History Ancient India Questions Medium
The Vijayanagara Empire, which existed from the 14th to the 17th century in South India, had a well-defined political structure. The empire was ruled by a monarchy, with the king being the supreme authority. The political structure can be described as follows:
1. Monarchy: The empire was ruled by a hereditary monarchy, with the king being the central figure of power. The king held absolute authority and was considered to be the representative of the gods on earth. The king's decisions were final and binding.
2. Central Administration: The empire had a well-organized administrative system. The king was assisted by a council of ministers who advised him on various matters. The ministers were responsible for the day-to-day administration of the empire and held important positions in the government.
3. Provincial Administration: The empire was divided into several provinces, each headed by a governor appointed by the king. The governors were responsible for maintaining law and order, collecting taxes, and implementing the king's policies in their respective regions.
4. Local Administration: At the local level, the empire was divided into smaller administrative units called Nadu. Each Nadu was headed by a local chief or officer who was responsible for the administration of the region. They collected taxes, maintained law and order, and reported to the provincial governor.
5. Military Administration: The empire had a strong military system. The king was the supreme commander of the army and had a well-trained and disciplined army at his disposal. The military was responsible for protecting the empire's borders, maintaining internal security, and expanding the empire's territories.
6. Revenue Administration: The empire had an efficient revenue administration system. The king collected taxes from various sources, including land revenue, customs duties, and trade taxes. The revenue collected was used for the administration of the empire, maintaining the army, and undertaking public works.
7. Judicial System: The empire had a well-developed judicial system. The king was the ultimate authority in matters of justice and was assisted by a council of judges. The judges were responsible for resolving disputes, maintaining law and order, and ensuring justice was served.
Overall, the political structure of the Vijayanagara Empire was centralized, with the king holding supreme power. The empire had a well-organized administrative system that ensured effective governance and maintained law and order throughout the empire.