Nayaka

Nayaka, meaning leader or chief, was a title for military commanders in medieval South India. Under the Kakatiya dynasty and the Vijayanagara Empire, Nayakas held land and revenues in return for providing troops, and many later became hereditary rulers. After Vijayanagara declined, Nayaka dynasties governed kingdoms such as Madurai, Thanjavur and Gingee.