The Aravidu Dynasty of Vijayanagara, Vol. I v1.c23.141

v1.c23.141

Fr. A. Proenza, writing from Trichinopoly to Fr. General, G. Nickel, in 1659, said: "Tirumala Nayaka, who rules now, walking in the footsteps of his father resolved to free himself"⁴. We have seen that Tirumala's father always remained loyal to the Emperor. Beyond doubt Proenza took Tirumala's predecessor as his father; and this means, that Muttu Virappa Nayaka also 'resolved to free himself'. Fr. Vico, writing from Madura in 1611, says that the Nayak was not punctual in paying the tribute; often would he postpone the payment; sometimes he even refused it with insolence. "In that case", continues the Jesuit, "the Bisnagar (the Emperor) comes or sends one of his generals at the head of a hundred men, to make them pay all the arrears with interest"⁵.