Nayaka dynasties emerged after the downfall of Vijayanagara Empire. The Nayaks were originally military governors under the supervision of the Vijayanagara Empire. They were the most powerful clan. After the battle of Talikota, several of them declared independence. The Nayaka kingdoms included the following:

• Nayaks of Madurai
• Nayaks of Tanjore
• Nayaks of Gingee or Senji Nayaks, founded by Ramabhadra Nayak
• Nayaks of Kalahasti
• Nayakas of Chitradurga
• Nayaks of Vellore, Channapatna and Rayadurga
• Nayaks of Kandy 
• Nayakas of Keladi