60th-62nd BPSC (Pre) 2016

Diplomacy in Vijayanagara

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Under which king did Persian traveller Abdur Razzak visit?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept Abdur Razzaq’s embassy represents the high point of 15th-century diplomatic relations between India and Persia. His detailed accounts are the reason we know about the empire's vast territory and sophisticated administration.

Explanation Abdur Razzaq, the ambassador of Shah Rukh of Persia, visited the Vijayanagara Empire in 1443 during the reign of Deva Raya II. In his book, *Matla-us-Sadain*, he famously described Vijayanagara as a city 'the like of which eye has not seen nor has ear heard of any resembling it in the whole world.'

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Deva Raya II was the greatest ruler of the Sangama dynasty, and under him, the empire reached its early peak of stability and wealth.
Logic 2: Razzaq provides specific details about the seven lines of fortification that protected the capital, which align with archaeological findings at Hampi.

Active Recall

Question

How did Abdur Razzaq describe the city's structure?

Answer

He noted seven layers of fortifications that enclosed not just the city but also agricultural fields and forests.

Core Insight

Abdur Razzaq's account proves that Vijayanagara was recognized as a top-tier global power as early as the mid-15th century.