Identifying 15th-Century Travellers to Vijayanagara

The question asks us to identify which of the listed travellers visited the magnificent city of Vijayanagara during the 15th century. The 15th century spans the years 1401 to 1500 AD. We need to examine the time period each traveller visited the region, specifically the Vijayanagara Empire.

Analysis of Each Traveller's Visit

• Domingo Paes: A Portuguese traveller who visited the Vijayanagara Empire during the reign of Krishnadevaraya. His detailed account is from around 1520-1522 AD, which falls in the 16th century. Therefore, Domingo Paes did not visit in the 15th century.
• Abdur Razzaq: A Persian ambassador who visited the Vijayanagara Empire during the reign of Deva Raya II. His visit took place in 1443-1444 AD. This period is clearly within the 15th century. Thus, Abdur Razzaq visited Vijayanagara in the 15th century.
• Afanasi Nikitin: A Russian merchant who travelled to India, primarily the Deccan region (including parts ruled by the Bahmani Sultanate, often rivals of Vijayanagara). His travels in India were from 1466 to 1472 AD. While historians debate if he visited the city of Vijayanagara itself, his extensive account of South India during this period is from the 15th century and is highly relevant to the historical context of Vijayanagara at that time. Based on common historical classifications regarding travellers to the Deccan in the 15th century, he is typically included.
• Fernão Nuniz: A Portuguese merchant and historian who visited the Vijayanagara Empire later than Paes, around 1535-1537 AD. His visit was during the reign of Achyuta Deva Raya. This period falls in the 16th century. Therefore, Fernão Nuniz did not visit in the 15th century.
• Nicolo de Conti: An Italian merchant who travelled through India, including the Vijayanagara Empire, in the early 15th century. His visit to Vijayanagara was around 1420-1421 AD. This period is within the 15th century. Thus, Nicolo de Conti visited Vijayanagara in the 15th century.

Summary of 15th-Century Visitors to Vijayanagara

Based on the periods of their visits, the travellers who visited Vijayanagara or the Deccan region within the 15th century are:

• Abdur Razzaq (1443-1444 AD) - 15th century
• Afanasi Nikitin (1466-1472 AD) - 15th century (travelled in the Deccan)
• Nicolo de Conti (1420-1421 AD) - 15th century

Domingo Paes and Fernão Nuniz visited in the 16th century.

Therefore, the travellers who visited the city of Vijayanagara during the 15th century among the given options are Abdur Razzaq (B), Afanasi Nikitin (C), and Nicolo de Conti (E).

Vijayanagara Empire Travellers Revision

Additional Information on Vijayanagara Visitors

Foreign travellers who visited the Vijayanagara Empire provided valuable first-hand accounts that help historians reconstruct the history, society, economy, and administration of the empire. These accounts offer insights into various aspects, such as:

• The grandeur and layout of the capital city, Vijayanagara (Hampi).
• The prosperity of the empire and its trade activities.
• The military strength and organization.
• Social customs, festivals, and religious practices.
• The administrative system and the role of the king.

Each traveller had a different background (merchant, diplomat, etc.), which influenced their observations and the details they recorded. For instance, Nicolo de Conti and Fernão Nuniz were merchants and focused more on trade and economy, while Abdur Razzaq, a diplomat, provided details about the court and administration. Domingo Paes gave a vivid description of the city and its structures.

Studying these foreign accounts is crucial for understanding the Vijayanagara Empire from external perspectives, complementing the information available from local inscriptions and literature.