Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
coast ports. Hampi became quite cosmopolitan, with people from various parts of India as
well as from abroad mingling in the bazaars.
Portuguese chronicler Domingo Paez arrived in Vijayanagar during the reign of one of
its greatest kings, Krishnadevaraya (r 1509-29). During his rule Vijayanagar enjoyed a
period of unparalleled prosperity and power.
Paez recorded the achievements of the Vijayanagars and described how they had con-
structed large water tanks and irrigated their fields. He also described how human and an-
imal sacrifices were carried out to propitiate the gods after one of the water tanks had
burst repeatedly. He included detail about the fine houses that belonged to wealthy mer-
chants and the bazaars full of precious stones (rubies, diamonds, emeralds, pearls), textiles
(including silk) and 'every other sort of thing there is on earth and that you may wish to
buy'.
Like the Bahmanis, the Vijayanagar kings invested heavily in protecting their territory
and trading links. Krishnadevaraya employed Portuguese and Muslim mercenaries to
guard the forts and protect his domains. He also fostered good relations with the Por-
tuguese, upon whom he depended for access to trade goods, especially the Arab horses he
needed for his cavalry.
A History of South India from Prehistoric Times to the Fall of Vijayanagar
by KA Nilakanta Sastri is arguably the most
thorough history of this region; especially recommended if you're heading for Hampi.
