Horse trade
Topic: Vijayanagara and the Deccan · NCERT: Class 12, Ch 3 "An Imperial Capital: Vijayanagara"
Meaning
In the 15th and 16th centuries, the Deccan and south India brought in war horses from Arabia and Central Asia. Wars were won by cavalry (soldiers on horseback), so horses were a vital need for every state. At first Arab traders controlled this trade, and local horse merchants called kudirai chettis took part. From 1498 the Portuguese became important players too.
Example
Krishnadeva Raya's Amuktamalyada advises the king to keep merchants who bring horses and elephants close. He should meet them every day, give them presents and let them make "decent profits". Then "those articles will never go to your enemies." The Portuguese were also treated well, so that their horses would not reach rival kingdoms.
Don't confuse with
- Spice and textile trade: these goods were sold in the city's markets and brought in revenue. Horses were different because they were a military need.