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. From 1498 other actors appeared on the scene. These were the Portuguese, who arrived on the west coast of the subcontinent and attempted to establish trading and military stations. In fact, Vijayanagara was also noted for its markets dealing in spices, textiles and precious stones.
A line that came right after the last sentence of the passage has been left out. It tells how trade was looked upon in places like Vijayanagara. Which of the following does that line state?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Trade was regarded as a status symbol for such cities
Option (1) Trade was regarded as the concern of foreign merchants — Incorrect. Arab traders and later the Portuguese were important in the horse trade. Yet the city's own markets in spices, textiles and stones were a matter of local pride.
Option (2) Trade was regarded as a status symbol for such cities — Correct. The left-out line states that trade was often regarded as a status symbol for such cities. Their wealthy population demanded high-value exotic goods, especially precious stones and jewellery.
Option (3) Trade was regarded as a privilege of the military chiefs — Incorrect. The nayakas were military chiefs who held power in the provinces. Trade in the city's markets is tied to its wealthy buyers, and the line is silent on the chiefs.
Option (4) Trade was regarded as a duty of the temple authorities — Incorrect. Temples drew pilgrims and gifts, and some became centres of trade. The line on Vijayanagara's markets speaks of the city's pride and its rich buyers instead.
NCERT (2026-27): “2.1 Kings and traders … |