The Aravidu Dynasty of Vijayanagara, Vol. I v1.c11.9

v1.c11.9

2. The struggle between Vijayanagara and the Muhammadans started early in the reign of Sadasiva, almost on the very day of his coronation. Ferishta says that when Ibrahim Adil Shah of Bijapur heard of the revolution that took place in Vijayanagara to dethrone the usurper Salakam Timma Raju, and of the subsequent election of Sadasiva as Emperor of Vijayanagara, he thought it a good opportunity, and despatched Asad Khan with the bulk of his army to reduce the important fortress of Adoni. No sooner did this news come to Vijayanagara, than Rama Raya likewise sent his brother Venkatadri with a strong force to relieve the fort, which was on the point of surrendering. On his approach Asad Khan raised the siege and moved towards him. A sharp engagement ensued and the Muhammadan general, finding that he was likely to have the worst of the action by reason of the vast superiority of the enemy, retreated in good order, followed by Venkatadri at a distance of about twenty one miles. In the evening Asad Khan encamped, and Venkatadri, with a view to obstructing further retreat, halted likewise at a distance of about eight miles. On the following day before sunrise, Asad Khan with four thousand chosen horse surprised the camp of Venkatadri, whose self-confidence had thrown him wholly off his guard against this manoeuvre. The Muhammadans penetrated the Hindu tents before the alarm was given. Venkatadri had scarcely time to make his escape, and left his treasures, family and elephants in the hands of the victors ⁴.