The Aravidu Dynasty of Vijayanagara, Vol. I v1.c15.100

v1.c15.100

8. When the news of this event reached Rama Raya’s ears, the valiant chief, realizing that the issue was much beyond his expectations, was incensed with fury; and in order to encourage his troops he remounted his horse, and shouting several times ‘Gorida! Gorida!’ (Garuda! Garuda!) ⁴, with his men charged the allied army. The wings commanded by the Sultans of Bijapur, Golkonda and Bidar, soon broke before the indomitable fury of the old Hindu King and his Rachevadu soldiers. Then the Hindu army charged straight to the centre of the allied army, which was led by the Sultan of Ahmadnagar with ten thousand horse under his command. But the attack of Rama Raya was so unexpected and effective that the Nizam’s army retreated about half a league, with the loss of more than two thousand of its men. Here the Rachevadu soldiers proved the bravery of their race; for seeing their Sovereign engaged with the enemy they dismounted in great haste; and rushing to his defence slew many Muhammadans.