Nayaka Kingdoms

The Nayaka Kingdoms were a group of regional states in southern India, primarily during the late medieval period (roughly 15th to 17th centuries). They emerged as successors to the Vijayanagara Empire, with local chieftains called Nayakas ruling over territories in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. These kingdoms functioned as semi-autonomous entities, maintaining their own armies, administration, and culture while paying tribute to larger empires. The Nayaka rulers contributed to regional development, architecture, and arts, shaping the cultural landscape of South India before the rise of Mughal influence and colonial powers.