Question

Analyse the role of Amara-nayakas in the Vijayanagara empire.

Answer 1

Role of Amara-nayakas in the Vijayanagara Empire:

• The Amara-nayakas were military leaders who were assigned territories by the raya (king) for administration.
• They collected revenue from peasants, artisans, and traders, keeping a share for their own expenses and to maintain their armies.
• These commanders maintained troops that included horses and elephants for the king’s forces.
• They also supported the maintenance of temples and irrigation works.
• Amara-nayakas regularly paid tribute to the king and appeared at court bearing gifts.
• Eventually, many of them became independent rulers, which led to the weakening of the central authority of the empire.