The Aravidu Dynasty of Vijayanagara, Vol. I v1.c18.43

v1.c18.43

3. In the meanwhile the Muhammadans had not yet ceased attacking the northern frontier. In the year 1575, to safeguard his new possessions, Ali Adil Shah rebuilt the ancient fortress of Chandragutti, Shimoga District, which was built upon a lofty hill ². While here, he was invited by Shankar Nayak, probably one of those petty chiefs of Kanara who had rebelled against the new dynasty of Vijayanagara, to make a tour through his own country. "Ali Adil Shah", says Ferishta, "accepting the offer, left his army at Chandarguti, and with Mustafa Khan and four or five thousand men proceeded to the fortress of Karur (Kadur)." This place is situated in a mountainous country full of forests, and so difficult of access that most of the passes allow only one horseman to enter at a time. The king, disliking the appearance of the country, returned to Chandarguti, leaving all his possessions to the Nayak; but Mustafa Khan tried to make a virtue of his master's necessity, by telling the Nayak that it was with difficulty he had dissuaded him from reducing it; therefore, if he consulted his own safety, he would submit and pay tribute and induce the surrounding rayas to do the same. Shankar Nayak, by these representations, prevailed on Siva Nayak of Jerreh, the Rani of Barcelor (Basrur) and several other chiefs, to pay their respects to the Sultan, to whom they presented offerings of considerable value, and agreed to pay annual tribute. On the day on which these chiefs received their state robes from the Sultan, women's robes were prepared for Har Devi, Bhar Devi, the Rani of Barcelor and another Rani. But these they declined accepting, saying that, though women in sex, they held their dominions by the power of masculine minds; upon which the Sultan presented them with men's robes.