Which of the following was a major cause of conflict between the Vijayanagara Empire and the Bahmani Sultanate, occasionally escalating into full-scale wars?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Solution: The correct answer is Rival claims over the fertile Raichur Doab and tensions over economic practices like the levy on prostitution.
Explanation:
☛ The primary bone of contention between the Vijayanagara Empire and the Bahmani Sultanate was the control over the Raichur Doab.
☛ The Raichur Doab is a fertile tract of land situated between the Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers, which was rich in agriculture and mineral resources (including diamond mines).
☛ Both states also competed for control over the ports of Goa and the Konkan coast to dominate the lucrative overseas horse trade from Arabia and Persia.
☛ Along with geopolitical and territorial ambitions, varying tax structures and revenue practices—such as state regulation and levies on certain urban trades and prostitution—contributed to regional friction and recurrent warfare.
Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ Founding Years: The Vijayanagara Empire was founded in 1336 by Harihara I and Bukka I, while the Bahmani Sultanate was established in 1347 by Alauddin Bahman Shah (Hasan Gangu).
☛ Krishna-Godavari Delta: Besides the Raichur Doab, both empires frequently fought over the fertile delta region of the Krishna and Godavari rivers, which had rich agrarian output and vital foreign trade ports.
☛ Battle of Talikota (1565): Also known as the Battle of Rakshasi-Tangadi, this decisive battle was fought between the Vijayanagara Empire and the combined armies of the Deccan Sultanates, leading to the decline of Vijayanagara.
Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ Which river served as the traditional northern boundary of the Vijayanagara Empire? → Tungabhadra River
☛ Who was the greatest ruler of the Tuluva dynasty in Vijayanagara? → Krishnadevaraya
☛ Which Persian ambassador visited the court of Deva Raya II of Vijayanagara? → Abdur Razzaq
☛ What was the initial capital of the Bahmani Sultanate? → Gulbarga (Ahsanabad)
☛ Which foreign traveler described the grandeur and bazaars of Vijayanagara during Krishnadevaraya's reign? → Domingo Paes