Vijayanagar had well organized administrative set-up

by Madugundu Krishna    October 14, 2012

 Vijayanagar kingdom administration at Deccan

Vijayanagar had well organized administrative set-up. Though the power at the center was strong, administration was decentralized. Ministers, commanders of the army, provincial Governors and princes (Nayakas) helped the emperor in running the administration. Timmarasa was an experienced prime minister under Krishnadevaraya. The empire was divided into Rajya, Nadu and Grama (village). The local princes secured more authority from the days of Krishnadevaraya.

The emperor was supreme in administration of justice. In the provinces, provincial officers settled disputes. Offenders were punished severely. The villages were the last units in administration and were looked after by Gowda (headman), Karnam (Shanbhog or village account) and Talawara (watchman). The Nadu had a Nadagowda and the town had a Pattanswamy. Land revenue was the main source of Royal income and 1/6 of the land yield was collected as land tax. Sale tax, professional tax and tolls on roads (Sunka) and markets, export tax and the tribute that came from subordinate princes were the other sources of Royal income.    

The Vijayanagar army was well organized. The standing army, the continents supplied by the subordinate princes and the Royal body guard were the three components of the imperial army. The army had infantry cavalry, elephant crops and artillery unit. The forts played a prominent role in defense. A person of any community could join the army, prove his mettle and secure positions.   

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