The Aravidu Dynasty of Vijayanagara, Vol. I v1.c13.217

v1.c13.217

Vitthala’s aim was only partly attained. The defeat of his army in Travancore was practically equivalent to the complete independence of this kingdom. As to the Fishery Coast, the Portuguese remained there as powerful as ever; the only point conceded was the annual tribute of the catch of a day’s fishing to the Madura Nayak, but the Paravas did not acknowledge any lords other than the Portuguese; if they paid such tribute to Madura it was only in order to get rid of the incursions of the Telugus on to their own shores. Caesar Frederick, who passed through the Fishery Coast in about 1567, says that "the Fishermen are all Christians of the Countrey; and who so will may go to fishing, paying a certain dutie to the King of Portugall, and the Churches of the Friers of Saint Paul (Jesuits) which are in that Coast" ³. The Vijayanagara General had therefore not yet succeeded in gaining supreme power.