Society in Vijaynagar Empire | History Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

Society in Vijayanagara Empire 

Social Life in the Vijayanagar Empire:

• Foreign travelers such as Nuniz, Paes, Nicolo Conti, and Barbosa wrote detailed accounts of the impressive buildings and luxurious social life in the city of Vijayanagar.

Royal Court 

• The king and his courtiers lived a very luxurious and extravagant life, which was very different from the modest living standards of the common people.
• The common people had to bear the burden of heavy taxation to support the lavish lifestyle of the king and his courtiers.
• The palace had a large number of establishments attached to it, which included a significant number of women chosen for their youth and beauty.
• Some of these women were brought from abroad, while others were captured in war and enslaved.
• Many of these women were courtesans skilled in music and dance, while others were concubines of princes, nobles, and courtiers.
• Paes mentions the beautiful houses of the rich and the large number of household servants they had.
• Nicolo Conti refers to the prevalence of slavery in society.

Caste System 

Caste in Vijayanagar Society:

• The caste system was a widely accepted form of social organization in the Vijayanagar Empire, impacting both social and economic aspects of life.
• In his renowned work Manucharitramu, the poet Allasani Peddana describes the four main castes of Vijayanagar society:
• Brahmins
• Kshatriyas
• Vaisya
• Sudras

Position of Different Castes in the Society 

Brahmins:

• In civil society, Brahmins held a highly respected position. Most focused on religious and literary pursuits, with only a few entering state service.
• Nuniz described them as honest and talented, skilled in merchandise and accounts, though not suited for hard labor.
• According to Domingo Paes, Brahmins were vegetarians, and their women were known for their beauty and seclusion.

Kshatriyas:

• Kshatriyas were typically associated with ruling dynasties, assisting them in state matters and warfare. Most nobles and men of rank belonged to this caste.

Vaisyas:

• The Vaisyas were primarily merchants engaged in trade and commercial activities.

Upper Castes:

• These upper castes enjoyed the privileges of their status, were economically well-placed, commanded royal favors, and were fortunate to be educated.

Sudras:

• Sudras were considered inferior in status and performed manual services for their livelihood.
• Both in towns and villages, castes tended to live in separate quarters and followed their own customs and habits.

Outcastes:

• Outcastes who tilled the land and did menial work often lived in hamlets distant from the village.

Position of Women in the Society 

Role of Women in the Vijayanagar Empire:

• Women in the Vijayanagar Empire played a significant role in social life. Despite not seeing an improvement in their overall position, some women were highly learned and received training in various fields.
• They were trained in literary and fine arts such as music, as well as in wrestling. Women also worked as astrologers,account keepers, and even judges.
• Royal princesses typically received a good education in literature and fine arts. Notable figures include Gangadevi, the wife of Kampana, who authored the famous work Maduravijayam, and Triumalamma, a distinguished Sanskrit poetess during the time of Achyutaraya.
• According to historian Nuniz, many women were employed in palaces as dancers,domestic servants, and palki bearers.
• The custom of devadasis, where dancing girls were attached to temples, was prevalent. These devadasis were also called upon for festivities held in the royal palace.
• Polygamy was recognized and practiced, particularly among the wealthy and royal families.
• Child marriage was a common practice during this time.
• Nuniz noted that the practice of sati was in vogue, and polygamy was prevalent among royal families.

Amusements 

Amusements in Vijayanagar Empire:

• Relaxation Activities: People in Vijayanagar unwound from work through activities like hunting, gambling, polo, theatrical performances, and cock fighting.
• Daily Routine of Krishnadevaraya: According to Paes, the emperor Krishnadevaraya started his day before dawn by drinking gingelly oil and exercising with earthenware weights and a sword. He then wrestled with a wrestler, followed by riding before his morning bath.
• Royal Amusements: Within the royal palace,animal fights and wrestling matches were organized for the entertainment of the monarch and his court. There were even women wrestlers participating in these events.
• Festivals and Fairs: These occasions provided additional means of amusement for the people of Vijayanagar.

Dress and Food Habits 

Dress and Food in Ancient Society:

• Clothing: People mainly wore clothes made of silk and cotton. They also used perfumes,flowers, and ornaments for personal adornment.
• Diet: Both kings and the general public consumed a variety of meats, excluding the flesh of oxen or cows. Animal sacrifices were a common practice. However, certain groups such as Brahmins,Jains, and Saivas followed strict vegetarian diets.

Religion 

The Early Rulers of Vijayanagar and Their Religious Influences:

• The early rulers of Vijayanagar, from the Sangama dynasty, were primarily Saivaites, with their family deity being Virupaksha.
• Over time, later Vijayanagar dynasties were influenced by Vaishnava saints, particularly the Srivaishnavism of Ramanuja.
• The Vaishnava text Prapannamritam tells the story of how King Virupaksha of Vijayanagar was converted to Vaishnavism.
• King Krishnadevaraya was devoted to both Vishnu and Siva.
• King Sadasivaraya practiced a liberal policy, worshipping Siva,Vishnu, and Ganesa. He oversaw the construction of many temples and the celebration of numerous festivals.
• All kings of Vijayanagar were tolerant of other religions. In addition to the Vedic religion, other sects, such as the Jains, received protection and patronage from the Vijayanagar kings.
• Muslims were also employed in the administration and were allowed to build mosques and worship freely. The traveler Barbosa, who visited Krishnadevaraya’s court, noted the king's policy of allowing freedom for everyone to practice their own religion without interference, regardless of whether they were Christian,Jew,Moor, or Hindu.