Explanation:

The amara-nayakas were military commanders who were given territories to govern.
Amara-nayakas collected taxes and other dues from peasants, craftspersons and traders in the area.
They retained part of the revenue for personal use and for maintaining a stipulated contingent of horses and elephants.
These contingents provided the Vijayanagara kings with an effective fighting force with which they brought the entire southern peninsula under their control.
The amara-nayakas sent tribute to the king annually and personally appeared in the royal court with gifts to express their loyalty.