Question 91 from UPSC CSE 2021 - Medieval History

Question

According to Portuguese writer Nuniz, the women in the Vijayanagara Empire were expert in which of the following areas?
1. Wrestling
2. Astrology
3. Accounting
4. Soothsaying
Select the correct answer using the code given below.

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: D. 1, 2, 3, and 4

Strategy: Identify all roles of women mentioned by Nuniz. His account confirms women were engaged in wrestling, astrology, accounting, and soothsaying, so the correct response must include all four activities.

Key Info: The Vijayanagara Empire (c. 1336–1646 CE) in South India was notable for its prosperity and courtly culture. The Portuguese traveler Fernao Nuniz visited during the reign of Achyuta Deva Raya (early-mid 16th century). Nuniz's chronicles provide rare European perspectives; he documented the multifaceted roles of women, especially in court and palace life.

**Documented Roles of Women**

- **Wrestling**: Nuniz states that women participated as wrestlers and underwent training for physical contests, often performing for the royalty.
- **Astrology**: Women are described as knowledgeable in astrology, involved in making predictions and assisting in court matters.
- **Accounting**: Some women were appointed as accountants, responsible for palace records and accounts—a reflection of high female literacy and trust in administrative affairs.
- **Soothsaying**: Women were said to possess expertise in soothsaying, interpreting omens and advising in both domestic and royal decision-making.

Further, Nuniz mentions women occupied roles such as dancers, musicians, judges, bailiffs, and even guards, reflecting the prominence of women within the Vijayanagara palace administrative and cultural system. His accounts, alongside those of other contemporaries like Domingo Paes, remain valuable sources on the period's social and gender dynamics.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: 1, 2, and 3 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: 1, 3, and 4 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: 2 and 4 only

According to Portuguese writer Nuniz, the women in the Vijayanagara Empire were expert in which of the following areas? Wrestling Astrology Accounting Soothsaying Select the correct answer using the code given below.

According to Portuguese writer Nuniz, the women in the Vijayanagara Empire were expert in which of the following areas?

Wrestling

Astrology

Accounting

Soothsaying
Select the correct answer using the code given below.