The Aravidu Dynasty of Vijayanagara, Vol. I v1.c20.29

v1.c20.29

4. The Portuguese chronicles supply us with abundant information about several petty chiefs of the Kanara coast, some of whose sea-ports were gradually taken by the successors of Albuquerque. Several of these petty rulers had, as we have seen during the reign of Sadasiva, been compelled to consent, against their will, to pay an annual tribute to the viceroy of Goa. One of these was the Queen of Guarcopa (Gersoppa), named Bhaira Devi², who a little after, by the instigation of some of the rulers of Malabar, refused to pay the promised tribute 1. In order to chastise such contumacious conduct the Viceroy, Dom Luiz de Ataide, sailed thither in November, 1569, with a fleet of more than 130 ships and about three thousand Portuguese and Indians. Having entered the river Onor, which flowed through the possessions of the sovereign of Gersoppa, he succeeded in landing 2,300 men; but not without opposition on the part of the enemy. The city of Onor (Honavar) was by nature very strong; for it was built on the top of a rocky hill near the sea-shore, and was well fortified. The Queen was there herself with five hundred soldiers and several pieces of ordnance and ammunition. The Portuguese, notwithstanding, commenced to ascend the hill in the face of a shower of bullets; and as soon as they reached the summit, the enemy along with their Queen deserted the city and retired inland. Onor, which contained much wealth and many fine buildings, was first plundered and afterwards reduced to ashes. The fort was then attacked, and after four days' bombardment, the garrison surrendered upon condition of being allowed to march out without arms. The Portuguese then occupied the fort, and Mass was said there on St. Catherine's day, November 25th. Jorge de Moura with 400 men was left in command 2.