Question

Describe the role of Amar yaka in the administration of Vijayagara Empire.

Hint:

Think of the Amar-yakas as the military governors of Vijayagara. They collected regiol taxes, maintained the king's army, and could be moved to different regions if they became a political threat.

Answer 1

Step 1: Military Command and Territorial Governce:
The Amar-yaka system was a key political innovation of the Vijayagara Empire, inspired by the Delhi Sultate's Iqta system. The Amar-yakas were powerful military commanders who were given territories (amaram) by the king (Raya) to govern and maintain order.

Step 2: Revenue Collection and Infrastructure Support:
The Amar-yakas collected taxes from farmers, craftspersons, and traders in their territories. They kept a portion of this revenue to maintain their persol households, run local irrigation systems, and fund temples. Crucially, they also used this revenue to maintain a standing army (including cavalry, elephants, and infantry) for the king.

Step 3: Political Subordition and Loyalty:
The Amar-yakas were subject to the king's authority. They sent annual tributes to the king and visited the royal court in person with expensive gifts to show their loyalty. To keep them from growing too powerful, the king would frequently transfer them from one province to another.