According to Portuguese writer Nuniz, the women in 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.

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 ✓ UPSC's answer

Why the answer is (d)

• Fernão Nuniz, a Portuguese horse-trader who lived in Vijayanagara c. 1535–37, recorded that the king's household employed women as wrestlers, astrologers, soothsayers, accountants, judges, bailiffs and guards.

• His chronicle thus credits women with expertise in all four listed fields — wrestling (1), astrology (2), accounting (3) and soothsaying (4).

• Nuniz and Domingo Paes are the key Portuguese sources on Krishnadevaraya's and Achyutaraya's courts.

• Hence 1, 2, 3 and 4, option (d).

Why the other options are wrong

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only: Soothsaying is also mentioned by Nuniz.
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only: Astrology is also mentioned by Nuniz.
(c) 2 and 4 only: Wrestling and accounting are also mentioned by Nuniz.

Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2021, held on 10 October 2021. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.