History • Medieval IndiaHard

Consider the following statements regarding the Nayankara system and military administration under the Vijayanagara Empire with special reference to its regional impact in Tamil Nadu: 1. Under the Nayankara system, military commanders known as Nayaks were assigned tracts of land called amaram in exchange for maintaining troops and paying annual tribute to the central ruler. 2. The Nayaks enjoyed absolute autonomy within their provinces and functioned as sovereign rulers without any allegiance or accountability to the central Vijayanagara monarch. 3. The administrative consolidation of the Nayak governors led to the emergence of semi-autonomous Nayak principalities in Madurai, Thanjavur, and Gingee following the battle of Talikota. Which of the statements given above are correct?

A. 1 and 3 only✓ Correct Answer

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 1 and 2 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

💡 Solution & Explanation

Statements one and three are correct because the Nayankara system established military chieftains who held amaram lands in return for supplying troops and revenue while the collapse of imperial central authority after the battle of Talikota empowered provincial governors to establish independent dynasties in Madurai and Thanjavur. Statement two is incorrect because Nayaks were subject to royal supervision, periodic inspections, and transfer of assignments by the emperor. This feudal-military apparatus ensured efficient defense and revenue extraction across the southern territories.

🚩 Report a problem

Practice more History Medieval India questions →

More History Medieval India questions