The correct option is
2 and 3 only
.Explanation
The Amara-nayaka system was a distinctive political innovation of the Vijayanagara Empire. It was a system of military feudalism where the nayakas (military commanders) were given territories (amaram) to govern by the Raya (king). In return, they maintained a fixed contingent of troops and provided military assistance to the king.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Incorrect. The nayakas were powerful local chieftains or military commanders. While they were theoretically subordinate to the king, they often asserted their independence when the central authority weakened. Following the Battle of Talikota (1565) and the subsequent decline of the Vijayanagara Empire, several nayakas-most notably the Nayakas of Madurai, Thanjavur, Gingee, and Ikkeri-established independent kingdoms that survived for a considerable period.
- Statement 2 is Correct. The nayaka system contained inherent centrifugal tendencies. Powerful nayakas controlled significant resources and military power. Their frequent rebellions and eventual assertion of independence significantly weakened the central authority, thereby hastening the collapse of the imperial structure, especially during the Aravidu dynasty.
- Statement 3 is Correct. Historians observe that the amara-nayaka system shared significant features with the iqta system of the Delhi Sultanate. In both systems, land or territory was assigned to military commanders in lieu of cash salaries. The assignees were responsible for collecting revenue, maintaining law and order, and providing military contingents to the central authority.
Key Takeaway:
The Amara-nayaka system was the backbone of Vijayanagara's military administration, functionally similar to the iqta system, but the rising autonomy of the nayakas eventually contributed to the empire's disintegration.