The 'Pattanulkars', who migrated from Gujarat (Saurashtra) to the Vijayanagara region, were known as:

The "Pattanulkars" (also called Patnulkars or Sourashtrians) were a community of silk weavers who migrated from Gujarat (Saurashtra) to south India, including the Vijayanagara region.

About the Pattanulkars:

• "Pattu" means silk and "nul" means thread; "Pattanulkar" means silk-thread workers or silk weavers.
• They originally lived in Saurashtra (Gujarat), and are believed to have migrated south over several centuries, possibly because of invasions and to find new patrons.
• They were invited and encouraged by the Vijayanagara rulers and later by the Nayakas, who valued their fine silk weaving.
• They settled in many towns of the south, especially Madurai, Thanjavur, Kumbakonam, Salem and Paramakudi in present-day Tamil Nadu.
• They speak a language called "Sourashtra" (Saurashtri), which is related to Gujarati and is written in its own script or in Tamil and Devanagari.

Importance:

• They contributed greatly to the famous silk weaving traditions of Tamil Nadu, such as the silk sarees of Madurai and Kanchipuram (along with other weaving communities).
• Their migration is an example of how craft communities moved across regions in medieval India, following patronage and trade.

Craft and trade in Vijayanagara:

• The Vijayanagara empire had flourishing textile production, with cotton and silk weaving.
• Foreign travellers described the markets selling fine cloth, jewellery, spices and other goods.
• Temples were important centres of economic activity, employing craftsmen and buying goods.

Other communities in Vijayanagara:

• Kaikolar: weavers associated with temples in the Tamil region.
• Kudirai chettis: horse merchants.
• Vira Banajigas: merchant guilds.

Why not the other options?

• ✗The Pattanulkars were not horse traders, temple priests or diamond cutters.