Vijayanagara and the Deccan Sultanates: Military and Trade

Examine the unique administrative features of the Vijayanagara Empire, its military-revenue arrangements (Nayankara), and the rivalry in the Deccan.

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Learning Objectives

•Evaluate the Nayankara system as an administrative innovation
•Identify the major architectural features of the Hampi complex
•Analyze the causes of the Vijayanagara-Bahmani conflict

Detailed Analysis

The Vijayanagara Empire (1336-1646) represented a high point in South Indian statehood. Central to its administration was the 'Nayankara System'. Similar to the Iqta, the king assigned revenue from land (Amaram) to military chiefs (Nayakas) in return for military service and maintaining law and order. However, the Nayakas often exercised more local autonomous power than the Sultanate's Iqtadars.

Economically, Vijayanagara was extremely wealthy due to its control over the spice trade and its agricultural irrigation networks (Hampi's canals). The empire was also a bastion of Sanskrit and regional literature and the grand 'Vijayanagara Style' of architecture (Hazara Rama and Vitthala temples). In the Deccan, the Bahmani Sultanate and its successors (Bijapur, Golconda) provided a parallel administrative model that eventually clashed at the Battle of Talikota (1565).

UPSC Mains Corner

HIGH YIELD

" Compare the Nayankara system of Vijayanagara with the Iqta system of the Delhi Sultanate. Analyze their roles in military mobilization. "

Suggested Approach:

1. Definition of both as revenue-for-service systems. 2. Comparison: Both centralized revenue for the military; both used land as the primary currency. 3. Contrast: Nayakas had more local hereditary tendencies; Iqta was more strictly transferable. 4. Analyze impact on peasant life and irrigation. 5. Conclusion on how these systems enabled prolonged regional warfare.

Prelims Pulse

Amara-nayaka

A military commander (Nayaka) who received land revenue (Amaram) for maintaining a specified number of troops.

Abdur Razzaq

Persian diplomat from Timurid Herat who visited Deva Raya II; described the city's seven layers of fortified walls.

Talikota (1565)

The battle (also known as Rakkasa-Tangadi) that led to the decisive defeat of Vijayanagara by the allied Deccan Sultanates.

Nicolo de Conti

Italian merchant who visited Vijayanagara (early 15th C.) and wrote about its massive size and currency.

Amuktamalyada

A Telugu epic poem composed by Emperor Krishnadevaraya detailing statecraft and devotion to Lord Vishnu.

Gopuram

Monumental, ornate entrance towers to Hindu temples; a defining feature of the Vijayanagara architectural style.

Kalyana Mandapa

An open pillared pavilion in temples used for the ceremonial marriage of deities (e.g., Vitthala Temple).

Astadiggajas

The title given to the eight great Telugu scholars and poets in the court of Krishnadevaraya (e.g., Tenali Rama).

Mahmud Gawan

The powerful Persian Prime Minister of the Bahmani Sultanate; introduced administrative reforms and built a grand Madrasa.

Aravidu Dynasty

The fourth and final dynasty of the Vijayanagara Empire, which ruled from Penukonda after the fall of Hampi.

Key Concepts

The City as a Fort

The urban core of Vijayanagara integrated agricultural fields within the fortification to withstand long sieges.

Terminology

NayankaraAmara-nayakaGopuramKalyana MandapaBahmaniRayasAstadiggajasPoligarMahanavami DibbaDevadasiVesaraDravidaSultanateTariffKashtriya

Historical Insight

State Patronage

Krishnadevaraya, the greatest ruler, was not only a conqueror but also a prolific writer (Amuktamalyada).

Quick Check

Who were the Amara-nayakas?

Name one major foreign traveler to Vijayanagara and their observation.

How to use this lesson

Read the overview first, then explain the main idea in your own words before checking the key concepts. Use the quick-check questions without looking at the answer. For examination preparation, verify dates, definitions, and syllabus requirements against your official textbook and school or examination-board guidance.

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