The Aravidu Dynasty of Vijayanagara, Vol. I v1.c9.86

v1.c9.86

7. This elevation of relatives had in view not only the strengthening of his present power but the preparation of the final step he was contemplating. The beginning of the second stage had been marked by a coup d' etat; for such indeed was the imprisonment of the sovereign. But for the beginning of the third, no such strong action was necessary. The omission of the annual presentation of the puppet Emperor, coupled with rumours purposely spread by the agents of Rama Raya about the supposed demise of the sovereign, were quite enough for everybody to acknowledge Rama Raya as the new Emperor of Vijayanagara, seeing that he was practically the sovereign, and also the closest relative of Sadasiva, although belonging to a different family.