In the given question, a statement of Assertion is followed by a statement of Reason. Mark the correct answer.

Assertion: The amara-nayaka played an important role in the Vijayanagara empire.

Reason: They collected taxes and other dues from peasants, craftspersons, and traders, and also maintained a stipulated contingent of horses and elephants for the king.

Both the Assertion and the Reason are correct and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.

Detailed Reason: Reason: They collected taxes and other dues from peasants, craftspersons, and traders in the area. They maintained a stipulated contingent of horses and elephants. This contingent helped the Vijayanagar kings to bring the southern peninsula under their control.