“It may be that, among Indian states, the Vijayanagara state does come closest to some form of ‘feudalism’, but the difference between this ‘war state’ and others in Europe and Japan to which the label ‘feudal’ has been applied are so fundamental that the concept does not provide a useful framework for discussing the social order at the time”.
Identifying the Author of the Vijayanagara Feudalism Statement
The question asks to identify the author of a specific statement regarding the Vijayanagara state and its relation to the concept of 'feudalism'. The statement argues that while the Vijayanagara state might resemble feudalism among Indian states, its fundamental differences from European and Japanese feudal systems make the 'feudalism' concept an unhelpful framework for understanding its social order.
Attributing the Statement to Burton Stein
The statement provided is attributed to the historian Burton Stein. Stein was a prominent scholar of South Indian history, particularly known for his work on the Vijayanagara Empire.
Stein extensively researched and wrote about the nature of the state and society in medieval South India. His work often challenged conventional interpretations, including the application of European historical models like feudalism to Indian contexts. The quote reflects Stein's critical approach to applying broad historical labels across different cultural and political systems.
Therefore, based on historical scholarship and Stein's known perspectives on the Vijayanagara state, he is the author of this statement.
Conclusion
The author of the statement critically examining the applicability of 'feudalism' to the Vijayanagara state is Burton Stein.
Important Questions from The Vijayanagara and the Bahmanis
Which of the following Dynasties established the kingdom of Vijayanagara?
Who among the foreign travellers visited Vijayanagar empire during the time of Achyuta Deve Raya.
Match List-I with List-II:
List-I List-II (A) Alexander Greenlaw (I) Documenting the inscriptions on the temple walls (B) John Marshall (II) Visits Vijayanagara in 1800 (C) J.F. Fleet (III) Conservation works of Vijayanagara began under him (D) Colin Mackenzie (IV) Detailed photography at Hampi Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Who, amongst the following, founded the Vijayanagara Empire?
Which among the following travellers visited the city of Vijayanagara during the 15th century?
- Domingo Paes
- Abdur Razzaq
- Afanasi Nikitin
- Ferñao Nuniz
- Nicolo de Conti
