Social and Political Life in the Vijayanagara Empire (A.D. 1346 – A.D. 1646) v1.c9.s2.12

v1.c9.s2.12

Some have based their remarks on the authority of the Rājakālanirṇaya. This MS. "though not of any historical value, (it) is nevertheless noteworthy, as it puts forth a new view concerning the foundation of the kingdom of Vijayanagara".³ "It relates that, when the 'Suratrāṇa' conquered the country of Vira Rudra and killed him, Harihara and Bukka, two brothers who were the keepers of the treasury of the vanquished Hindu king, fled away from the country and took shelter under another king named Rāmanātha. When Rāmanātha was also killed by the army of the 'Suratrāṇa', these brothers were taken prisoners. But the 'Suratrāṇa' finding them good and capable fellows, deputed them for the conquest of the king Ballāla. After one unsuccessful attempt they gained a complete victory over Ballāla and took possession of the Karṇāṭaka kingdom. Then the incident of a hare chasing the dogs of Harihara and the founding of the city of Vidyānagara with the assistance of the sage Vidyāraṇya is mentioned.