Pramāṇa · Search · About · API

Social and Political Life in the Vijayanagara Empire (A.D. 1346 – A.D. 1646) v1.c15.s8: Section 9. Striking Tents

Social and Political Life in the Vijayanagara Empire (A.D. 1346 – A.D. 1646) v1.c15.s8

Language
English

Section 9. Striking Tents

v1.c15.s8.1

The same order which was seen in the Kitchen Section of the Army Department, and in the manner in which they started on their campaign, could also be noticed in the final stages of their warfare. Some idea of how they broke their camp is gathered from the history of the later rulers of Madura. Kumāra Muttula Nāyaka, the younger brother of Tirumala, was engaged in operations against the Mysoreans. On hearing the news of his brother's death and the coronation of Muttu Virappa Nāyaka, "He forthwith had the generale beat, gave directions to the hircarrahs, and put his camp in motion," and came to Madura to claim his kingdom.¹

v1.c15.s8.2

¹ Taylor, O.H. MSS., V, p. 183. For Sukra's injunctions, see Sukraniti, IV, vii, ll. 532-8, p. 243.

v1.c15.s8.3

We have already remarked on the retreat of the Hindus after the battle of Rākshasa-Taṅgaḍi. Nothing can be made about the detailed arrangements made by them for the evacuation of the capital.²

v1.c15.s8.4

² The Rev. Heras relates an incident which, according to the Jesuits, happened in about A.D. 1558. The Vijayanagara forces which had attacked Travancore, retreated panic-stricken pursued by the Malayāla soldiers, because the latter, with a standard with the name of Jesus painted on it carried it in front of them, fervently invoking the name of Jesus, and charged the enemy. Aravidu, p. 162. For want of independent evidence, this may be reckoned to be one of the ingenious stories of the Jesuits. As regards a description of cowardly Hindu soldiers, read Lakshimīśa, Jaimini Bhārata Sandhi. 4, v. 47, p. 69. (Sanderson). Floris in A.D. 1611 gives an account of three Englishmen who defied three thousand Hindus! Purchas, Pilgrims, III., pp. 339-40.

Linked texts (1)