Social and Political Life in the Vijayanagara Empire (A.D. 1346 – A.D. 1646) v2.c18.t1.25

v2.c18.t1.25

The erroneous nature of the observations of Linschoten is seen when we read the account of the very people whom he calls " Canariins" (or people of Kanara or the Karṇāṭaka) in the history of the most uncompromising critic of the Hindus. Firishtah writes thus : " The country of Canara (Carnatic) is in length, from north to south, from the Krishna to Sata Bund Rameswur, six hundred coss, and its breadth, from west to east, one hundred and fifty, from the shores of the Indian ocean to the boundaries of Tulingana. The people speak in some parts the Canarese, and in some the Tulingy language, and are so brave that they advance to battle with songs and dances ; but their ardour does not last ".⁵ On the law-abiding nature of the people, the same historian continues: "His (i.e., the Emperor's) country was well peopled, and the subjects submissive to his authority".¹