The Aravidu Dynasty of Vijayanagara, Vol. I v1.c9.252

v1.c9.252

18. The capital was still the wonder of its visitors and even more than before, on account of the new buildings erected during Sadasiva's rule. We know, for instance, that a splendid palace was constructed for Rama Raya. Caesar Frederick, who visited the city one year after the great battle that caused its ruin, was impressed with the magnificence of the huge buildings and wide streets. His description deserves our attention because it shows us what the city was like during the reign: “The circuit of the City is foure and twentie miles about, and within the wals are certaine Mountaines. The House stand walled with earth, and plaine, all saving the three Palaces of the three tyrant Brethren, and the Pagodes which are Idoll houses: these are made with Lime and fine Marble. I have seene many Kings Courts, and yet have I seeene none in greatnesse like to this Bezeneger”. “The apparell that they use in Bezeneger”, he continues, “is Velvet, Satten, Damaske, Scarlet, or white Bumbast cloth, according to the estate of the person, with long Hats on their heads, called Colae (kullayi), made of Velvet, Satten, Damaske, or Scarlet, girding themselves in stead of girdles with some fine white Bumbast cloth: they have breeches after the order of the Turkes: they weare on their feet plaine high things called of them Aspergh, and at their eares they have hanging great plentie of Gold ” 2.