The most significant feature of the fortification at Vijayanagara was that it enclosed agricultural tracts, gardens, and forests, as noted by travellers like Abdur Razzaq and Domingo Paes.

The primary advantage of this design was security during medieval sieges. Since the objective of sieges was often to starve the defenders into submission, having cultivated fields, rice, and water sources within the fortified area ensured a steady supply of food. Unlike other rulers who relied on storing grain in granaries, the rulers of Vijayanagara protected the agricultural belt itself, allowing the city to withstand sieges that could last for months or years.

However, there were disadvantages to this approach. The text describes this as a "more expensive and elaborate strategy." Encircling vast areas, including hinterlands and forests, required massive masonry construction and an elaborate canal system to service the fields. This demanded greater resources and effort compared to building simple granaries or smaller fortifications.

Thus, while the strategy ensured survival during long conflicts, it came at a high financial and logistical cost.