South India and her Muhammadan Invaders c13.s1.56

c13.s1.56

Harihara II, assumed for the first time, the full style of Vijayanagar Emperors, ‘the illustrious king of kings and the supreme lord of kings; the lord of the eastern, southern, western and northern oceans; the unopposed; a Vainatēya (Garuḍa) to the snakes (which are) wicked kings and princes; an adamantine cage for refugees; the Dharma (Yudhiṣṭira) of the Kali age; the ear ornament to the goddess of the Karṇāṭaka (country); the supporter of the four castes and orders; he whose proclamations are engraved on the slopes of the principal mountains; he who is formidable on battle-fields; the moon to the day-lotuses (which are) hostile kings; a brother to the wives of others; he whose only delight is the fame of virtue; the destroyer of the pride of the *Tiger*; the master in establishing the *Chera*, *Chola*, and *Pāndya* (kings); the publisher of the commentaries on the *Vedas*; the master in establishing the ordinances prescribed by the *Vedas*; he who has provided the Adhvaryu (priests) with employment; the auspicious ornament of kings; he whose eloquence is well-known,’ thereby symbolizing the assumption of supreme authority and signifying what that authority actually stood for. We may pardon the egotism, and appreciate the praiseworthy effort underlying it.