ADMINISTRATION

Krishna Deva Raya’s administration (1509–1529 AD) is widely regarded as one of the most efficient and successful in Indian history, reflecting his ability to manage a vast and diverse empire while ensuring economic prosperity, military strength, and cultural patronage. He implemented a variety of administrative reforms that not only stabilized the Vijayanagara Empire but also expanded its influence over South India.

1. Centralized Administration

Krishna Deva Raya maintained a highly centralized administration with the emperor at its head. As the supreme authority, he exercised direct control over most aspects of governance, from military affairs to economic policies and religious matters. His administration was divided into different levels, with various officials responsible for the smooth functioning of the empire:

• Emperor (Raya): Krishna Deva Raya, like his predecessors, was an absolute monarch, meaning that the entire empire was under his direct control. He made all significant decisions regarding the state, military, economy, and religion.
• Council of Ministers: He had a council of ministers who advised him on various issues. However, final decisions were made by the emperor himself. These ministers were typically chosen from the nobility and loyal families.
• Provincial Governors (Nayakas or Amaranayakas): The empire was divided into provinces, each governed by a Nayaka or Amaranayaka (a feudal lord or military governor). These Nayakas were responsible for maintaining law and order, collecting taxes, and contributing military forces to the central authority during times of war. The Nayakas enjoyed a considerable degree of autonomy but were loyal to the emperor.

2. Military Administration

Krishna Deva Raya placed immense importance on military administration, given the constant threats from rival kingdoms such as the Bahmani Sultanate, Bijapur, and the Gajapati Kingdom of Odisha. His military administration was marked by:

• Standing Army: Krishna Deva Raya maintained a large and well-trained standing army, which included infantry, cavalry, and war elephants. According to contemporary accounts, he had a vast army of over 700,000 men, with 32,000 cavalry and 550 war elephants. This enabled him to defend his empire against foreign invaders and to undertake aggressive expansion campaigns.
• Nayankara System: Krishna Deva Raya continued the Nayankara system, where the Nayakas were required to maintain troops for the emperor. In return for their military service, they were granted land revenue from their respective regions. This system ensured that Krishna Deva Raya had access to a large, decentralized military force without the financial burden of maintaining it directly.
• Use of Firearms: A significant innovation during Krishna Deva Raya’s rule was the use of firearms and artillery, which he acquired through trade and diplomacy with the Portuguese. His success in integrating firearms into his military strategy was a key factor in his victory over rival kingdoms, particularly in the Raichur Doab and during the campaigns against the Gajapatis.

3. Provincial and Feudal Administration

Krishna Deva Raya managed the administration of his vast empire through a hierarchical system of governance, which ensured control over distant provinces while allowing some degree of local autonomy:

• Provincial Administration: The empire was divided into several provinces, each governed by a Nayaka. These provinces were further subdivided into smaller units called Sime or Kottam, each administered by a subordinate official. The Nayakas exercised significant control over their regions but had to send tribute and military support to the emperor.
• Local Administration: At the village level, local chieftains or heads of villages (often referred to as Gowdas) were responsible for maintaining law and order, collecting taxes, and implementing imperial policies. These officials reported to the Nayaka or the provincial governor. The village assemblies, known as Ur, played a role in resolving local disputes and managing communal activities.

4. Taxation and Revenue System

Krishna Deva Raya’s reign saw a well-structured revenue system that provided financial stability to the empire. He implemented several reforms to improve agricultural productivity and ensure the efficient collection of taxes:

• Land Revenue System: Land revenue was the primary source of income for the Vijayanagara Empire. Krishna Deva Raya made reforms in the land revenue system, including measures to assess the productivity of land and determine taxes accordingly. Taxes were generally paid in kind (agricultural produce) or in cash. The emperor ensured that taxes were fair and did not unduly burden the peasants, thereby encouraging higher productivity.
• Irrigation and Agricultural Reforms: Recognizing the importance of agriculture, Krishna Deva Raya invested heavily in building and maintaining irrigation systems. He constructed reservoirs, tanks, and canals, such as the famous Dam on the Tungabhadra River, to ensure a stable water supply to the fields. This led to increased agricultural production and prosperity in the empire.
• Trade and Commerce: Krishna Deva Raya encouraged both domestic and foreign trade. The empire’s strategic location facilitated trade with Southeast Asia, Persia, and the Portuguese. Important goods such as textiles, spices, horses, and firearms were imported and exported. Trade revenues provided a significant boost to the imperial treasury.

5. Judicial System

The administration of justice was another key aspect of Krishna Deva Raya’s governance. He placed a strong emphasis on maintaining law and order throughout his empire:

• King as Supreme Judge: The emperor was the final authority in judicial matters. He heard appeals in person and delivered justice. Krishna Deva Raya was known for his fairness and concern for the welfare of his subjects, often addressing their grievances directly.
• Local Justice: At the local level, disputes were settled by village councils or assemblies (Ur). Local chieftains and the Nayakas also played a role in administering justice in their respective provinces. Punishments were generally swift and served as a deterrent to crime.
• Legal Codes: Krishna Deva Raya is said to have compiled a set of legal codes to ensure consistency and fairness in the administration of justice. These laws were based on Dharmashastra (Hindu law) but were adapted to suit the diverse population of the empire, including Hindus, Muslims, and Jains.

6. Religious and Cultural Administration

Krishna Deva Raya was a devout Hindu, particularly devoted to Lord Venkateshwara of Tirupati, but he practiced religious tolerance and supported multiple religious communities. His religious policies included:

• Temple Construction and Patronage: Krishna Deva Raya is credited with constructing and renovating many Hindu temples. He commissioned the construction of the famous Vithala Temple in Hampi, which is renowned for its stone chariot and musical pillars. He also patronized the Virupaksha Temple and other temples dedicated to various deities.
• Support for Different Religions: Though a Hindu king, Krishna Deva Raya also respected Jainism, Buddhism, and Islam. He did not impose religious restrictions on his subjects and maintained peaceful relations with Muslim rulers in the Deccan.
• Cultural Patronage: His administration supported the flourishing of arts and literature. Krishna Deva Raya himself was a poet, and his court was a center of learning and culture. The presence of Ashtadiggajas (eight poets) in his court, including the famous Allasani Peddana, underscores his patronage of literature. He also composed the literary masterpiece Amuktamalyada in Telugu.

7. Diplomacy and Foreign Relations

Krishna Deva Raya was an astute diplomat. He maintained friendly relations with the Portuguese, which were instrumental in modernizing his military:

• Alliance with the Portuguese: The Portuguese had established themselves in Goa by the time Krishna Deva Raya ascended to the throne. He forged diplomatic and trade relations with them, gaining access to firearms and Arabian horses, which significantly improved the efficiency of his army.
• Diplomatic Relations with Neighboring Kingdoms: Krishna Deva Raya also maintained diplomatic relations with neighboring kingdoms, particularly during times of peace. His marriage alliances with other royal families helped secure political stability and minimize internal conflicts.

Conclusion

Krishna Deva Raya’s administration was characterized by efficient governance, military strength, economic prosperity, and cultural flourishing. His centralized administration, efficient revenue system, focus on agricultural and irrigation reforms, and support for arts and religion marked his reign as a golden period in South Indian history. Through his administrative policies, he managed to create a stable and prosperous empire that became the dominant power in the region during his rule. His legacy as a great administrator and ruler is remembered in Indian history as one of wisdom, justice, and progress.