With reference to the 'Nayankara' (or Amara-nayaka) system of provincial administration in the Vijayanagara Empire, consider the following statements:
1. The Amara-nayakas were military commanders who were given territories (amaram) to govern by the Raya (King).
2. They were obligated to maintain a stipulated number of elephants, horses, and foot soldiers to assist the king during wars.
3. The position and territory of an Amara-nayaka were strictly hereditary and they could never be transferred by the King.
How many of the above statements are correct?

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Accepted Answer

Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is incorrect. While the Nayaka positions tended to become hereditary in the later, weaker phases of the empire, theoretically and practically under strong rulers like Krishnadevaraya, they were not strictly hereditary and the King could transfer them from one amaram to another to prevent them from becoming too powerful.

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