Social and Political Life in the Vijayanagara Empire (A.D. 1346 – A.D. 1646) v1.c12.s1.16

v1.c12.s1.16

But it was the endeavour of that able administrator to "reconcile the conflicting interests of all these classes, to smooth away difficulties, and to conciliate affection".² And in the course of six and twenty years³ of efficient rule, Viśvanātha had inaugurated a number of measures the most prominent of which, while it relieved the political tension for one or two generations, came to stay in the country as the most potent factor of internal disorder. This was the Pāḷeyagāra system, which was introduced and maintained by Viśvanātha and Ariyanātha.⁴ An account of the origin and nature of this system brings us to the interesting question of the corporate activities of the people of Vijayanagara, and to the equally interesting details about the administration of villages under the Hindu rulers. But before we deal with either of these, we may note in passing some of the redeeming features of the rule of the Nāyakas. These concern their tolerant attitude towards the Muhammadans,⁵ their eagerness to construct public buildings,⁶ and their endeavours to promote the cause of Hinduism.⁷