The amara-nayakas were military commanders who were given territories to govern by the raya. They collected taxes and other dues from peasants, craftspersons and traders in the area. Some of the revenue was also used for the maintenance of temples and irrigation works. The amara-nayakas sent tribute to the king annually and personally appeared in the royal court with gifts to express their loyalty. However, during the course of the seventeenth century, many of these nayakas established independent kingdoms. This hastened the collapse of the central imperial structure.
A second line left out of the passage shows how the kings kept the amara-nayakas in check. Which of the following is that line?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Kings occasionally asserted their control over them by transferring them from one place to another.
Option (1) Kings occasionally asserted their control over them by keeping their sons as hostages at the royal court. — Incorrect. Keeping hostages at court is not the method given for Vijayanagara. Control came through transfers.
Option (2) Kings occasionally asserted their control over them by transferring them from one place to another. — Correct. The kings asserted control by <strong>transferring the amara-nayakas from one place to another</strong>. A commander moved often could not build a firm local base.
Option (3) Kings occasionally asserted their control over them by sending royal officers to collect the taxes directly. — Incorrect. The amara-nayakas themselves collected the taxes and dues in their areas. Royal officers did not take over this work.
Option (4) Kings occasionally asserted their control over them by making them marry into the royal family. — Incorrect. Marriage ties are not the method given for controlling the amara-nayakas. The kings used transfers.
NCERT (2026-27): “2.3 The rayas and the nayakas … |