1336–1565 C.E.

Public Administration of Vijayanagara Empire

The Vijayanagara Empire, also known as the Karat Kingdom, was founded in 1336 by the brothers Harihara I and Bukka Raya I. Both the brothers were the captives of Muhammad Bin Tughlaq at Delhi and also forced to convert into Islam. However, later when they came to Kampili, in the guidance of Vidyaranya (Madhavacharya), a distinguished scholar of advaita, both become Hindu again, declared their independence, established a new city called Vijayanagar (City of Victory) on the south bank of the Tungabhadra River and restored peace and order in larger part of South India. As they were the sons of Sangama, the dynasty thus founded was called Sangama dynasty. This dynasty followed by Saluva, Tuluva, and Aravidu dynasties ruled South Indian and a part of Deccan with Vijayanagara as a capital of their empire and repelled Islamic invasion for more than two centuries. ^[1]

Vijayanagara Empire lasted for more than two centuries because of the well-organised administrative system developed by its rulers, and witnessed a remarkable progress in the economic, cultural, political and social fields.^[2] The king was an enlightened and benevolent ruler who largely ruled according to Dharmashastras. He was the head of the state and was regarded as the God’s representative on earth. The king was the supreme authority in civil, military and judicial matters. The king, however, was assisted and guided by a council of ministers. However, Vijayanagara Empire is famous for its provincial government called Nayankar system of administration under which king assigned a land track to officials in lieu of pay i.e. for maintaining themselves and that of their army from the land track itself. The empire was, divided into provinces (prants), districts (nadus), and village (melagrams and grams). Administration of the villages was autonomous. Krishnadev Raya (1471 — 1529) of the Aravidu line was the ablest of the Vijayanagara sovereigns and stand tall among all the medieval rulers of India. Well-known for his efficient administration, he was extremely solicitous of the welfare of his subjects. Art, architecture and religion greatly flourished in his reign.^[3]

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