Correct answer: (b) Motupalli
Explanation
- A
Kakinada
Kakinada is a modern Andhra port on the Godavari delta. It rose under later colonial and industrial use, not as the celebrated harbour of the Kakatiya kingdom. This option is therefore not the key.
- B
Motupalli
Motupalli (Motupalle) on the Andhra coast was the principal seaport of the Kakatiyas of Warangal. Foreign notices, including Marco Polo, record it as a busy medieval trading harbour under Kakatiya protection. Customs and overseas commerce of the kingdom were organised through this port. That is why (b) is the official key.
- C
Machilipatnam (Masulipatnam)
Machilipatnam (Masulipatnam) became famous later under the Golconda Qutb Shahis and European factories. It is not the Kakatiya-age seaport named in the sources for this question. This option is not the key.
- D
Nelluru
Nelluru (Nellore) was a coastal town in the same region but not the standout Kakatiya seaport. The kingdom’s overseas trade is tied in the record to Motupalli. This option is therefore wrong.
Summary. Official key is (b) Motupalli. The Kakatiyas of Warangal used Motupalli as their chief medieval seaport on the Andhra coast. Travellers described its customs and overseas trade under Kakatiya rule. Kakinada is a later working port; Machilipatnam’s European fame belongs to the Golconda centuries. Nellore was not that harbour. Only Motupalli matches the Kakatiya seaport asked for.