Social and Political Life in the Vijayanagara Empire (A.D. 1346 – A.D. 1646) v1.c14.s2.23

v1.c14.s2.23

We can imagine the abhorrence which such dynastic marriages might have evoked in a capital which was ruled by orthodox princes. But it must be said to their credit that they spared no pains to bring about a compromise between their own views and those of their northern neighbours. Firishtah has some interesting details about the manner in which the Muhammadan rulers treated a Hindu prince, which, if found trustworthy, would be of some value. After describing the disasters which Dēva Rāya suffered at the hands of Ahmad Shāh Walī of Bidar, the Muhammadan historian continues: 'Dew Ray, deeming it unsafe to refuse compliance, deputed his son with thirty elephants laden with the treasure. The King caused some chiefs to go forth to meet him; and after being led in ceremony through the market, and the principal streets of the camp, he was conducted to the presence. The King, after embracing, permitted him to sit at the foot of his throne, and throwing over his shoulders a magnificent mantle, and presenting him with a sabre set with jewels, gave him twenty beautiful horses of various countries, a male elephant, dogs for the chase, and a lease of hawks; to which last, the people of the Carnatic had been till then strangers'.² The Burhān-i Ma'āsir however does not mention these details.³