Explanation

The Amara-Nayaka system was a major political innovation of the Vijayanagara Empire: military chiefs (nayakas) were assigned amaram (territories with revenue rights) in return for maintaining a stipulated number of troops and remitting tribute to the king. The Cholas, Chalukyas and Guptas had different administrative systems and did not use the amara-nayaka arrangement. The system is distinctively Vijayanagara.