The Empire's economy was largely dependent on agriculture. Corn and cotton grew in semiarid regions, while sugarcane, rice and wheat thrived in rainy areas. Betel leaves and coconut were principal cash crops, and large scale cotton production supplied the weaving centers of the empire's vibrant textile industry. Spices such as turmeric, pepper, cardamom and ginger grew in the remote Malnad hill region and were transported to the city for trade. The empire was a thriving business centre that included a burgeoning market in large quantities of precious gems and gold. Prolific temple- building provided employment to thousands of masons, sculptors and other skilled artisans.