The Aravidu Dynasty of Vijayanagara, Vol. I v1.c13.29

v1.c13.29

On receiving the news of this revolt, Visvanatha sent his prime minister against the five Pandyas; but this officer 'was not strong enough to meet them', says the History of the Kar- *nataka Governors*¹. The Pandyas were in the fortified town of Kayatattur, and for some time successfully resisted the Madura army. Ariyanatha and the Palaiyakarans who were with him were defeated, and "they actually retreated in disgrace to Madura"². Visvanatha himself then went in person with the rest of the army to meet those insurgents. The war was carried on for the space of six months, but the five Pandyas could not be reduced: "a great many men on both sides fell", says the *History of the Karnataka Governors*, "and the lamentations of the families of the deceased, alike in the camp and the country around, being heard by Visvanatha Naicker, he reflected within himself how many families were absorbed in grief merely that he, a single person, might enjoy undisturbed prosperity; and, in consequence, wrote a letter to the five opponents, which he sent by a herald; of which letter the contents were the following:—