The Aravidu Dynasty of Vijayanagara, Vol. I v1.c21.138

v1.c21.138

but we are informed by the *Bahulasvacharitramu* that Chenna, of the Kalahasti family, defeated Linga of Velur on the plains of Munnali (Minnal?) and captured the fortress of Vellore ‘with its high fortifications and deep moat’¹. We may conclude from this that Chenna Nayaka was the commander-in-chief of the army sent against Lingama Nayaka. Once he started on his march there, the Dalavay pretended to have lost his way on the first day, with the first object of marching so fast throughout the night as to reach Vellore unexpectedly before dawn. Unfortunately his plan fell through; for only his vanguard reached the neighbourhood of Vellore at the desired hour, early in the morning; but the bulk of his army lagged behind, and did not arrive till later, when the garrison of the town was ready to repel the attack. Accordingly showers of bullets were poured on Chenna and his soldiers just as he was preparing to storm the city, and he was finally forced to retreat. But with indomitable courage he invested the fortress, in spite of the rainy season which had already burst. The siege lasted two months. Then two officers of Chenna’s army, who were on friendly terms with Lingama Nayaka, and even perhaps his relations (so suggests the Jesuit letter) were admitted into the fort to present their compliments to the chief. On returning to their camp, Linga, who seems to have been very kind and polite, accompanied his visitors a little way out of the gates of the fort. That was too golden an opportunity for the soldiers of Vijayanagara. Lingama was made prisoner and brought to Chenna’s camp.