Medieval sieges often aimed to starve the defenders into submission. Which strategy did the rulers of Vijayanagara adopt to meet this threat, departing from the usual practice of rulers?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Protecting the agricultural belt itself within the fortified area
Option (1) Protecting the agricultural belt itself within the fortified area — Correct. Vijayanagara chose a more expensive and elaborate strategy of protecting the agricultural belt itself. Fields inside the walls kept food coming during a long siege.
Option (2) Building large granaries within the fortified area — Incorrect. Building large granaries inside forts was the normal way rulers prepared for sieges. Vijayanagara went further and walled in its fields.
Option (3) Buying grain in bulk from Portuguese traders — Incorrect. The Portuguese came mainly as traders and soldiers on the coast. Grain bought from them would be cut off once a siege began.
Option (4) Moving the people of the city to nearby hill forts — Incorrect. Hill forts would leave the capital and its fields open to the enemy. Vijayanagara instead kept its farm belt inside the walls.
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