Women in Vijayanagara: Accounts of Nuniz
According to the Portuguese writer Fernao Nuniz, women in the Vijayanagara Empire were experts in wrestling, astrology, accounting, and soothsaying. They even served as administrative officials, judges, and palace guards.
Primary Reference: Standard Educational Reference
Archived:
Updated:
Exam Year
2021
Evidence Source
Link ↗According to Portuguese writer Nuniz, the women in Vijayanagara Empire were expert in which of the following areas?
1. Wrestling
2. Astrology
3. Accounting
4. SoothsayingSelect the correct answer using the code given below:
[UPSC CSE Pre 2021]
Detailed Solution & Historical Context
Concept
The Vijayanagara Empire was unique for its time regarding the public roles allowed for women. Unlike many contemporary societies, women here were active in professional, administrative, and even physical combat spheres.
Authentic Source Evidence
Fernao Nuniz, a Portuguese chronicler, observed that the King had women specialized as wrestlers, astrologers, and soothsayers. He specifically mentions women 'who write all the accounts of expenses' and those who act as judges, bailiffs, and palace guards.
Analytical Breakdown
Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic
"How did foreign travelers contribute to our understanding of Vijayanagara?"
Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip
"The inclusion of women in diverse professional roles like accounting and wrestling suggests that Vijayanagara society had a surprisingly high degree of social mobility and institutionalized training for women."
Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)
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