INDIAN HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -The largest administrative division in the Vijayanagar empire was Mandalam which was governed by a governor called a Mandalesvara.

Detailed explanation-2: -Vijayanagar empire was established in 1336 by Harihara I and his brother Bukka Raya I of Sangama Dynasty. The empire was divided into different administrative units mandalams or rajyas (provinces), nadus (districts), sthalas (sub-districts) and finally into gramas (villages).

Detailed explanation-3: -For purpose of administration, the empire was divided into 6 provinces. A province was called Prant, or Rajya. Each province was under a viceroy or Nayak who was either a member of the royal family or influential noble of the state. Every viceroy enjoyed civil, military and judiciary powers within the province.

Detailed explanation-4: -Numbers. The numerical strength of the Vijayanagara army is disputed. Niccolò de’ Conti reported a figure of 245, 000 men during the reign of Krishna Deva Raya but Fernao Nuniz claimed it to be around 200, 000, consisting of 170, 000 foot soldiers, 30, 000 cavalry and 550 war elephants.