The Aravidu Dynasty of Vijayanagara, Vol. I v1.c12.133

v1.c12.133

The Kuniyur plates of Venkata III say that Visvanatha was the fruit of the severe austerities and many virtues of his father, granted by the god Visvesvara 9. We do not know whether among these austerities we must account the traditional pilgrimage of Nagama to Benares 10. The Mrtyunjaya MSS., say that Visvanatha used to accompany the King in his hunting excursions when he was sixteen years of age, and relate, along with the *Tanjavuri Andhra Rajula Charitra* and the *History of the Karnataka Governors*, that once he destroyed a wild bison that was advancing upon Krishna Raya, with a single stroke of his sword¹. When already of age he was deputed by that Emperor to march against several princes of the north, who disputed their subjection as tributaries to the Emperor. The *Mrtyunjaya MSS.* say that these kings were the sovereigns of Anga, Vanga, Kalinga, Casmira and Nepala, ², which is nothing but an empty boast. They were probably the Kings of Orissa and some petty Rajas of the surroundings. Visvanatha "having successfully warred against them", says the *History of the Karnataka Governors*, "took them prisoners, appointed proper persons for the management of the conquered countries, and returned triumphantly to the Rayer, with the captives, elephants, camels, horses and all the treasure belonging to them. The Rayer was so well pleased with the bravery and success of Visvanatha, that he forthwith honoured him with distinguished tokens of approbation and favour, in bestowing on him all the banners or trophies which belonged to the refractory tributaries" ³.