THE KING
Kingship was based on the principle of absolute monarchy, but of the kind-hearted type. The king was to ensure people’s welfare, listen to their appeal and remove all their difficulties. He enjoyed absolute authority in executive, judicial and legislative matters. He was the highest court of appeal and the Supreme law-giver. The ideal of kingship was given by Krishnadeva Raya in his Amuktamalyada.
CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION
There was a Council of Ministers, named Raj Parishad headed by a Prime Minister, to assist and advise the king in administrative matters. But, it was left to the king’s choice whether or not to accept by them. Central administration was divided into several departments, each supervised by a minister.
PROVINCIAL AND LOCAL ADMINISTRATION
The empire was divided into different administrative unita-Mandalama or Rajyas (provinces), Nadus Mandaleshwara (districts), Sthalas (sub-districts) and finally into Gramas (villages). The number and size of the Mandalams varied from time to time. Each province was under a Governor. described as or Nayaka. The village autonomy witnessed a decline during this period due to the imposition of Ayagar system. Gauda, the village headman, looked after the administration of the village, which was the basic unit of administration.
THE NAYAKARA AND AYAGAR SYSTEM
The Navakara and Ayagar station were the backbone of the Vijayanagara administration.
NAYAKARA SYSTEM
Under the Nayakara system, military chiefs were assigned a piece of land called Amaram. These chiefs, known Nayaks of Palaiyagars, had revenue and adminis- trative rights on their lands. They were required to maintain elephants, horses and soldiers in certain numbers, which were to be provided to king during wars. They also had to pay a particular sum of money to the central treasury.
The Nayaks were independent in their areas and were non-transferable. In the course of time, Nayaks began to assert their military, administrative and economic powers, which later became a major cause of decline of the Vijayanagara empire.
AYAGAR SYSTEM
The Ayagar system was an important feature of village administration. Under this system, a body of twelve functionaries, known as Ayagars, conducted every village affair. They were granted tax lands, manyams which they were to enjoy in continuity.
An important feature of Ayagar system was that Ayagars were hereditary officials and there could be no sale or purchase of land, in the village, without their permission.
REVENUE ADMINISTRATION
Land revenue from crown lands was the most important source of revenue. It was collected on the basis of assessment fixed after careful survey. Its rate varied according to the nature of the cultivated land
It was fixed on the basis of crop cultivation and the quantum of yield obtained. Generally, 1/6th of the gross produce was collected as revenue. But sometimes, it was raised to 50%. Prostitution was regulated and heavily taxed. Kaikkolas, a class of weavers and barbers were exempted from texation.
As suggested in the Amuktamalyada, the expenditure of the state was divided into four parts
- Charities
- Personal expenditure of the king
- Maintenance of horses
- Military conquests and security of the empire