π Topic 03 of 6 Β· Chapter 09 Β· Vijayanagara & Bahmani
Vijayanagara Society, Economy & Trade
Social structure, trade with Arabs and Portuguese, Hampi’s prosperity, Domingo Paes and Nuniz accounts.
π₯ Vijayanagara Society
- Caste system existed but was less rigid than in North India
- Women’s status: Relatively high β women soldiers, wrestlers, accountants, astrologers at court
- Devadasi system: Temple dancers; described by foreign travellers
- Sati: Practised among upper classes; described by Domingo Paes
- Religious tolerance: Vijayanagara was a Hindu kingdom but tolerated Muslims and Christians
- Muslim traders and soldiers were employed
π° Vijayanagara Economy
Agriculture:
- Agriculture was the backbone of the economy
- Extensive irrigation β tanks, canals, wells
- Main crops: Rice, cotton, sugarcane, spices
- Land revenue was the main source of state income
Trade and Commerce:
- Vijayanagara was a major centre of international trade
- Exports: Cotton textiles, spices (pepper, cardamom), iron, steel, precious stones
- Imports: Horses (from Arabia and Persia), elephants, copper, mercury
- Trade with Arabs, Persians, Portuguese, Chinese
- Horses were crucial for military β imported through Portuguese and Arab traders
- Major ports: Calicut, Cannanore, Bhatkal, Mangalore
β Horse Trade: Vijayanagara’s biggest strategic weakness was dependence on imported horses. India’s climate was not suitable for breeding war horses. Vijayanagara imported thousands of horses annually from Arabia and Persia through Portuguese traders. This was a major expense but essential for maintaining cavalry superiority over the Deccan Sultanates.
π Foreign Travellers’ Accounts
| Traveller | Period | Key Observations |
|---|---|---|
| Abdur Razzaq (Persian) | 1443 CE (Deva Raya II) | Described Vijayanagara as the most magnificent city; described the market, palace, and festivals |
| Nicolo Conti (Italian) | 1420 CE | Described Vijayanagara’s size and prosperity; estimated population at 90,000 |
| Domingo Paes (Portuguese) | 1520 CE (Krishnadevaraya) | “Best provided city in the world”; described Krishnadevaraya as “most feared and perfect king” |
| Fernao Nuniz (Portuguese) | 1535 CE | Described Vijayanagara’s administration, army, and social customs |
ποΈ Administrative Systems
- Nayankara system: Military feudalism β Nayakas (military commanders) given land grants (amaram) for military service and tribute payment
- Ayagar system: Village administration by 12 hereditary officials (Ayagars) β accountant, watchman, carpenter, blacksmith, etc. β paid in land grants (manyam)
- Revenue: Land revenue (6/11 of produce), trade taxes, tribute from Nayakas
π Exam Tip:
β’ Nayankara system = military feudalism = Nayakas given amaram (land grants)
β’ Ayagar system = village administration = 12 hereditary officials = paid in manyam
β’ Domingo Paes = Portuguese = visited Krishnadevaraya = “best provided city”
β’ Abdur Razzaq = Persian = visited Deva Raya II = magnificent city
β’ Vijayanagara imported horses from Arabia/Persia through Portuguese
β’ Nayankara system = military feudalism = Nayakas given amaram (land grants)
β’ Ayagar system = village administration = 12 hereditary officials = paid in manyam
β’ Domingo Paes = Portuguese = visited Krishnadevaraya = “best provided city”
β’ Abdur Razzaq = Persian = visited Deva Raya II = magnificent city
β’ Vijayanagara imported horses from Arabia/Persia through Portuguese