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The period of the Vijayanagara Empire is considered an age of prosperity in South India in the 14th century CE. Many travelogues written by visitors, ambassadors and authors of that time provide ample proof of a vibrant era. Agriculture was the main sustenance and the Tungabhadra was the life blood of the capital city. Other major rivers that found their course through this land are the Krishna, Kaveri and Godavari. The most prosperous time during the 230 year rule of the empire was during the rule of the Sangama dynasty of which Deva Raya II was the most successful and during its peak under Krishnadevaraya. Progress was made in building of canals, fortifications, water storage tanks (''bunds''). Trading from the western sea ports with Europeans and Persians was profitable. Sculptures and quarry workers were in demand due to the prolific temple building activities undertaken. ==People== The Hindu caste system was prevalent in Vijayanagar Empire. Caste regulations were taken care of by the elders of each community. However, those who distinguished themselves in war and other services were promoted to high-ranking cadre without caste or religious discrimination. Towns and provincial assemblies had representation from all castes, sects and religions. The Hanjamana group represented the minority Muslims in places like and Mangalore. Women had been achieving freedom for several centuries and continued the tradition.〔In the opinion of Dr. S.A. Saletore, ''A Concise History of Karnataka'' pp 179, Dr. S.U. Kamath〕 Sati was prevalent among the royal and soldier families. Woman took part in trade, clerical work and even in wrestling events. Society had become mostly monogamous though kings and royalty continued to have harems. Devadasi and prostitution professions thrived. Certain streets in the towns were meant for them. Women wore sarees and blouses while men were dressed only in a lower garment, though stitched clothes like shirts were occasionally. Turbans, Pethas and Kulavi were popular headgear among the rich. Men wore jewellery just as women did. Finger rings, ear rings, necklaces, bangles and bracelets were popular. During celebrations, both men and women wore headbands with flowers and perfumes made of sandal wood, rose water, flowers, civet and musk. The discovery of many kings of Game boards engraved onto boulders, sheet rock, temple flooring provide ample evidence of leisure based activities and social interaction at important public places. While many of these games are still played today, many are still to be identified.〔In the opinion of Alexandra Mack, ''New Light on Hampi, Recent research in Vijayanagara'', edited by John M. Fritz and George Michell, pp 38〕 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Society of Vijayanagara empire」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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