River and an associated canal-cum-aqueduct system to supply water to the capital city (Vijayanagara/Hampi). 2. Historical accounts, including those by foreign travelers like Nuniz, and inscriptions credit Devaraya I (reigned c. 1406–1422) with undertaking major irrigation projects. 3. Specifically, Devaraya I is noted for building a dam on the Tungabhadra River and constructing a long aqueduct (often referred to as the Hiriya Canal) to bring water to the city and irrigate surrounding agricultural lands. 4. The other rulers listed – Mallikarjuna, Vira Vijaya (father of Devaraya II), and Virupaksha (usually referring to Virupaksha II) – are not primarily associated with this large-scale hydraulic engineering project. 5. Therefore, Devaraya I is the correct answer.