The Aravidu Dynasty of Vijayanagara, Vol. I v1.c20.41

v1.c20.41

5. For a similar refusal to pay the tribute, Dom Luiz de Ataide, after attacking Honavar at the end of 1569, despatched a fleet of thirteen sail under the command of Pero da Silva e Menezes to wage war against the chief of Tolar. The Viceroy was anxious, it seems, to seize the fort of Barcelor (Basrur), which belonged to that King. Accordingly the first place to be attacked was this fortress. Basrur rivalled Honavar in natural strength and position; but the Viceroy had made arrangements with the commander whereby he was to betray it to him. Accordingly the commander of Basrur delivered up the fort to Pero da Silva at night; and the Portuguese rushing into the town slaughtered and captured more than 200 of its inhabitants. But the ruler of Tolar, informed of this treacherous surrender, advanced the same night, accompained by the neighbouring King of Cambolim (Gangolly). They were easily repulsed, since their joint force consisted only of 1,500 men; but they reappeared on the following night reinforced by 5,000 more soldiers. After a hot engagement, in which both parties suffered heavy losses, the Portuguese came to the conclusion that the fortress was untenable; so they quitted it with the honours of war, taking with them twenty cannon and a great quantity of ammunition and arms¹.