Trade with Vijayanagar in the Sixteenth Century:

In the sixteenth century, the bulk of the Portuguese trade was with Vijayanagar. This was primarily due to the fact that Vijayanagar was a powerful empire in South India during that time and had significant economic resources.

Reasons for Trade with Vijayanagar:
- Vijayanagar was a major center of trade and commerce in South India, attracting merchants and traders from various regions.
- The empire had a strong economy based on agriculture, trade, and crafts, which made it an attractive destination for foreign trade.
- Vijayanagar had access to important trade routes that connected it with other regions, making it a strategic hub for trade in the Indian Ocean region.

Portuguese Trade Relations with Vijayanagar:
- The Portuguese established trade relations with Vijayanagar to access valuable commodities such as spices, textiles, and precious stones.
- They also sought to establish a presence in the region to expand their influence and control over trade routes.
- The Portuguese traded goods such as textiles, metalware, and luxury items in exchange for spices like pepper, cinnamon, and cardamom from Vijayanagar.

Impact of Trade with Vijayanagar:
- The trade with Vijayanagar helped the Portuguese in expanding their commercial networks and gaining access to valuable resources.
- It also played a role in shaping the economic and political dynamics of the region, as the Portuguese influence grew in South India through their trade relations with Vijayanagar.

In conclusion, the trade with Vijayanagar in the sixteenth century was significant for the Portuguese due to the empire's economic importance and strategic location in South India.