Understanding the Description of Krishnadeva Raya

The question asks about the author of a specific physical description of the famous South Indian ruler, Krishnadeva Raya.

Such descriptions are often found in historical chronicles written by visitors to the ruler's court during that period.

Analyzing the Description of Krishnadeva Raya

The statement provided offers a vivid physical description of Krishnadeva Raya:

"of medium height, and of fair complexion and good figure rather fat than thin; he has on his face signs of smallpox"

This detailed account helps historians understand the appearance of prominent historical figures.

Identifying the Foreign Traveler

Several foreign travelers visited the Vijayanagara Empire during its flourishing period, particularly during the reign of Krishnadeva Raya. Their accounts serve as crucial primary sources for studying the history, society, and administration of the empire.

The options listed are names of foreign travelers who visited India, though not all visited Vijayanagara or at the time of Krishnadeva Raya.

• Domingo Paes: A Portuguese traveler who visited the Vijayanagara Empire around 1520-1522 CE, during the reign of Krishnadeva Raya. His account, the "Chronica dos Reis de Bisnaga", is one of the most detailed descriptions of Vijayanagara, its city, court, and ruler.
• Afanasi Nikitin: A Russian merchant who traveled in India in the late 15th century (1466-1472), primarily visiting the Bahmani Sultanate. His travels predated Krishnadeva Raya's reign (1509-1529).
• Marco Polo: A famous Venetian traveler who explored various parts of Asia in the late 13th and early 14th centuries. His visits to India were much earlier than Krishnadeva Raya's time and focused on different regions.
• Fernão Nuniz: Another Portuguese traveler who visited Vijayanagara. His visit is usually placed later than Paes', around 1535-1537 CE, during the reign of Achyuta Deva Raya (Krishnadeva Raya's successor), though he might have been there briefly at the very end of Krishnadeva Raya's rule. His chronicle is also important but this specific description is attributed to Paes.

Historical analysis confirms that the specific physical description of Krishnadeva Raya, including the mention of smallpox signs and his build, comes from the account of Domingo Paes.

Therefore, the statement was written by Domingo Paes.

Revision Table: Foreign Visitors to Vijayanagara

Additional Information: The Reign of Krishnadeva Raya

Krishnadeva Raya ruled the Vijayanagara Empire from 1509 to 1529 CE. His reign is widely considered the most prosperous and successful period of the empire.

• He was renowned for his military prowess, administrative skills, and patronage of arts and literature.
• He successfully defended the empire against external threats and expanded its territories.
• His court was home to scholars and poets, including the famous Ashtadiggajas.
• He also undertook significant construction projects, including temples and irrigation tanks.
• The accounts of travelers like Domingo Paes provide valuable eyewitness details about the grandeur and daily life in Vijayanagara under his rule.