Which of these statements about Vijayanagara Empire are correct? (A) The 'Amara-Nayaka' system was a major political innovation of the Vijayanagara Empire. (B) 'Amara-Nayakas' were military commanders with territories to govern given by the 'raya'. (C) The 'Amara-Nayakas' sent annual tribute to the king and also made personal appearances. (D) 'Amara-Nayakas' system had no similarity with the 'iqta system' of Delhi Sultanate. (E) In 17th century, 'Amara-Nayakas' were defeated by central powers and they could never establish independent kingdoms. Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
(a) (A), (B), (C) Only
Understanding the Vijayanagara Amara-Nayaka System
The Vijayanagara Empire was known for its distinct administrative and military systems. One of the most prominent was the 'Amara-Nayaka' system. This system played a crucial role in the political structure and military strength of the empire.
Analyzing Statements on Vijayanagara Amara-Nayakas
Let's examine each statement provided regarding the Amara-Nayaka system of the Vijayanagara Empire:
- Statement (A): The 'Amara-Nayaka' system was a major political innovation of the Vijayanagara Empire.
This statement is correct. The Amara-Nayaka system is considered a significant development in the administration of the Vijayanagara Empire. It was a decentralized military and administrative system where power was delegated to military commanders. - Statement (B): 'Amara-Nayakas' were military commanders with territories to govern given by the 'raya'.
This statement is also correct. The 'raya' (the Vijayanagara king) granted territories, known as 'amaram', to these military commanders. The Nayakas were responsible for administering these territories, collecting revenue, and maintaining troops. - Statement (C): The 'Amara-Nayakas' sent annual tribute to the king and also made personal appearances.
This statement is correct. The Nayakas were obliged to send a portion of the revenue collected from their territories as tribute to the imperial treasury annually. They were also required to maintain a stipulated number of soldiers and horses for the king and appear in the royal court to express their loyalty. - Statement (D): 'Amara-Nayakas' system had no similarity with the 'iqta system' of Delhi Sultanate.
This statement is incorrect. Historians have noted several similarities between the Amara-Nayaka system and the Iqta system of the Delhi Sultanate. Both systems involved the assignment of land (or its revenue) to military officers in lieu of salary, with responsibilities for maintaining law and order, collecting revenue, and providing military service to the central ruler. While there were differences, claiming 'no similarity' is historically inaccurate. - Statement (E): In 17th century, 'Amara-Nayakas' were defeated by central powers and they could never establish independent kingdoms.
This statement is incorrect. Following the decline of the central authority of the Vijayanagara Empire, particularly after the Battle of Talikota in 1565, many Nayakas became increasingly independent. In the 17th century, several Amara-Nayakas successfully established independent kingdoms, such as the Nayaks of Madurai, Thanjavur, Ikkeri, and Mysore.
Based on the analysis, statements (A), (B), and (C) are correct, while statements (D) and (E) are incorrect.
Therefore, the correct option is the one that includes only statements (A), (B), and (C).
| Statement | Analysis | Correctness |
|---|---|---|
| (A) Amara-Nayaka was a major political innovation. | A key feature of Vijayanagara administration. | Correct |
| (B) Nayakas were military commanders with territories (amaram). | Granted territories to govern and collect revenue. | Correct |
| (C) Nayakas sent annual tribute and appeared before the king. | Obligatory duties of the Nayakas. | Correct |
| (D) No similarity with Iqta system. | Significant similarities exist regarding land assignments and military service. | Incorrect |
| (E) Nayakas were defeated by central powers in 17th century and couldn't establish independent kingdoms. | Many Nayakas established independent kingdoms in the 17th century after the empire's decline. | Incorrect |
Revision Table: Key Aspects of Amara-Nayaka System
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Origin | Major innovation of the Vijayanagara Empire. |
| Role | Military commanders and administrators. |
| Territory | Granted territories called 'amaram' by the king ('raya'). |
| Responsibilities | Govern territory, collect revenue, maintain troops (cavalry, infantry), send annual tribute to the king, make personal appearances. |
| Relationship with King | Held land/revenue assignment in exchange for service and loyalty. |
| Post-Empire Status | Many became independent rulers in the 17th century. |
Additional Information: Comparing Amara-Nayaka and Iqta Systems
While statement (D) claims there was no similarity, it's important to understand the historical perspective. Both the Amara-Nayaka system in the Vijayanagara Empire and the Iqta system in the Delhi Sultanate were forms of land/revenue assignment to military or administrative officers in return for services to the state. Key similarities include:
- Assignment of territories or revenue from territories.
