Why we may  consider the Nayaka system under the Vijayanagar as feudal?

Correct option is B

The Nayaka system under the Vijayanagara Empire is often considered feudal due to its similarities with feudal structures in medieval Europe. The key features that align the Nayaka system with feudalism include the decentralization of power, the distribution of land, and the relationship between the king and his vassals.
Reasons for considering the Nayaka system as feudal: 

• Decentralization of Power:In the Vijayanagara Empire, the central authority was often unable to exert direct control over distant regions. To manage these territories, the king appointed local chieftains, known as Nayakas, who were entrusted with military and administrative powers over specific regions. These Nayakas acted as semi-independent rulers, much like the feudal lords in medieval Europe, who had control over their fiefs but were still nominally loyal to a higher monarch.

• Granting of Land and Military Service:The Nayakas were granted land and resources in exchange for their loyalty and military service. This is a key characteristic of feudalism, where land is the primary source of wealth and power, and its control is linked to obligations of military service and other forms of support to the central ruler.

• Hereditary Leadership:The positions of Nayakas were often hereditary, passed down from father to son, which further emphasizes the feudal nature of the system. In feudal societies, land and titles were typically passed down through families, ensuring that the local rulers maintained control over their territories for generations.

• Military and Administrative Control:The Nayakas had their own armies and were responsible for the defense of their territories. This mirrors the feudal structure, where lords maintained private armies to defend their lands. Additionally, they also had a degree of administrative control, overseeing local governance, taxation, and justice, much like feudal lords who governed their fiefs independently.

Information Booster:

The system of governance in the Vijayanagara Empire, particularly under rulers like Krishnadevaraya, reflects a complex hierarchical structure. The Nayakas were typically appointed from among the local nobility, and their loyalty to the king was a key feature. This decentralized system allowed the king to focus on other concerns while maintaining nominal control over a large and diverse empire.