Analyze the institutional features of the Vijayanagara provincial governance: 1. The empire was divided into administrative provinces known as Mandalas, which were further subdivided into districts termed Kottams or Valanadus. 2. The Nayankara system formed the backbone of military and feudal administration, where military chiefs called Nayakas held revenue assignments in return for maintaining troops for the king. 3. The hereditary village administration was managed collectively by a body of twelve functionaries known as Ayagars. Which of the statements given above are correct?

💡 Solution & Explanation

All three statements are factually correct as the Vijayanagara administrative structure efficiently combined provincial Mandalas, the Nayankara military feudal system, and the decentralized Ayagar system at the village level. The Nayakas exercised considerable autonomy within their assigned territories provided they paid an annual tribute and supplied military contingents to the imperial sovereign. The Ayagars were hereditary village officers who managed local affairs, tax collection, and security. Krishnadevaraya was the most illustrious ruler of the Tuluva dynasty of Vijayanagara.