Foreign Accounts: Many visitors and travellers visited Vijayanagara from time to time and they have left their observations in writing vividly and these observations are very good sources for reconstructing history.

1. Nicolo Conti: This Italian traveller visited Vijayanagara (Hampi) during Devaraya-I’s reign in 1421 C. E. He says “Vijayanagara is surrounded by mountains. Its circumference is 60 miles. The fort walls have been extended almost right up to the foot of the hillocks and there are nearly 90,000 soldiers. Vijayanagara is the most prosperous and grand city. The King is very powerful”.

2. Abdul Razzak : He was the Persion Ambassador to the court of Devaraya – II in 1443 C. E. He says about Vijayanagara (Hampi) that ‘The world had never seen such a glorious Kingdom. The city is surrounded by seven fortification walls, the King is powerful. People loved roses and they were sold everywhere. Precious stones like rubies, diamonds and jewels were sold in the open market without any fear of risk”. He also explained about the celebration of Mahanavami festival with great splendour.

3. Niketin: He was a Russian traveller, who visited the Bahamani Kingdom in 1470 C.E. He wrote about the army, natural defense of the city and its wealth, the social life and splendour of the King etc., in the neighbouring Vijayanagara Empire.

4. Durate Barbosa : He was a Portuguese traveller who visited the court of Krishnadevaraya in 1514 C.E. He gives information about the trade and commerce of Vijayanagara and the fact that the King used to hold discussions with his ministers in the conference hall.

5. Domingo Paes: He was a Portuguese traveller who visited the court of Krishnadevaraya in 1520 C.E. He wrote about the daily life of the people, the city, about the temples, Emperor, festivals etc.,. He has also referred to Krishnadevaraya’s enormous wealth and about his treasury.

6. Fernao Nuniz: He was a Portugal traveller who reached Vijayanagara in 1535 during the period of Achyutaraya. His accounts throw light on the political and cultural activities of the Vijayanagara Empire. He says that Vijayanagara was a city with the best basic amenities in the world.

7. Ceasar Fredericci: He was an Italian traveller who visited Vijayanagara in 1567 C.E. According to his accounts, Vijayanagara was a ruined city after the Talikote battle. He also says that the people did not live there and only wild animals were living.