The Nayankara system was an important administrative, military, and land-revenue institution associated mainly with the Vijayanagara Empire. It played a significant role in maintaining the political and military strength of the empire from the fourteenth to the sixteenth centuries. Under this system, the rulers assigned territories called nayankaras or amaram lands to military commanders and provincial chiefs known as Nayakas. In return for these assignments, the Nayakas were expected to maintain troops, collect revenue, administer their territories, and provide military assistance to the central government whenever required. The Nayakas were generally appointed by the Vijayanagara rulers and were given control over specified territories. The land assigned to them was not regarded as their absolute private property. They enjoyed the right to collect revenue from the peasants and use a portion of it for their administrative and military responsibilities. A part of the revenue was sent or paid to the central authority, while the remaining portion was used to maintain soldiers, horses, elephants, forts, and other administrative requirements. The military aspect was one of the most important features of the Nayankara system. The Nayakas