Final answer:
The Vijayanagara Empire benefited from various empires through increased international trade, intellectual advancements thanks to the legacies of the Gupta Empire, and the broad trading networks established by empires like the Mali and Songhai. Cultural diversity promoted by the Muslim rulers in India also contributed to the empire's rich cultural composition.
Step-by-step explanation:
Positive Effects of Various Empires on the Vijayanagara Empire
The Vijayanagara Empire was significantly influenced by various other empires that contributed to its prosperity and cultural wealth. The international trade network established by the Malaccan Sultanate, which capitalised on its strategic location on the Malaccan Straits, greatly influenced the flow of goods and wealth in the region. The Malaccan Sultanate facilitated trade between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific, which could have been leveraged by the Vijayanagara Empire for economic growth.
Similarly, the rise of the Gupta Empire led to advancements in mathematics, science, and metallurgy, leaving behind a legacy of intellectual and technological progress which could have influenced the thinking and educational framework of the Vijayanagara Empire. Moreover, the inclination towards embracing diversity during the periods of Muslim rule introduced by Turkic invaders enabled cultural multiplicity and could have fostered an environment where the Vijayanagara Empire benefited from a variety of cultural practices and trade relationships.
The Mali Empire and the subsequent Songhai Empire's flourishing trade, particularly in gold and salt, might have also indirectly affected the economical stance of the Vijayanagara Empire through the interconnected trade networks. The grandeur and might portrayed by these empires, through grand cities, could serve as an inspiration for Vijayanagara's own urban architecture and organization.