The Aravidu Dynasty of Vijayanagara, Vol. I v1.c16.118

v1.c16.118

Nevertheless, this war showed the Hindus that life in the capital was insecure on account of the proximity of the Muhammadan possessions; the few inhabitants who had come back to repopulate the city retired to a more secure place; and Tirumala was obliged to abandon the old capital for good. This however betrayed a certain faintness of heart on the part of the Regent of the Empire. He had returned to Vijayanagara, after the retreat of the Muhammadans, as an enterprising hero and worthy successor of Krishna Deva Raya and of his brother Rama Raya; but now, giving up possession of the old capital in favour of Penukonda was equivalent to retiring from the front line to the second post of the Empire, and at the same time to abandoning all hope of victory over his enemies. Vijayanagara was giving up its offensive lines, and retreating to a position of defence.