The Aravidu Dynasty of Vijayanagara, Vol. I v1.c23.104

v1.c23.104

The History of the Karnataka Governors relates that the chief guru of Muttu Krishnappa, who was invested with the title of Kartarkal or lord, went once on a pilgrimage to Rameswaram. Udiyan Sethopathi (Udaiyan Setupati), a descendant of the old Setupatis ⁴, whose task was to protect the pilgrims going to Rameswaram, was then living in the village of Pugalur. "He escorted the chief guru safely to Ramiseram (Rameswaram), without allowing him to suffer any insult or molestation on the way; and in like manner he also safely conducted him back again to Madura. Being greatly pleased with this attention, the chief guru introduced him as a skilful guide and safeguard on the road to Sethu". Consequently the chief was then presented by the Nayak with a number of villages, along with an honorary robe and various ornaments. On returning to Pugalur he built a fort there; and assembling some forces, subdued all the turbulent country around and reduced them to his own sovereignty. He collected a considerable sum of money from taxes levied upon the newly-subdued people, and brought it over to the Madura Nayak. Muttu Krishnappa was greatly pleased with such activity, and accordingly "gave him an unrestricted grant to subdue additional people; instructed him to see to the forest-lands, which yielded no revenue, that these be cleared and cultivated; and wrote letters to the people commanding their submission to his Viceroy." Udaiyan Sethupati went back to his country, and without delay took possession of a greater tract of land, and divided the revenue into two parts, of which he kept one for himself and sent the other to the Madura king. Then Muttu Krishnappa sent for him and invested him with the title of Setupati, or chief of Setu, "bestowing on him elephants and horses, with vestments and ornaments; and also gave him some banners or ensigns of dignity; and in Madura had him consecrated to his viceroyalty, by the sprinkling of the water of the Ganges"¹. This ceremony took place, according to the *Chronicle of the Acts of the Setupatis*, in A. D. 1606².