Harihara and Bukka, two brothers who had served in Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq's army founded the Vijayanagar state in 1336. In 1336, they declared independence from the Delhi Sultanate and created an independent kingdom in Karnataka, with Vijayanagar as its capital on the banks of the Tungabhadra River. For the formation of their empire, Harihara and Bukka were assisted and inspired by Vidyaranya, a contemporaneous scholar and a saint. In this article, we will discuss the Administration of Vijayanagar Empire which will be helpful for UPSC exam preparation.

Administration of Vijayanagar Empire

• Vijayanagar had a centralised administrative structure. The Vijayanagar empire was divided into two governments: a central and a provincial government.
• The King was the state's most powerful figure and the ultimate decision-maker in all things.
• A Council of Ministers was also in place to assist the King with administrative tasks.
• Six provinces made up the Vijayanagar Empire. Each province was administered by a Governor known as 'Naik.'
• The provinces were also subdivided into districts. These districts were then further subdivided into smaller entities known as villages.
• Various hereditary officers, such as accountants, watchmen, and weights men, as well as officers in command of the forced labour department, administered such villages.
• There was also a 'Mahanayakacharya' officer who served as a link between the villages and the central government and administration.

Revenue System of Vijayanagar Empire

• The Vijayanagara Empire's main source of wealth was land revenue.
• Surveys of the land were carried out, and taxes were set depending on the soil's fertility.
• By building a large number of dams and canals, a high priority was placed on the expansion of agriculture.

Judicial System of Vijayanagar Empire and the Army

• Their top judge was regarded as the King.
• There were provisions for harsh punishments for those who were found guilty.
• In addition, those who broke the law were appropriately punished, with fines levelled against them.
• The infantry, cavalry, and elephantry were all part of the Vijayanagara Empire's army.
• A Commander-in-Chief was in charge of the entire army force.

Defects in the Administration of Vijayanagar Empire

• The Vijayanagar Administration System also had certain critical flaws that contributed significantly to its downfall.
• The provincial governors wielded too much power, resulting in the empire's downfall.
• The army's organisation was inefficient and had numerous major flaws.
• Because the Vijaynagar Kingdom had to fight the Bahmani Sultans on a near-constant basis, they needed a powerful and competent army, which they lacked.
• To gain commercial benefits, the kings allowed the Portuguese to settle on their western coast, which was a huge blunder.
• Despite extensive facilities, the monarchs were unable to generate a continuous commercial enterprise.
• Despite the flaws outlined above, the Vijayanagara Empire's governance was unquestionably elaborate and fair.

Conclusion

The administration in Vijayanagar was centralised, complex, and fair. The history of the Vijayanagara Empire's rise and demise is essentially one of incessant wars and battles. It was only inevitable that military goals and systems would influence the administration of such a state. Surprisingly, the rulers of the Vijayanagar Empire were able to retain the government free of military influence while also making it liberal, perfect, tolerant, and kind.

FAQs

MCQs

1. What was the Amara-Nayaka system in the Vijayanagar Empire?

A. A judicial system
B. A land revenue system
C. A military feudal system
D. A religious council

Answer: (C) See the Explanation

2. Who held the highest position in the council of ministers in the Vijayanagar Empire?

A. Treasurer
B. General
C. Maha Pradhana
D. Chief Priest

Answer: (C) See the Explanation

3. Which of the following was the main source of revenue in the Vijayanagar Empire?

A. Trade taxes
B. Land revenue
C. Customs duties
D. Religious donations

Answer: (B) See the Explanation

4. What were the administrative divisions in the Vijayanagar Empire called?

A. Districts
B. Mandalam
C. Villages
D. Srenis

Answer: (B) See the Explanation

5. Which administrative system in the Vijayanagar Empire resembled the European feudal system?

A. Village panchayat system
B. Amara-Nayaka system
C. Zamindari system
D. Mansabdari system

Answer: (B) See the Explanation

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the administrative structure of the Vijayanagar Empire and how it contributed to the stability of the empire.

Answer: The administrative structure of the Vijayanagar Empire was a blend of centralized monarchy and local autonomy. The king held absolute power, assisted by a council of ministers, with the Maha Pradhana playing a key role in governance. The empire was divided into provinces (Mandalam), governed by Nayakas who managed local affairs. The Amara-Nayaka system ensured a well-organized military structure, where Nayakas maintained troops in exchange for land grants. The revenue system was based on efficient land assessments, ensuring a steady flow of income for the empire. This administrative framework contributed to the stability and longevity of the empire by maintaining control over vast territories.

Q2: Analyze the significance of the Amara-Nayaka system in the military and administrative organization of the Vijayanagar Empire.

Answer: The Amara-Nayaka system was crucial to both the military and administrative organization of the Vijayanagar Empire. Nayakas were granted land (Amaram) in return for maintaining troops and providing military support to the central authority. This system allowed the empire to maintain a large and efficient army without directly bearing the financial burden of maintaining it. Administratively, the Nayakas also collected taxes and managed the affairs of their territories, thus decentralizing governance while ensuring loyalty to the central authority. This system was instrumental in the empire’s ability to manage its vast territories and repel invasions, especially from the Deccan Sultanates.

Q3: Evaluate the role of the provincial administration in maintaining the unity and integrity of the Vijayanagar Empire.

Answer: The provincial administration played a key role in maintaining the unity and integrity of the Vijayanagar Empire. The empire was divided into Mandalam, each governed by a Nayaka who acted as the representative of the central authority. While the Nayakas had significant autonomy in local matters, they were still accountable to the central government. The efficient collection of land revenue and the maintenance of a strong military presence in the provinces helped ensure stability and loyalty to the empire. This balance of power between the central and provincial administration helped maintain unity across the diverse territories of the Vijayanagar Empire.

Previous Year Questions from Administration of Vijayanagar Empire

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2019

Question: Which administrative system in the Vijayanagar Empire resembled the European feudal system?
A. Mansabdari system
B. Zamindari system
C. Amara-Nayaka system
D. Subedar system

Answer: C

Explanation: The Amara-Nayaka system in the Vijayanagar Empire was similar to the European feudal system, where land was granted to Nayakas in return for maintaining military troops.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2020 (GS Paper 1)

Question: Discuss the administrative and military organization of the Vijayanagar Empire, focusing on the Amara-Nayaka system and its role in maintaining the empire's stability.

Explanation: The Amara-Nayaka system was central to the administrative and military organization of the Vijayanagar Empire. Nayakas were given control over land (Amaram) in exchange for military service. They collected taxes from the land and maintained troops, which they were obligated to provide for the empire during times of war.