Economic Conditions Of Vijayanagar Kingdom
The Vijayanagar empire was one of the richest states then known to the world. Several foreign travellers, who visited the empire during the 15th and 16th centuries, have left glowing accounts of its splendour and wealth.
Agriculture
It was in a flourishing condition. It was the policy of its rulers to encourage agriculture in the different parts of the empire and to increase agricultural production by a wise irrigation policy. Nuniz, the Portuguese traveller, speaks of the construction of a dam and the excavation of canals.
Industries
Its agricultural wealth was supplemented by numerous industries, the most important of which were textiles, mining, and perfumery. Industries and crafts were regulated by guilas.
Trade and Commerce
There was flourishing inland, coastal and overseas trade which was an important source of general prosperity. The kingdom, according to. Abdur Razzak, had 300 sea ports. The most important commercial area on the west coast was Malabar. It had commercial relations with the islands of the Indian Ocean, Burma, the Malay Archipelago and China in the East, and Arabia, Persia, South Africa, Abyssinia and Portugal on the West. Among the exports, the main items were cloth, spices, rice, iron, sugar, etc. The main imports consisted of horses, elephants, pearls, copper, coral, mercury, China silks and velvets. Ships were used for coastal and overseas trade. Vijayanagar had its own ship-building establishments, but we do not know if ocean-going ships were built. Barbosa, another Portuguese traveller, says that south India got its ships built in the Maldive Islands.
Social Conditions
All contemporary evidence has referred to the marked economic contrast that existed between the rich and the poor. Duel fighting’ was in vogue and a prestigious form of deciding issues. The evils of Sati, polygamy and the dowry system were fully prevalent, while. prostitution was legalised and provided an additional source of revenue. By and large, however, the position of women was respectable. In their food habits, in spite of Brahmanism being a popular religion, non-vegetarian food was popular amongst the people, Amirs and royalty.
Religious Conditions
The kings themselves followed Vaishnavism but were tolerant of other religious sects including that of the Portuguese. The Brahmins were held in high esteem and animal sacrifices were common, especially during state festivals.
Art and Architecture
The Vijayanagar kings proved enthusiastic patrons of art and architecture Some of the finest palaces, temples and public offices, which were adorned with exquisite and paintings were the outcomes of their inspiration. The famous Hazara Rama temple, built by Krishna Devaraya is a perfect specimen of Hindu temple architecture. Numismatically, there was a fair amount of sophistication in their coinage which comprised of both gold and silver and was embedded with symbols of different gods and animals.
Literature
The state patronage extended to all languages viz., Sanskrit, Telugu, Tamil and Kannada and some rare pieces of literature were produced during this period. Sayana and his learned brother Madhava, the famous commentator on Vedas, were extended due to hospitality by Harihara I and Bukka. Krishnadeva Raya, himself a poet and author, gathered numerous intellectuals in his court. Music also flourished in the royal courts.
Foreign Travellers
Many foreign travellers visited the Vijayanagar empire during various periods and have left behind a wealth of information regarding the political, economic, social and cultural aspects of the empire. This information is helpful in reconstructing the history of Vijayanagar. Ibn Batuta, a Moroccan traveller has left a good account of the Vijayanagar empire under Harihara 1. Nicolo Conti, a Venetian traveller, visited during the reign of Devaraya I and has given graphical details about the social and religious conditions at Vijayanagar.
Abdur Razzaq, the Persian ambassador from the court of Shah Rukh of Samarkand to the court of Devaraya II has left an excellent account of the city of Vijayanagar. Domingo Paes and Duarte Barbosa were Portuguese travellers who were guests of Krishna Devaraya have also left behind valuable information while Fernando Nuniz, a Portuguese horse merchant wrote during the reign of Achyuta Devaraya.