Social and Political Life in the Vijayanagara Empire (A.D. 1346 – A.D. 1646) v1.c11.s2.t4.9

v1.c11.s2.t4.9

This uphappy state of things was renewed on the death of Achyuta Rāya when the powerful Rāma Rāja, the leader of the opposition, elevated Sadāsiva Rāya to the throne.³ The reign of Achyuta Rāya himself has been characterized by Nuniz as an age of decadence.⁴ Things in Vijayanagara must indeed have been deplorable after the death of a king whom Firishtah calls "Shew Ray" since the Hindus were compelled to seek the aid of Ibrāhim 'Adil Shāh I.⁵ Firishtah evidently refers here to the confusion that prevailed in the capital on the unjustifiable death of the Emperor, Sadāsiva Rāya, at the hands of the intriguing brothers. Caesar Frederick confirms the evidence of Firishtah in these words: ". . . it is many years agone, since they got any there (i.e., diamonds found in a place 'sixe dayes journey from Bezeneger') for the troubles that have been in that Kingdome. The first cause of this trouble was, because the sonne of this Temeragio had put to death the lawful King whom hee had in Prison, for which cause the Barons and Noblemen in that Kingdome would not acknowledge him to be their King, and by this means there are many Kings and great division in that Kingdome . . ."⁶