Question map
Which empire did Niccolo de Conti, Abdur Razzaq, Afanasy Nikitin and Fernao Nuniz visit ?
Explanation
The Vijayanagara Empire was a major destination for international travelers during the 15th and 16th centuries. Niccolo de Conti, an Italian merchant, visited the capital city around 1420-21 during the reign of Deva Raya I [1]. Abdur Razzaq, an ambassador from the Persian ruler Shah Rukh, visited in the 1440s and provided detailed descriptions of the city's fortifications [1]. Afanasy Nikitin, a Russian merchant, traveled through the region in the late 15th century [1]. Fernao Nuniz, a Portuguese horse trader, visited during the 16th century and left a comprehensive account of the empire's history and social customs [2]. These accounts collectively serve as vital historical sources for understanding the architectural, political, and social landscape of the Vijayanagara Empire, particularly the ruins of Hampi [1].
Sources
- [1] THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART II, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: An Imperial Capital: Vijayanagara > Finding out about the city > p. 176
- [2] Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science, Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 2: Reshaping India’s Political Map > DON'T MISS OUT > p. 35