The economic life during the reign of Krishna Deva Raya (1509–1529 AD) was marked by prosperity, stability, and growth, largely due to his efficient administration, strategic trade policies, and a thriving agrarian economy. The Vijayanagara Empire, under his rule, became one of the wealthiest and most powerful empires in India, attracting traders, artisans, and diplomats from across the world. The economic strength of the empire was supported by agriculture, trade, industry, and a well-organized taxation system.
1. Agriculture: The Backbone of the Economy
Agriculture was the primary source of wealth for the Vijayanagara Empire and was crucial to sustaining its large population and economy. Krishna Deva Raya placed great emphasis on improving agricultural productivity and expanding irrigated lands.
- Irrigation Systems: Krishna Deva Raya invested in large-scale irrigation projects, which included the construction and maintenance of tanks, canals, and reservoirs to support agriculture. The fertile regions of the Krishna-Tungabhadra Doab (between the Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers) were particularly important for agriculture. These regions produced crops such as rice, wheat, sugarcane, cotton, and pulses, which were vital for both domestic consumption and trade.
- One of the notable irrigation projects was the Kamalapuram tank, which was constructed near the capital city of Hampi. This tank supported agricultural activities in the region and ensured a steady supply of water, even during dry seasons.
- Land Revenue System: The land revenue system formed the backbone of the Vijayanagara economy. Land was measured, and taxes were collected based on the quality and productivity of the land. Amaranayakas (feudal lords) were responsible for collecting taxes from the peasants and forwarding a portion of the revenue to the central treasury. Peasants were often granted land rights in exchange for paying taxes in kind (crops) or cash.
- Crop Diversity: Agriculture during Krishna Deva Raya’s reign was highly diverse, with the cultivation of grains, spices, vegetables, and fruits. Cash crops like cotton, sugarcane, and spices (especially pepper) were crucial for trade, both within India and internationally. The availability of surplus agricultural produce helped fuel the empire’s trade and ensured food security for its population.
2. Trade and Commerce
Trade and commerce flourished during Krishna Deva Raya’s reign, both within the empire and with foreign lands. The Vijayanagara Empire became a hub of international trade, with Hampi as one of the most important commercial centers in South India.
- Internal Trade: The empire had a well-developed network of internal trade routes that connected various parts of the vast territory. Goods such as textiles, spices, salt, grains, and luxury items were traded between cities, towns, and villages. The markets in cities like Hampi, Vijayanagara, and Penukonda were bustling with traders, artisans, and merchants who exchanged goods and services.
- International Trade: The international trade network of the Vijayanagara Empire extended across the Indian Ocean, linking the empire to Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Krishna Deva Raya maintained strong commercial relations with the Portuguese, who had established a colony in Goa. The Portuguese provided valuable goods such as horses, firearms, and luxury items in exchange for Indian spices, textiles, and precious stones.
- Portuguese Alliance: Krishna Deva Raya’s strategic alliance with the Portuguese helped secure his access to foreign goods, particularly Arabian horses, which were essential for maintaining his cavalry. The Portuguese also provided firearms and other military supplies, giving the Vijayanagara army a technological advantage in battles against its rivals.
- Coastal Trade: The empire’s coastal regions, particularly along the Coromandel Coast, were important centers for maritime trade. Ports such as Bhatkal, Mangalore, and Machilipatnam served as gateways for trade with Southeast Asia, Persia, and Europe. Indian spices, especially pepper and cardamom, were highly sought after in foreign markets, while textiles from the empire were prized commodities.
- Foreign Merchants: The presence of Arab, Persian, Portuguese, and Chinese traders in the empire contributed to the diversity of its markets. These traders brought goods such as silk, porcelain, horses, and luxury items, which were exchanged for Indian textiles, spices, and gems. The economic interaction between the Vijayanagara Empire and foreign merchants fostered a cosmopolitan atmosphere in major trade centers like Hampi.
- Textile Industry: The textile industry was one of the key contributors to the empire’s economy. Cotton textiles produced in regions like Kanchipuram and Madurai were highly valued for their quality and craftsmanship. These textiles were exported to foreign markets, particularly in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Silk weaving was also a prominent industry, with Kanchipuram silks being famous for their intricate designs and vibrant colors.
