The Aravidu Dynasty of Vijayanagara, Vol. I v1.c30.75

v1.c30.75

Nevertheless at this time Ranga was not yet appointed Chikka Raya or crown prince. Anquetil du Perron tells us that the trouble about the succession began in 1600, and was caused by the two brothers Tirumala and Ranga¹. Most likely both had partisans at court. But the chief cause of this trouble was the King himself. Fr. Coutinho, in his letter of the 17th July of same year, 1600, says: "Although the King prefers the younger brother (Ranga) who is being brought up in his very palace, nevertheless people say the elder one (Tirumala) will be the King, because he is liked by more numerous and powerful chiefs" ². Ranga then had only the King's predilection in his favour; while the right of birth and the esteem of the subjects were on the side of Tirumala.