Kakatiya Dynasty - The Ayagar System

The 12 Pillars of the Kakatiya Village Republic

While the Kakatiya Kings ruled from the stone fortresses of Orugallu, the real strength of the empire lay in its Grama (village) administration. They perfected a decentralized governance model known as the Ayagar System. This system made every village a self-contained, self-governing republic—a structure so robust it survived for nearly 800 years.

The Core Philosophy

An Ayagar was a village functionary who was granted tax-free land, known as Manyam, in exchange for their hereditary services. There were 12 Ayagars in a standard village, ensuring that every social, economic, and religious need was met locally.

The 'Big Three' Village Leaders

1. The Reddy

Role: The Village Headman. He was the chief executive and magistrate. He settled local disputes, maintained law and order, and was the primary link between the village and the King's officials.

2. The Karnam

Role: The Accountant. He maintained the Adaya-Vyaya (Income and Expenditure) registers. He measured every plot of land and was the custodian of village land records.

3. The Talari

Role: The Watchman. The Talari was the village's policeman. He protected the village at night and ensured the safety of standing crops from theft or wild animals.

The Specialized Service Providers

Beyond leadership, the Ayagar system ensured that agriculture and daily life never came to a halt. The other members included:

• Neerati: The Water Manager. He was the most vital official in Telangana's tank-irrigation culture, responsible for distributing water from the Cheruvu (tank) to the fields.
• Kammari & Vadrangi: The Blacksmith and Carpenter. They built and repaired the ploughs, carts, and tools necessary for farming.
• Kummari: The Potter. Provided vessels for grain storage and daily household use.
• Purohita: The Priest. Managed the village temple and decided the auspicious dates for sowing and harvesting based on the lunar calendar.
• Chakali & Mangali: The Washerman and Barber. Essential social service providers who also played roles in village festivals.

Why it mattered: Resilience

When the central government in Warangal fell to the Tughlaqs in 1323, the Ayagar system didn't blink. Because the village owned its own means of production and had its own leadership (the Reddy and Karnam), the economy of Telangana continued to function despite the political chaos at the top.

Sources & Historical References

• 1. P.V. Parabrahma Sastry: "The Kakatiyas of Warangal" – The definitive text on Kakatiya political and village hierarchy.
• 2. Cynthia Talbot: "Precolonial India in Practice" – Detailed analysis of the Nayankara and Ayagar systems in medieval Andhra/Telangana.
• 3. The Mackenzie Manuscripts: 19th-century local village records (Kaifiyats) that preserved the oral and written traditions of the Ayagar roles.
• 4. Malkapuram Inscription: A 13th-century stone record that provides evidence of land grants (Manyams) to village servants and doctors.

Note: The term 'Ayagar' is derived from the Sanskrit 'Ayakara', referring to those who have a share in the village produce.