Vijayanagara Empire: Nayakatana System-Interpretations and Re-Analysis

The common notion is that Nayakas under Vijayanagara Empire were very influential in political and military units of the state. They were mediators between the king and the subjects. But there was no concrete idea regarding the term Nayaka. There were heterogeneous views. There were no unanimous opinion regarding to whom should be called as Nayaka? The present article sheds a light on different views expressed by the various scholars regarding the Nayakatana system under Vijayanagara Empire. This paper contains healthy academic discussion among Indian scholars and foreign scholars which opens the gate for new ideas.