3. Urban Economy
Urban centers in the Vijayanagara Empire, especially the capital city of Hampi, were vibrant hubs of economic activity. The urban economy was fueled by the production and trade of goods such as textiles, metals, and luxury items, as well as by the patronage of the royal court.
- Hampi as a Commercial Hub: The capital city of Hampi was one of the wealthiest cities in the world during Krishna Deva Raya’s reign. The city had numerous bazaars (markets), where goods from across the empire and the world were traded. The Vithala Bazaar, for example, was a large market area near the famous Vithala Temple, where traders sold goods ranging from textiles to precious stones.
- Artisans and Craftsmen: Artisans and craftsmen played a crucial role in the urban economy, producing goods for both domestic use and export. Industries such as metalworking, stone carving, and jewelry making were highly developed. The temple complexes of Vijayanagara, with their intricate carvings and sculptures, were a testament to the skill of the artisans during Krishna Deva Raya’s reign.
- Coinage and Currency: The Vijayanagara Empire had a well-developed system of coinage, with coins made of gold, silver, and copper. Gold coins, known as pagodas, were widely used in trade and taxation. These coins bore the images of Hindu deities or the emperor himself and were used in both local and international transactions. The stability of the empire’s currency facilitated trade and commerce.
4. Taxation and Revenue
Krishna Deva Raya implemented an efficient system of taxation that helped generate substantial revenue for the empire while ensuring economic stability.
- Land Revenue: The primary source of income for the state was land revenue, which was collected based on the fertility and productivity of the land. The revenue assessment was carried out by state officials, who ensured that taxes were collected fairly. Farmers were taxed in kind (crops) or cash, depending on their produce and the region’s economic conditions. The revenue collected was used to maintain the army, build infrastructure, and support religious and cultural activities.
- Customs and Duties: The empire also generated revenue from customs duties on goods traded within the empire and at ports. Traders, both local and foreign, were required to pay duties on goods they bought and sold. The bustling trade in textiles, spices, horses, and luxury items provided a steady stream of income for the state.
- Temple Revenue: Temples in the Vijayanagara Empire were not only religious centers but also important economic institutions. They owned vast tracts of land, which generated significant revenue. Temples also acted as banks, lending money to merchants and farmers. The wealth accumulated by temples was often used to finance public works, religious festivals, and the construction of new temples.
5. Role of the Amaranayakas
The Amaranayakas (feudal lords or governors) played a significant role in the economic life of the empire. They were responsible for managing the Amara (land grants) they received from the king and ensuring the collection of taxes and maintenance of law and order in their territories. In return, they maintained armies that could be called upon by the emperor during times of war.
- Economic Responsibilities: The Amaranayakas were tasked with collecting taxes, ensuring agricultural productivity, and supporting local infrastructure. They were also responsible for ensuring the prosperity of the regions under their control, which contributed to the overall economic stability of the empire.
- Economic Support for the King: In addition to their administrative duties, the Amaranayakas provided the emperor with financial and military support. During Krishna Deva Raya’s reign, the income from these territories helped finance his military campaigns and public works projects.
6. Public Works and Infrastructure
Krishna Deva Raya invested in building infrastructure that supported both the economy and the wellbeing of his subjects. His reign saw the construction of roads, temples, tanks, and irrigation systems, which contributed to the prosperity of the empire.
- Roads and Transportation: Well-maintained roads facilitated trade and communication across the vast empire. These roads connected urban centers, ports, and agricultural regions, ensuring the smooth flow of goods and people. The empire’s road network was essential for the efficient collection of taxes and the movement of the army.
- Temples as Economic Centers: Temples were not just religious structures but also economic centers that played a key role in the local economy. Large temple complexes, such as the Virupaksha Temple in Hampi, were hubs of economic activity, attracting pilgrims, traders, and artisans. The construction and maintenance of temples provided employment to thousands of artisans, laborers, and craftsmen.
Conclusion
The economic life under Krishna Deva Raya was marked by agricultural prosperity, flourishing trade, and a well-structured administrative system. The emperor’s policies, such as the promotion of irrigation, the encouragement of trade, and the efficient collection of taxes, contributed to the wealth and stability of the Vijayanagara Empire. His reign not only ensured the economic success of his empire but also left a lasting legacy of prosperity and cultural growth.
