CDS 2015 (I)

Vijayanagara Global Relations

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Which empire did Nicolo de Conti, Abdur Razzaq, Afanasy Nikitin and Fernao Nuniz visit?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: B

Concept Between the 15th and 16th centuries, the Vijayanagara Empire was a global hub for trade and diplomacy, attracting merchants and ambassadors from Europe, Persia, and Russia who documented its immense wealth.

Explanation Nicolo de Conti (Italian, 1420) and Abdur Razzaq (Persian, 1443) both visited during the reign of Deva Raya II. Afanasy Nikitin (Russian, 1469) provided rare insights during Virupaksha Raya II's time, and Fernao Nuniz (Portuguese, 1535) wrote a comprehensive history during the reign of Achyuta Deva Raya.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: These travelers span different centuries but their common destination was the 'City of Victory' (Vijayanagara), which they described as one of the most prosperous cities in the world.
Logic 2: Other empires like the Rashtrakutas or Kannauj were either too early or not the primary focus of these specific 15th-16th century travelers.

Active Recall

Question

What was the common observation among these travelers?

Answer

They all marveled at the city's fortification, the king's massive army, and the thriving markets filled with precious stones and textiles.

Core Insight

Foreign accounts are vital because they provide an outsider's objective view of the social and economic conditions that local court poets often exaggerated.