The Aravidu Dynasty of Vijayanagara, Vol. I v1.c25.42

v1.c25.42

4. Raghunatha's relations with Venkata II are a little suspicious. There is no doubt that in 1604 the latter received an envoy, probably with the tribute, from the Nayak of Tanjore³. Nevertheless it seems that, before 1606, Tanjore had withdrawn the payment of tribute⁴. In 1608, at the end of September or at the beginning of October, Tanjore again sent his tribute to Venkata, according to a letter of Fr. Coutinho, referred to in the preceding chapter⁵. About 1610, however, Tanjore was not on friendly terms with Vijayanagara. At about this time Venkata besieged the city of St. Thome; the Portuguese were aided by Raghunatha, who received for this service a letter from the Spanish sovereign (who was then also the King of Portugal) thanking him for his aid ¹. This is a proof that Raghunatha’s policy towards the Empire was very suspicious. After Venkata’s death however he became as we shall see, the most enthusiastic supporter of the heir appointed by Venkata on his death-bed.