The Aravidu Dynasty of Vijayanagara, Vol. I v1.c23.126

v1.c23.126

Moreover in September, 1604, Venkata II received in audience a special envoy of the Nayak of Madura, as a Jesuit letter of the year 1906 tells us ⁴. And in 1608, the last year of Muttu Krishnappa's reign, another of his embassies reached Venkata's court. Fr. Coutinho, who was himself present at the public audience, gives in one of his letters a detailed account of the ceremony: “A very few days ago”, he wrote on October 11th, 1608, “the Naiques of Tangior and Madura sent their tribute consisting of 500 thousand *cruzados* and many sorts of presents to the King. In order to receive these (things), (the King) dressed himself as on the days of great celebration, with many ornaments of gold and precious stones. The one he bore on his chest was valued at a hundred thousand *cruzados*. We were present at this ceremony by a special privilege and permission of the King” ⁵.