The Cambridge History of India, Vol. III: Turks and Afghans v3.c28.45

v3.c28.45

Narasimha, whose territory Muhammad invaded, was probably a viceroy or the descendant of a viceroy of the rajas of Vijayanagar, who had extended his power at the expense of his former masters until his territories included the eastern districts of their kingdom and extended on the north to Machchhlīpatan (Masulipatam). Muhammad made Kondapalli his headquarters, and leaving his son Mahmūd, with Mahmūd Gāvān, in that town led a raid to the famous temple of Kānchī (Conjeveram). He rode so hard that of 6000 horse who had set out with him no more than forty, among whom were Yūsuf ‘Ādil Khān and Malik Hasan, were with him when he arrived at his destination. Nothing daunted he rode towards the temple, from which emerged ‘many Hindus of devilish appearance, among them a black-faced giant of the seed of demons, mounted on a powerful horse, who, having regarded them fixedly, urged his horse straight at the king.’ While his companions were occupied with other Hindus Muhammad slew this champion and another, and entered the temple, plundered it, and slew the attendant Brāhmans.