- Officers responsible for maintaining troops.
- Officers responsible for maintaining law and order in their assigned areas.
- Requirement to provide military service to the central ruler when needed.
- Sending a portion of the collected revenue to the central government.
However, there were also differences in the specific nature of the assignment, the relationship with the peasantry, and the degree of hereditary control, which made the systems distinct despite the underlying functional similarities.
Important Questions from An Imperial Capital : Vijayanagara
Read the passage and answer the questions:
Temple building in the region had a long history, going back to dynasties such as the Pallavas, Chalukyas, Hoysalas, and Cholas. Rulers very often encouraged temple building as a means of associating themselves with the divine – often, the deity was explicitly or implicitly identified with the king. Temples also functioned as centres of learning. Besides, rulers and others often granted land and other resources for the maintenance of temples. Consequently, temples developed as significant religious, social, cultural, and economic centres. From the point of view of the rulers, constructing, repairing, and maintaining temples were important means of winning support and recognition for their power, wealth, and piety.
What was the ‘Kalyana mandapa’ used for?
Read the passage and answer the questions:
Temple building in the region had a long history, going back to dynasties such as the Pallavas, Chalukyas, Hoysalas, and Cholas. Rulers very often encouraged temple building as a means of associating themselves with the divine – often, the deity was explicitly or implicitly identified with the king. Temples also functioned as centres of learning. Besides, rulers and others often granted land and other resources for the maintenance of temples. Consequently, temples developed as significant religious, social, cultural, and economic centres. From the point of view of the rulers, constructing, repairing, and maintaining temples were important means of winning support and recognition for their power, wealth, and piety.
Krishnadeva Raya built a hall in front of the main shrine of which of the following temples to mark his accession?
Read the passage and answer the questions:
Temple building in the region had a long history, going back to dynasties such as the Pallavas, Chalukyas, Hoysalas, and Cholas. Rulers very often encouraged temple building as a means of associating themselves with the divine – often, the deity was explicitly or implicitly identified with the king. Temples also functioned as centres of learning. Besides, rulers and others often granted land and other resources for the maintenance of temples. Consequently, temples developed as significant religious, social, cultural, and economic centres. From the point of view of the rulers, constructing, repairing, and maintaining temples were important means of winning support and recognition for their power, wealth, and piety.
Which of the following temple has a shrine designed as a ‘chariot’?
Read the passage and answer the questions:
Temple building in the region had a long history, going back to dynasties such as the Pallavas, Chalukyas, Hoysalas, and Cholas. Rulers very often encouraged temple building as a means of associating themselves with the divine – often, the deity was explicitly or implicitly identified with the king. Temples also functioned as centres of learning. Besides, rulers and others often granted land and other resources for the maintenance of temples. Consequently, temples developed as significant religious, social, cultural, and economic centres. From the point of view of the rulers, constructing, repairing, and maintaining temples were important means of winning support and recognition for their power, wealth, and piety.
Which of the following temple portrays sculpture of scenes from the Ramayana?
Read the passage and answer the questions:
Temple building in the region had a long history, going back to dynasties such as the Pallavas, Chalukyas, Hoysalas, and Cholas. Rulers very often encouraged temple building as a means of associating themselves with the divine – often, the deity was explicitly or implicitly identified with the king. Temples also functioned as centres of learning. Besides, rulers and others often granted land and other resources for the maintenance of temples. Consequently, temples developed as significant religious, social, cultural, and economic centres. From the point of view of the rulers, constructing, repairing, and maintaining temples were important means of winning support and recognition for their power, wealth, and piety.
“In our study of these monuments of Vijayanagara we have to imagine a whole series of vanished wooden elements....” Who amongst the following stated these lines?
A. J. F. Fleet
B. George Michell
C. M. S. Nagaraja
D. Fernao Nuniz
