Administration and Social Life under Vijayanagar c6.77

c6.77

The Vijayanagar emperors were not indifferent to the economic prosperity of the people. They knew that public weal greatly depended on agricultural prosperity and a flourishing trade. Under them forests were cleared, new villages were formed, and fresh lands were brought under cultivation. Where these were not possible, irrigation facilities were afforded, the burden of taxation was lightened, and the net yield of the land was sought to be increased. Trade with foreign countries was encouraged. Immigrants from foreign countries were afforded protection in a manner suitable to their nationalities.⁴⁴ Foreign merchants were helped to settle in the capital and were provided with villages and decent dwellings in the city.⁴⁵ There were also a few industries which received encouragement at the hands of the State. Mining was an industry undertaken by it.⁴⁶