Correct option is A
In 1510, Afonso de Albuquerque, the Portuguese governor, sought permission from Krishnadeva Raya to build a fort at Bhatkal. Recognizing the strategic and economic advantages of having the Portuguese as allies, Krishnadeva Raya granted this permission.
The construction of the fort was intended to:
- Protect Portuguese Trade Interests: The fort at Bhatkal allowed the Portuguese to secure their trading routes and protect their merchant ships from piracy and attacks by rival powers.
- Strengthen Military Presence: For the Vijayanagara Empire, the presence of a Portuguese fort provided additional defense along the western coast, particularly against the Sultanates and other external threats.
- Facilitate Diplomatic Ties: By allowing the Portuguese to build a fort, Krishnadeva Raya reinforced diplomatic ties that could be beneficial in future conflicts, ensuring the Vijayanagara Empire had access to European goods and military support.
