Nayaka dynasties emerged during the Kakatiyas and Vijayanagara Empire. The Nayakas were originally military governors under the Vijayanagara Empire. After the battle of Talikota, several of them declared themselves independent. The Nayaka kingdoms included the following:
- Musunuri Nayaks
- Pemmasani Nayaks
- Nayaks of Madurai
- Nayaks of Tanjore
- Nayaks of Gingee or Senji Nayaks, founded by Ramabhadra Nayak
- Nayaks of Kalahasti
- Nayakas of Chitradurga
- Nayakas of Keladi
- Nayaks of Vellore, Channapatna and Rayadurgam
- Nayaks of Kandy
- Nayakas of Shorapur