Who were the kudirai chettis in the Vijayanagara Empire?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Horse Merchants
Kudirai chettis were local communities of horse merchants who took part, with the Arab traders, in the import of horses that the Vijayanagara rulers needed for their cavalry.
Note: A same/similar question was asked in CUET (UG) in the papers below.
| 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
| – | 30-05 S1 | – | 17-06 S3* | – |
* A similar question.
NCERT (2026-27): “2.1 Kings and traders … As warfare during these times depended upon effective cavalry, the import of horses from Arabia and Central Asia was very important for rival kingdoms. This trade was initially controlled by Arab traders. Local communities of merchants known as kudirai chettis or horse merchants also participated in these exchanges. From 1498 other actors appeared on the scene.…” |