Social and Political Life in the Vijayanagara Empire (A.D. 1346 – A.D. 1646) v2.c19.s1.24

v2.c19.s1.24

In the history of the provincial rulers, too, it is narrated that they treated the Brahmans with the greatest respect. The Tanjāvurivari Charitra contains the following about Vijaya Rāghava Nāyaka of Tanjore. This great ruler, it is said, used to feed daily 12,000 Brahmans first and partake of his meal afterwards. "In a rainy season he was advised to cease doing so, but he maintained that his own household could not be allowed to eat till the Brahmans were fed; and when an entire want of fuel was stated to exist, he ordered every wooden material about his house to be taken down, or pulled to pieces in order to supply fuel. In three days this supply was exhausted; he then directed all the vestments in the palace to be dipped in oil, and made use of for fuel. At this time", we may be permitted to continue the tale, "a most valuable jewel became missing from the nose of the female idol in the Srirangham fane, and the head Brahman was greatly molested as being suspected of the theft. A Brahman woman became possessed; and, speaking in the name of the said goddess, said that the jewel would be found in one of the pots used by Vijayarāghava for boiling rice; where, accordingly it was found, to the no small joy of the said ruler".¹