Nayankara System: Vijayanagar Administration Model

The Nayankara system was a crucial administrative and military structure employed by the Vijayanagar Empire.

Foundation of the Nayankara System

Historical evidence suggests that the administrative model for the Nayankara system was derived from existing practices.

It closely followed the pattern of the Iqta assignments, which were a feature of the preceding Delhi Sultanate.

Connecting Nayankara and Iqta Systems

• The Iqta system of the Sultanate involved granting land revenue collection rights to officials in return for military and administrative responsibilities.
• Similarly, the Vijayanagar Empire assigned territories to military governors or chiefs, known as Nayakas. These grants were a form of land assignment.
• The Nayakas were responsible for maintaining troops, managing their assigned regions, and contributing to the central administration.

This functional similarity indicates that the Nayankara system was indeed modelled on the Iqta assignments of the Sultanate.