Which one of the following was a very important seaport in the Kakatiya kingdom?
Kakinada
Motupalli
Machilipatnam (Masulipatnam)
Nelluru
The correct option is Motupalli.
Step-by-Step Explanation:
1. Historical Context of Kakatiya Kingdom:
The Kakatiya dynasty ruled parts of the eastern Deccan region comprising present-day Telangana and Andhra Pradesh between the 12th and 14th centuries CE, with their capital at Warangal.
2. Importance of Motupalli:
Motupalli (located in the present-day Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh) served as the primary and most famous seaport of the Kakatiya empire. It was an important center for foreign trade, attracting merchants from South-East Asia, China, Arabia, and Europe.
3. The Motupalli Abhaya Sasanam:
To encourage overseas trade and protect foreign traders from extortion, the famous Kakatiya ruler Ganapatideva issued the famous Motupalli Abhaya Sasanam (charter of security) at Motupalli port. This charter reduced fixed custom duties on export and import goods, ensuring safety for merchants and their vessels.
4. Historical Accounts:
Venetian traveler Marco Polo visited Motupalli during the reign of Queen Rudrama Devi and wrote extensive accounts praising the prosperity, administration, and diamond trade of the Kakatiya region through this vibrant seaport.
Hence, Motupalli was a very important seaport in the Kakatiya kingdom.
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