Social and Political Life in the Vijayanagara Empire (A.D. 1346 – A.D. 1646) v2.c23.s2.21

v2.c23.s2.21

Pietro della Valle thus describes the appearance of Sadāśiva Nāyaka, the nephew of Veṅkaṭapa Nāyaka. "I saw passing along the street a Nephew of Venktapā Naieka, his Sister's son, a handsome youth and fair for that Country; he was one of those who aspire to the succession of this State, and was now returning from the fields without the Town, whither he uses to go every morning. He is called Sedāsiva Naieka, and was attended with a great number of Souldiers, both Horse and Foot, marching before him and behind, with many Cavaliers and Captains of quality, himself riding alone with great gravity. He had before him Drums, Cornets and every sort of their barbarous instruments. Moreover both in the Front and in the rear of the Cavalcade were (I know not whether for magnificence, or for guard) several Elephants carrying their guides upon their backs, and amongst them was also his Palanchino".¹