History • Medieval IndiaHard
Consider the following statements regarding the Nayankara system and military administration under the Vijayanagara Empire: 1. Under the Nayankara system, military commanders known as Nayakas were assigned tracts of land called 'Amaram' in lieu of cash salaries to maintain troops for the central sovereign. 2. The central administration appointed royal officers called 'Mahamandalesvaras' or 'Sthanapatis' to oversee the provincial governors and ensure regular remittance of tribute to the imperial treasury at Hampi. 3. The Vijayanagara army relied exclusively on infantry and war elephants, completely prohibiting the import of foreign horses or employment of cavalry units.
A. 1 and 2 only✓ Correct Answer
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
💡 Solution & Explanation
The Nayankara system was the administrative and military bedrock of the Vijayanagara Empire, functioning through delegated authority where Nayakas managed assigned amaram lands and supplied military contingents. Central oversight was maintained through royal agents to keep provincial ambitions in check. However, statement three is entirely incorrect because cavalry played a vital role in Vijayanagara military strategy, and kings went to great lengths to import Arabian and Persian horses through western ports like Goa and Bhatkal. This military organization is a standard topic in medieval Indian history.
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