Question

Analyse why the Amaranayaka system was considered a major political innovation of the Vijayanagara empire.

Answer 1

1. Amaranayakas were military commanders who were given territories to collect revenue.
2. They maintained their own troops and supplied armed assistance to the king.
3. They played a key role in keeping the empire militarily prepared.
4. From the taxes they collected, they supported irrigation works and temple building.
5. Their loyalty was maintained through regular court attendance and payment of tribute.
6. This system was similar to the iqta system of the Delhi Sultanate.
7. It was a decentralized method of military support that helped extend imperial control.
8. However, despite its effectiveness, it later led to stability when the nayakas became independent.