Administration of Vijaynagar Empire

ADMINISTRATION OF VIJAYNAGAR EMPIRE
INTRODUCTION
The vijaynagar empire, rulers were promoters of orthodox religion,

liberal, and cultural and artistic activities and lover of Sanskrit and
vernacular literature.
King- Vijaynagar administration was presided over by the king. The

King of vijaynagar had authority over civil, judicial and military matters.
However, the kings desired was to promote welfare of people and work
according to the principles of dharma.
(In Krishnadevaraya’s book Amuktamalyada helps to understand the
nature of king. He included that a crowned king should always rule with
an eye towards dharma. Enumerating with king duties Krishnadevaraya
says crushing the enemy and to protect the subjects)
Succession- Sucession to the throne was based on hereditary. But there

was also example of usurpation. Wherever there is a weak ruler
succeeded to throne, many generals, nobles take the advantage of the
situation and usurp the throne
Council of Ministers – The king was advised by the council of minister.

King consulted with the council of minister on important matters.
The council of minister were appointed sometimes hereditary and
sometimes based on selection.
Diwankhana-(council chamber)
Daftarkhana- (secretariat)
(Harsh punishment were their for the council of ministers if they commit
and crime or plan to disposed the king. Krishnadevaraya punished
Saluva Timma when he was suspected of poisoning the heir)
Provinces- Vijaynagar Empire was divided into provinces, which were

known as rajya.
These were further sub-divided into smaller units known as venthe,
nadu, kottam etc.
The division of empire into provinces was on military lines.
The governors remained in headquarters and governed the provinces.
Governors were described as Nadaprabhu, nayakas.
Governor kept their own court and army.
They performed civil, judicial and military function in their jurisdiction.
They were required to submit income and expenditure of their provinces
to the central government.
(To keep over the check on the governors king appointed royal officers
in their court)
Village Administration- The village was lowest administrative unit

Ayagars officer look after the village affairs. They decide and solve the
disputes, collected revenue and enforced law and order in village
Central government excercised supervision over village administration
through an officer Mahanayakacharya.
Land Revenue- Land revenue comprised the main source of income of

the state.
Other form of income were tributes and gifts, custom duties, taxes on
house, market, profession etc.
Payment of taxes could be made in cash.
The land revenue was collected and fixed after assessment and careful
survey of land.
The land was classified in three categories wetland, dry land and
orchards and woods.
Athavane- look after the administration of land revenue.
(According to Nuniz- peasant had to pay 9/10 of their produce to lords
and one half to kings.)
The fiscal system of vijaynagar empire was not suitable for the peasant.
Many peasants suffer and migrated to other places. Rulers like
Krishnadevaraya tried to improve the condition of peasant. However
during weak rulers, there was exploitation and oppression by nobles.
Treasuries- Two treasuries were there one smaller for day to day needs
and other was larger were huge amounts of deposit , valuable gifts were
placed.
(According to Paes- large treasury was kept locked in way that no one
can seen and opened it except king when he had great need.)
Expenditure- The aims of expenditure was incurred on military forces

and charitable endowments.
Krishnadevaraya suggested in Amuktamalyada that income of state
divided into 4 parts- One quarter for military expenses, second quarter
for charity and remaining should be deposited in treasury.
Administration of Justice- Vijaynagar kings administered justice.

The king presided over sabha, which was highest court of appeal. In
most of cases judicial officers administered justice.
Dharma shastra were basis for deciding civil cases.
The criminal lawe severe was death punishment for theft, adultery or
murder.
There were village court, panchayats to decide offences such as violation
of caste rules, trade regulation.
Police System- The police system of Vijayagar was fairly efficient.

There was excellent espionage sytem . The spies kept informed king all
the development of state.
Espionage system prevented conspiracies, revolt of nobles and
governors.
In towns, streets police patrolled regularly at night
Military Organization- The vastness of empire and constant rebellion

attack by deccan sultanate prompted the vijaynagar king to maintain
large and efficient army.
Kings recruited soldiers including Muslims.
The Military department under vijaynagar empire known as Kandachara.
It was placed under the control of an officer called dandanayaka.
The emperors of vijaynagar empire made huge standing of army
consisting of elephants, cavalry and infantry. More attention was paid to
cavalry.
Nayakas collected revenue and administered to provide number of
elephants, horses and troops to join in the war.
(According to Paes- krishnadevaraya’s army consisted of 7,00000
infantry, 32,600 cavalry and 600 elephants)
There were regular military schools under which men were trained
martial arts archery, swordmanship etc. and later they wer included in
army.
Fortress played important role in defence of the empire

Administration of Vijaynagar Empire

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ADMINISTRATION OF VIJAYNAGAR EMPIRE

The vijaynagar empire, rulers were promoters of orthodox religion,

King- Vijaynagar administration was presided over by the king. The

Succession- Sucession to the throne was based on hereditary. But there

Council of Ministers – The king was advised by the council of minister.

Provinces- Vijaynagar Empire was divided into provinces, which were

Village Administration- The village was lowest administrative unit

Land Revenue- Land revenue comprised the main source of income of

Expenditure- The aims of expenditure was incurred on military forces

Administration of Justice- Vijaynagar kings administered justice.

Police System- The police system of Vijayagar was fairly efficient.

Military Organization- The vastness of empire and constant rebellion

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