The Aravidu Dynasty of Vijayanagara, Vol. I v1.c7.54

v1.c7.54

6. Salakam Timma, supposed to have no rivals at all, at once seized the throne of Vijayanagara; and although the death of Venkata was ‘much regretted’, as we read in a copper-plate sasanam of Sadasiva¹, nevertheless the nobility of the capital submitted as he was a member of the royal family. But soon being unable to endure his tyranny and oppression, they became disaffected and began to plot against him². One of the cruelties which most alienated his subjects’ feelings is narrated by Correa: Salakam Timma, in dread of the influence of the chief nobles, summoned them to court, seized them treacherously as soon as they reached the city, and caused their eyes to be put out. Some only of the first arrivals were caught; the rest went back in great anger to their homes, and started to intrigue with their neighbours in order to put an end to the unbearable tyranny³.