The amara-nayakas were military commanders who were given territories to govern by the raya and collected taxes and other dues from peasants, crafts persons and traders in the area..

The amara-nayakas sent tribute to the king annually and personally appeared in the royal court with gifts to express their loyalty.

Amara-nayakas retained part of the revenue for personal use and for maintaining a stipulated contingent of foot soldiers.

Kings occasionally asserted their control over amara-nayakas by transferring them from one place to another.