The Aravidu Dynasty of Vijayanagara, Vol. I v1.c30.85

v1.c30.85

7. In the meantime Venkata II was getting too old to rule over turbulent feudatory chiefs such as the Nayak of Vellore; especially when family intrigues were contributing to the work of subverting the kingdom. In a letter of 1607 Fr. Coutinho tells us that 'the King is very old and is apparently at the end of his life'¹. Laerzio in 1608 also says that Venkata is very old², and again makes the same statement in 1611³. Another Jesuit letter of 1611 states that "the King is too old and dotes at times; hence those who govern the kingdom do always what they like"⁴. In 1610 Philip III of Spain wrote to Ruy Lourenco de Tavora: "I have been informed that the King of Bisnaga (Vijayanagara) is very old"⁵. Three years later, the same Viceroy, Ruy Lourenco de Tavora, wrote to Philip III that Venkata "is so old that every body expects his death at any moment, and naturally dissensions will ensue"⁶.