Correct Option
The correct option is Local communities of horse merchants.
Explanation
The military strength of the Vijayanagara Empire relied heavily on effective cavalry. Since high-quality warhorses were not bred locally in the peninsula, the state depended on the import of horses from Arabia and Central Asia. This trade was a vital component of the empire's economy and defense strategy.
Analysis:
- The import trade was initially controlled by Arab traders.
- Local communities of merchants known as kudirai chettis also participated actively in these exchanges.
- The term is derived from the Tamil word kudirai, meaning "horse," and chetti, referring to "merchants."
- Later, from 1498 onwards, the Portuguese arrived and attempted to establish control over this trade, leveraging their superior military technology.
Key Takeaway:
Kudirai chettis refers to the local communities of horse merchants in the Vijayanagara Empire who played a significant role in the procurement of cavalry horses.