The Aravidu Dynasty of Vijayanagara, Vol. I v1.c23.68

v1.c23.68

7. After a short reign, Krishnappa Nayaka II died between May and June of 1601, according to the *Mrityunjaya MSS.* ². Muhammad Sharif Hanafi, who was at this time travelling through southern India, informs us that a few days after his arrival at Madura, "the ruler died and went to the lowest hell. This chief," he continues, "had 700 wives, and they all threw themselves at the same time into the fire" ³. An inscription of 1600 at Sermadevi seems to be the last one of his reign; it mentions Murti Settiyar, an agent of Krishnappa Nayaka ⁴. He had been seriously ill in the beginning of his reign, about the end of 1597. After his recovery he retired to a country house, in a delightful place far from the crowds of the city, ostensibly for the sake of health ⁵. But Fr. Pimenta, who passed through Madura a little after Krishnappa's retirement, gives another reason: "The Naichus of Madure is very superstitious, and resigned his Palace to his Idol Chichanada upon the authority of a Priest who said the Idol by night had bidden him tell the King that he or I must dwell in this house" ⁶.