Social and Political Life in the Vijayanagara Empire (A.D. 1346 – A.D. 1646) v2.c21.s2.t1.25

v2.c21.s2.t1.25

The chronicles of the south also contain some interesting information as regards usage in the courts of the provincial rulers. These refer to the times of Vijaya Raṅga Chokkaṇātha Nāyaka. Since he was a minor, his mother Maṅgammal ruled as regent. "During her regency, Mangamala had many *agraras*, temples, and choultries built. But one day, while eating beetle-leaf and areca-nut, she forgetfully took the same with her left hand. Considering the taking of this indulgence with the left hand to be a serious crime, in order to remove its consequences, she constructed roads with avenues of trees, from Casi to Ramiseram, to Canya Cumari (Cape Comorin) and other places; and on the same account had *terpa kulams* (or reservoirs) dug, choultries built, and water booths constructed: she gave away food, and performed other charities, so that her name became renowned to a great distance."2