\nAbdur Razzak was a Persian traveler who visited the Vijayanagar Empire during the reign of Devaraya II (mid-15th century CE). His account, the ‘Matla-us-Sadain wa Majma-ul-Bahrain’, provides a vivid description of the city of Vijayanagar and its grandeur.
\nAbdur Razzak indeed noted the abundance of flowers in Vijayanagar and their extensive use by the people. While many flowers were cultivated, accounts from travelers and local literature suggest that Jasmine (Mallige in Kannada, or variations in other South Indian languages) was particularly popular and widely used for garlands, religious offerings, hair adornments, and fragrances. It was deeply integrated into the daily life and cultural practices of the people of South India. The description of a flower being “as necessary as food” strongly points towards something ubiquitous, culturally significant, and perhaps economically important due to trade and cultivation. Jasmine fits this description well within the context of South India and Vijayanagar.
\nOther options:
\n– Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is religiously significant but perhaps not used in the sheer volume or variety of everyday applications as Jasmine.
\n– Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) is also used in religious ceremonies and for hair care but was likely not as pervasive as Jasmine.
\n– Rose (Rosa species) was known and cultivated, but less central to the daily floral economy and customs compared to Jasmine in this region during that period.
\nBased on historical descriptions of Vijayanagar and the use of flowers in South India, Jasmine is the most likely flower Abdur Razzak was referring to as being exceptionally necessary.
\n<\/section>\n