Kings and Traders
Krishnadeva Raya (ruled 1509-29), the most famous ruler of Vijayanagara, composed a work on statecraft in Telugu known as the Amuktamalyada. About traders he wrote:
A king should improve the harbours of his country and so encourage its commerce that horses, elephants, precious gems, sandalwood, pearls and other articles are freely imported. He should arrange that the foreign sailors who land in his country on account of storms, illness and exhaustion are looked after in a suitable manner. Make the merchants of distant foreign countries who import elephants and good horses be attached to yourself by providing them with daily audience, presents and allowing decent profits. Then those articles will never go to your enemies.
Questions:
(i) Explain why a king should improve the harbours of his kingdom?
(ii) Explain why the foreign sailors, who land in his country for various reasons, should be looked after in a suitable manner.
(iii) Examine the consequences of such an attitude towards the sailors.
Krishnadeva Raya (ruled 1509-29), the most famous ruler of Vijayanagara, composed a work on statecraft in Telugu known as the Amuktamalyada. About traders he wrote:
A king should improve the harbours of his country and so encourage its commerce that horses, elephants, precious gems, sandalwood, pearls and other articles are freely imported. He should arrange that the foreign sailors who land in his country on account of storms, illness and exhaustion are looked after in a suitable manner. Make the merchants of distant foreign countries who import elephants and good horses be attached to yourself by providing them with daily audience, presents and allowing decent profits. Then those articles will never go to your enemies.
Questions:
(i) Explain why a king should improve the harbours of his kingdom?
(ii) Explain why the foreign sailors, who land in his country for various reasons, should be looked after in a suitable manner.
(iii) Examine the consequences of such an attitude towards the sailors.
(i) A king should improve the harbours of his kingdom to attract foreign traders in larger number, to enhance trade and to increase state income.
(ii) Such situation encourage commerce and import of horses, elephants, precious gems and export of sandlewood and pearls.
(iii) Good attitude of a ruler or state attracts foreign traders, visitors and tourists. The impression of ruler, state and people of an empire is praised by foreigners. It brings good name and fame for state or country.
