Social and Political Life in the Vijayanagara Empire (A.D. 1346 – A.D. 1646) v2.c18.s1.61

v2.c18.s1.61

But we have not yet explained the appearance of Vijayanagara forces on the scene. We read another account of the same people in order to know what Kṛiṣhṇa Dēva Rāya, and the "Wiyalavar" Pāḷeyagāras, had to do with them. We are told the following in their tradition: "Anciently the *Curumbar* ruled in this country (Chingleput district). *Adondai Chōḷan*² came from Tanjore, and destroyed them; and having acquired the title of *Adondai chacraverti*, he established in their place the *Kondai katti vellarhar* (agriculturists who bound up their hair as women do). In those days the *Vannier* or *Patti* people, by permission of the ruler of the country, built this fort for themselves, as their own, (at "Tiruvidai churam")...The measures of that fort, as now found, are from south to north, 1,141 feet, east to west, 1,200 feet. The breadth of its outerwall was 20 feet. Around it there was a moat 30 feet broad...While ruling with considerable power, they rejected all claims of customary tribute from superior kings. They (i. e., "Candava rayen and Chettu rayen") were both illustrious but Canda rayen was the most warlike of the two...When the Rayer (i. e., obviously Kṛṣṇa Dēva Rāya) came to invade him, as the drums were beaten at several hill-stations, the Rayer did not know in which the chief was; and at length, the latter, watching his opportunity, fell on the Rayer's forces, and made great slaughter. The Rayer's general being greatly incensed came with a greater force; and, during four months an uncertain war was carried on, the chief's place not being known; while night and day he harassed the troops of the invader. The Rayer now desisted from open war; intending to effect his object indirectly. Candava rayen had greatly vexed the agriculturists, that Anondai chacraverti had placed in the land. The Vellarhars, in consequence arose in a body, and went to Kṛṣṇa-rayer, who sent the Wiyalayer (the people of a Poligar) against Candava. That Poligar being beaten, retreated; and sent spies to inspect the fortress, that he might discover how to overcome Candava. The spies discovered that, in intervals of rest from war, Candava was entirely enslaved by the leader of a band of dancing girls; and announced the circumstance to the chief of the Wiyalavar tribe. He came to Cupuchi and gave her the offer of four bags of gold as a bribe to cut off the head of Candava; to which, induced by avarice, she consented; and appointed a time for the Poligar, and his people to come. They came as appointed. Cupuchi gave Candava poison in a cake from her own hands, which speedily took effect. She cut off his head; and, putting it in a dish brought it to the appointed place, and gave it to the Poligar people. (But she was beheaded by the Poligar's people in turn, and Chettu rayen cut off the heads of her hundred companions in a tank which is called to this day Pinnai yeri, "the Lake of Corpses")...The Wiyalavar Poligar came with his troops, and fell on the fort. During twenty-six days, fighting was carried on with great loss on both sides; till at length, the attacking Poligar took the fort; which, after that time, became a dependency of the *Anna-gundi* (Āneguṇḍi) kings, who protected the agriculturists".¹