Which of the following statements about Amaranayakas of Vijayanagara are correct? 1. They were military commanders who were given territories to govern by the Raya. 2. They were paid in cash to maintain their contingents. 3. They maintained stipulated contingents and elephants. 4. They used to send tribute annually and personally appeared in the royal court with gifts.
CAPF 2021
A. 1, 2 and 3 only
B. 1, 3 and 4 only
C. 2 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: 1, 3 and 4 only
Option b is the correct answer.
Statement 1 is correct- The Amaranayakas were military commanders who were given territories to govern by the Raya, the emperor of Vijayanagar Empire. They were responsible for the defense of their territories.
Statement 2 is incorrect- They collected taxes and other dues from peasants, craftspersons, and traders in the area. The nayakas or palegars were granted territory (amaram) with a fixed revenue in lieu of their salaries.
Statement 3 is correct- Ordinary soldiers were usually paid in cash. They retained a part of the revenue for personal use and for maintaining a stipulated contingent of horses and elephants.
Statement 4 is correct- The Amaranayakas sent tribute to the kings annually and personally appeared in the royal court with gifts to express their loyalty.