In the Vijayanagara empire, the local merchants known as 'kudirai chettis' traded mainly in:

In the Vijayanagara empire, the "kudirai chettis" were local merchants who traded in horses ("kudirai" means horse in Tamil, and "chetti" means merchant).

About the horse trade:

• NCERT explains that warfare during these times depended upon effective cavalry, and the import of horses from Arabia and Central Asia was very important for rival kingdoms.
• This trade was initially controlled by Arab traders.
• Local communities of merchants known as kudirai chettis or horse merchants also participated in these exchanges.
• From 1498, other actors appeared on the scene: the Portuguese, who tried to establish trading and military stations on the west coast.

Why horses were imported:

• Good war horses could not be bred in large numbers in the hot, humid climate of south India.
• Horses were therefore imported by sea from Arabia, Persia (Hormuz) and Central Asia, through ports on the western coast, such as Goa, Bhatkal and Honavar.
• The rulers of Vijayanagara and the Bahmani Sultanate competed to buy the best horses.
• Many horses died soon after arrival because of the climate and poor care, so constant imports were needed.

Importance:

• The cavalry was the most important part of the armies of the time.
• Control over the horse trade gave military advantage.
• Krishnadeva Raya maintained good relations with the Portuguese partly because they controlled the supply of horses.

Vijayanagara and trade:

• NCERT notes that Vijayanagara was famous for its markets dealing in spices, textiles and precious stones.
• Trade was often regarded as a status symbol for such cities, which boasted of a wealthy population that demanded high-value exotic goods, especially precious stones and jewellery.
• The revenue derived from trade contributed significantly to the prosperity of the state.

Other merchant communities:

• Chettis: merchants, especially in Tamil areas.
• Vira Banajigas: a merchant guild.

Why not the other options?

• ✗Spices, silk and diamonds were also traded, but the kudirai chettis were horse merchants.