Step 1: Background of Afanasi Nikitin.
Afanasi Nikitin was a merchant and traveler from Russia. He is famous for his travel account called “The Journey Beyond Three Seas”, where he described his experiences in India.
Step 2: Connection with Vijayanagara.
Nikitin visited India in the 15th century and traveled to the Vijayanagara Empire. His writings provide valuable information on the economic, social, and political life of South India.
Step 3: Analyze each option.
- (A) Portugal: Vasco da Gama and Albuquerque were from Portugal, not Nikitin.
- (B) Italy: Other travelers like Niccolò de’ Conti were Italians.
- (C) Russia: Correct. Nikitin was a Russian merchant.
- (D) Spain: Not connected with Vijayanagara travelers.
Step 4: Conclusion.
Afanasi Nikitin, who visited Vijayanagara, was a merchant from Russia.